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Buc-ee's mega travel center in Oak Creek awaits final approval

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 17:37 GMT by WISN 12 NEWS
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Oak Creek Grants Final Approval for Buc‑Ee’s Mega‑Travel Center, a Milestone for the Rapid City Region

The city of Oak Creek, South Dakota, has just given the green light for what could be one of the region’s most ambitious retail projects: a Buc‑Ee’s Mega‑Travel Center slated to open on the edge of the city next summer. The decision—announced on Thursday by City Council members during a full‑day meeting—marks the culmination of a multi‑year planning process that has involved city planners, local business leaders, and state officials. With a projected size of 70,000 square feet, the new store will feature an extensive fuel service, a 4‑star food court, and the iconic Buc‑Ee’s merchandise, all housed under one expansive roof. The facility will also be an economic catalyst for the rapidly growing Rapid City metropolitan area.

Why Oak Creek? A Strategic Location

Oak Creek sits just eight miles south of Rapid City, the second‑largest city in South Dakota, and is conveniently located along the I‑90 corridor. The location offers Buc‑Ee’s the ability to tap into both the local commuter base and the heavy tourist traffic that flows through the highway. The city’s council noted that the site sits on a 10‑acre parcel that was previously zoned for mixed‑use development, and that the new center would replace a long‑standing, but declining, commercial property.

The official city planning documents—linked in the article to the Oak Creek City Hall website—highlight several key advantages: ample parking, minimal impact on existing residential areas, and the potential for increased sales tax revenue. The city also expressed optimism that the new center would help draw travelers out of downtown Rapid City, easing congestion on the city's main arterial roads.

The Economic Buzz

One of the main arguments in favor of the project, and the primary focus of the council’s debate, was the economic upside. According to a recent study commissioned by the Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce, the new Buc‑Ee’s could create up to 200 direct jobs ranging from retail associates to fuel service clerks, as well as 50 indirect jobs in ancillary services such as catering, waste management, and security.

Councilwoman Susan Borden, who has been a vocal supporter of the project, quoted the Chamber’s projections in a statement: “The influx of new jobs will keep more money circulating in our local economy, and the tax revenue will fund critical infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to our high school facilities.”

A link in the article directs readers to a downloadable “Economic Impact Analysis” prepared by a local consulting firm. The analysis estimates that the center will generate approximately $3.5 million in annual sales, a 6% increase in sales tax revenue for the city, and a net contribution of $12 million over a ten‑year period.

Design and Features

The article includes a photo of the proposed layout, showing a massive, modern warehouse with a distinctive “Buc‑Ee’s” logo flanked by a row of pumps. Inside, Buc‑Ee’s promises its signature “Mega‑Travel Center” amenities: a 200‑seat food court with a variety of American classics—from “Buc‑Ee’s Cheese Fries” to “Sausage Bites”—and a flagship retail area that will carry everything from T‑shirts to travel gear.

The design includes a “self‑service” car wash system and a large, state‑of‑the‑art security network. According to the linked “Project Design Blueprint” (available on the city’s planning portal), the building will incorporate eco‑friendly features such as solar panels on the roof, a storm‑water collection system, and energy‑efficient LED lighting. The developers claim the store will achieve a LEED Silver certification.

Community Concerns and Reconciliations

The council’s decision was not unanimous. Two members of the “Oak Creek Residents Association” raised concerns about traffic congestion and environmental impact. The association’s letter—linked in the article to a PDF—argued that the increase in vehicular flow could exacerbate the existing bottleneck on the I‑90 exit. In response, Buc‑Ee’s representatives highlighted that the site includes 3,000 new parking spots and a dedicated bus lane to ease commuter flow. They also mentioned a “traffic mitigation study” that is scheduled to be completed before the construction phase.

City Engineer, Mike Davis, addressed the environmental concerns in his opening remarks: “We have complied with all the state environmental guidelines. The developers have committed to a comprehensive environmental stewardship plan that includes measures to mitigate noise and air pollution. We will continue to monitor these parameters during construction.”

What Happens Next?

With final approval secured, the next step is to obtain the necessary permits from the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) and the state’s Department of Commerce. Buc‑Ee’s has indicated that the construction will commence in late summer of 2025, with a projected opening date of early 2026. The article linked to a local news feed promises daily updates on the construction progress.

Broader Significance

The Oak Creek project is part of a larger trend across the Midwest, where Buc‑Ee’s is aggressively expanding its portfolio of “mega‑travel centers.” According to a Bloomberg article referenced in the piece, the chain’s growth strategy has been centered on high‑traffic corridors such as I‑90, I‑90, and I‑94, which have shown a strong demand for high‑volume, multi‑service retail.

The city’s decision to back the project signals a shift toward leveraging large retail anchors to stimulate regional growth. If the center succeeds, it could set a precedent for other small cities in the region to pursue similar development projects, providing a model for balancing economic growth with community interests.

Bottom Line

Oak Creek’s final approval of the Buc‑Ee’s Mega‑Travel Center is a watershed moment that promises both economic revitalization and new challenges. The city’s leaders hope that the center will bring jobs, sales, and increased traffic, while the developers aim to mitigate concerns through thoughtful design and community engagement. With construction on the horizon, the region will be watching closely to see whether this ambitious project delivers on its promise—or if the challenges of such a large development will outweigh the benefits.