Flying J Travel Center - Lasalle

This is a big, brightly lit travel center where you know you can grab a bite to eat at the local Denny's, be somewhat removed from the noise from nearby highways and find ample space to park for a short spell or even overnight. This Flying J just off I-80 at Exit 77 certainly fits that description. With nearly 200 parking spaces, the paved lot is enormous and very level, although this is very much a working truck stop with semis coming and going throughout the night, so we preferred settling toward the overflow/perimeter parking farthest from I-80 and the busiest fuel lanes, where other overnight travelers have also reported getting a decent night’s sleep despite some truck traffic. Inside, families have 24-hour restrooms, showers and laundry, while the attached Denny’s makes dinner or a hot breakfast wonderfully EZ without having to climb back into the vehicle. We enjoyed being able to sit down together for a proper meal, let the boys stretch their legs after hours in the car and then settle in for the night with everyone fed, tired and finally done traveling for the day. I’d recommend this Flying J for families who prioritize easy I-80 access, lots of parking and useful amenities right on-site, quick and EZ restaurants nearby like Olive Garden, Steak-N-Shake and Red Lobster and big box retailers like Walmart, Hyvee, Aldi and Home Depot to load up on supplies or groceries. Light sleepers should remember that the soundtrack here comes with eighteen wheels, so be sure to bring your earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.