Buc-ee’s is moving forward with its first Wisconsin location in Oak Creek, just off Interstate 94 and West Elm Road. The 73,370-square-foot travel center would bring 120 fuel stations, EV chargers, and a 24-hour convenience store to the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. If everything goes according to plan, construction could wrap up by early 2027. But local opposition is working to slow things down.
The Oak Creek Planning Commission and Common Council are currently reviewing the final stages of the development. Buc-ee’s must secure multiple approvals in the coming months, including a conditional use permit, a certified survey map, and architectural reviews. Public meetings are scheduled through June 2025. Buc-ee’s previously looked at DeForest for its Wisconsin debut, but concerns about infrastructure there caused that plan to stall.
Open farmland gives way to high traffic future
Historic aerial imagery shows the Oak Creek site has been farmland for decades. In 1955, the parcel consisted of open fields with sparse development along South 27th Street. The area remained largely agricultural until recent decades, when industrial and residential growth expanded southward. Today, the land sits just west of I-41/94 and is surrounded by open space, nearby subdivisions, and local businesses.
The targeted address includes 10700, 10820, and 10840 South 27th Street. The land lies directly north of Elm Road and west of the interstate. Buc-ee’s plans to convert the site into a major regional draw with vehicle traffic estimates ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 cars per day.
Legal challenge adds uncertainty to timeline
Despite city backing, the project now faces legal opposition. On April 11, 2025, Oak Creek Neighbors United filed a lawsuit alleging the rezoning constitutes illegal spot zoning. The group also claims the city held private meetings that violated Wisconsin’s open meetings law. The city has 45 days to respond.
While city officials plan to continue with scheduled approvals, the lawsuit could delay the timeline if a court intervenes. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could require new public hearings or halt the rezoning altogether. Buc-ee’s has not released a statement about the lawsuit, but planning and commission meetings are still scheduled as of April 2025.
If approved, the Oak Creek Buc-ee’s would employ between 175 and 225 workers, with wages starting between $18 and $20 per hour. Visitor estimates top 100,000 people per week. But for now, the future of the project rests not only in city hall—but also in court.
Last Updated on April 19, 2025 by F.E.M