Buc-ee’s Moves Forward With First Wisconsin Location ⋆ SprawlTag.com

A new Buc-ee’s is officially moving toward reality in Oak Creek, giving Wisconsin its first location of the massive Texas-based travel center chain. The project recently cleared its biggest hurdles, with Buc-ee’s closing on the land and earning full city approval. The site sits at I-94 and W Elm Road, an area already shaped by interstate traffic and retail growth.

Construction

Plans call for a large 72,000 to 73,000 square foot building with around 120 fueling positions and dedicated EV charging. Buc-ee’s purchased roughly 27.5 acres for $7.5 million, according to Milwaukee County property records. The Oak Creek Plan Commission approved the full site plan in late September 2025, marking the shift into the pre-construction phase. An early 2027 opening has been reported by industry outlets, but no construction start date has been confirmed.

Location

The future travel center will sit on the northwest corner of I-94 and W Elm Road, positioned to draw interstate traffic between Milwaukee and Chicago. The location gives the project strong visibility along the highway. The surrounding area continues to grow with new housing and commercial developments, adding more demand for large travel services. No active construction activity has been confirmed at the site, so the project remains in its pre-construction stage.

This aerial image shows the future site of Buc-ee’s Oak Creek as it appeared in 2000. The area was mostly farmland with scattered trees and had little commercial development nearby. Interstate 41/94 was already in place, but the surrounding land remained undeveloped.

Company Background

Buc-ee’s continues expanding beyond Texas, bringing its large retail format into the Midwest and Southeast. Newer stores follow a consistent design that emphasizes scale, extended food service, and 24-hour operation. The Oak Creek project follows that model with its large building footprint and high pump count. The chain’s growth typically centers around interstate corridors, making I-94 a natural fit.

A Look Back: From Open Fields to Development Plans

1955: This part of Oak Creek was nothing but farmland and scattered homes. No interstate, no gas stations, no shopping centers—just open land.

2000: The I-94 corridor was fully developed by now, and urban sprawl was creeping in. While some commercial projects took shape, much of the Buc-ee’s site remained untouched.

2020: By this point, hospitals, warehouses, and residential neighborhoods were filling in around the area. The Buc-ee’s site was still vacant but positioned for future development.