MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Wilmoth Companies is beginning the construction of the largest travel center in the nation with 70 acres of land ready to be developed. The establishment will be located just south of I-44 along Highway 39 and Schweiger Drive in Mount Vernon. 

The new travel center will have multiple amenities including a driver’s lounge, laundry facilities and an entertainment room. There are plans for 48 gasoline-fueling stations, 200 parking spaces for truckers and a gas canopy the size of a football field. The center is being franchised by TravelCenters of America. 

Located in Mount Vernon, Missouri, TravelCenters of America LLC serves professional drivers and motorists across the United States and is one of the largest service travel companies in the nation.

Wilmoth Companies are investing approximately $10 million for the project. The existing travel center in Mount Vernon will continue to operate but in a much lower capacity. The intent behind the new massive travel center is to attract more business to the south side of the interstate, with the old location becoming a quicker stop with less amenities. 

The new facility will include a Subway, Wendy’s and a sizable convenience store. 

Wilmoth Companies Co-President Brent Wilmoth recently told the Lawrence County Record that the new stop should bring plenty of traffic and visitors to the area.

“We see this as a tremendous opportunity for our community,” he said. “We think it will be a draw. It will be the biggest travel center in the nation being built during this period of time. It’s going to be a destination-type stop.”

The new travel center is expected to be completed and operational by Jan. 1, 2023.