little america travel center green river wyoming

Little America: The Middle-Of-Nowhere Hotel On I-80 That's Also Its Own Town

Little America, Wyoming, is truly in the middle of nowhere on I-80 in Sweetwater County. Started after its founder was stuck in a raging blizzard which reminded him of Antarctica, the hotel is also a town, with its own ZIP code, where workers live.

November 19, 2023 8 min read

LITTLE AMERICA — It’s impossible to miss the Little America Wyoming hotel and travel stop on Interstate 80 in southwest Wyoming even if it is, as travelers often note in their reviews, in the middle of nowhere.

Signs advertising the hotel, and its signature 75-cent ice cream cones, start from a 100-mile radius around the Little America, inviting travelers to drop by a hotel that is so remote, it has its own ZIP code and is essentially its own city. Its population is even counted and recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau.

There’s a story behind the remoteness of this location, a story that’s as iconic Americana as the wooden penguins that adorn the rooftops of most of Little America’s buildings, not to mention that giant stuffed penguin in the lobby.

The story began as a wish on a cold Wyoming winter night by Little America founder Stephen Mack Covey, who told the story on placemats at his travel stop which was then along Route 30.

“Away back in the (18)90s when I was a youngster and herding sheep in this dreary section of Wyoming, I became lost in a raging northeast blizzard and was forced to ‘Lay Out’ all night at this exact place where Little America now stands,” Covey wrote in the story on the placemats.

“That long January night in that terrible storm with a 50-mile wind and the temperature about 40 below passed very, very slowly, and oh, how I longed for a warm fireside, something to eat, and wool blankets. I thought what a blessing it would be if some good soul would build a house of shelter of some kind on that god-forsaken spot.”

In 1929, when Covey saw Admiral Byrd’s photos of his “Little America” camp in the Antarctic, he was reminded of that wish, born on that bitter cold night while he was caught in the Arctic grip of a Wyoming northeaster. The reminder inspired him to build a modest motel with 12 cabins, two gas pumps, a cocktail lounge, and a 24-seat café.

The price of a burger at that time was a mere 35 cents. A gallon of gas was 16 cents and an ice cream cone was 5 cents.

Covey adopted the penguin as his logo and named his business Little America. He put up a whole string of billboards to tell travelers at regular intervals just how far they were from Little America, and to warn them that nothing else would be available for many miles in either direction.

A Hotel That’s Become Its Own City

Little America Wyoming opened in 1934, and current General Manager Spencer Riggs admits to having a little bit of fun with the fact the hotel has its very own ZIP code.

“If you were to send us mail, you could literally make up almost any address you want, as long as you use the ZIP code 82929,” he said. “It will get to us. There’s no real official post office box or address once you’re at the property.”

From time to time, Riggs has made up funny addresses that sound cool just to see if they will arrive. And they generally always do.

“Typically, we go by something kind of standard,” he said. “But that makes us unique.”

Because it is so remote, the hotel has to have all of its own infrastructure, and it does function more or less as its own city, albeit one without an official mayor.

“We have green signs on the highway that say Little America, just as if it were a city,” Riggs said. “You know, no business has the green sign. They have blue signs, but ours has a city sign with a mileage to it.”

There are about 50 residences located on the backside of the property, and this is where some Little America employees live. Monthly rents range from $300 for a small studio apartment to about $750 for a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms and a two-car garage.

The employee housing is popular, Riggs said, and has a waiting list. Employees living there have a short walk to get to work, he added, though most still opt to drive.

Little America has its own utilities, including water treatment and storage, as well as its own Post Office, which opened in 1963.

“We also have our own fire station and trained volunteer fire people, because if we have a fire, it could be over a half an hour until we get help here,” Riggs said. “So, we’re able to take care of ourselves that way.”

By the 1950s, Little America was losing money. Covey’s solution was to sell Earl and Carol Holding, who were in their 20s at the time, a 10 percent stake in the business, in return for taking over the operation’s management.

Earl had distinguished himself in Covey’s eyes by being an exceptional groundskeeper with an eye for detail, Riggs told Cowboy State Daily.

“He had worked hard for them from the time he was 8 years old,” Riggs said. “And they knew him as such an incredible, business-type guy.”

The Holdings rolled up their sleeves and went to work, flipping burgers, waiting tables, pumping gas and making beds themselves. Within a year, they had turned the operation completely around, making it profitable again.

Eventually, they were able to buy Little America, and their timing was just perfect. The American public was taking to the road like never before, and the isolated motel in the middle of nowhere soon had plenty of travelers plumping up the business.

Holding added dozens of pumps to his travel stop and put up signs for hundreds of miles around, proclaiming it as the world’s largest gas station.

The tactic was a success, and Holding was soon building Little Americas in Cheyenne, Salt Lake City and Flagstaff, Arizona.

Holding added Sinclair fuel as a premium gasoline in the 1950s as well, but he was not content with the profit margins. In 1968, he borrowed heavily and bought a small oil refinery in Casper from Mobil Oil Corporation, which eventually would supply fuel for the U.S. Air Force, Union Pacific Railroad, and a thousand service stations in the Mountain West, including his own.

Things went well with his Casper refinery, so Holding scooped up the assets of the Sinclair Oil Corp. And this would be why there’s a green brontosaurus sitting proudly, if a bit incongruously, in the front of the hotel’s lobby.

Sinclair’s famous green dinosaur was introduced in 1930 as a promotion for its refined lubricants, which were derived from Pennsylvania crudes laid down during the Mesozoic era, which included the brontosaurus’ late Jurassic and early Cretaceous epochs.

Little America Is Still Growing

There had been rumors when Little America closed its restaurant in 2014 that it was on its way out.

“It’s actually quite the opposite,” Riggs said. “That was something unfortunate that we had to do, but over the years we’ve revamped that and reopened it again. Little America is by no means failing at all. It is off to the races for something much bigger and much better in the future.”

Little America’s past business model has been focused on catering to pass-through travelers who want either a pit stop or an overnight stay, as well as to extended-stay guests who are working on projects at the nearby trona mines.

To that end, there are two spacious travel centers, one for long-haul truckers and one for the general public that includes a small outdoor playground for children.

There are 128 hotel rooms for those who want to spend the night, and a swimming pool that’s open only in the summer.

But the business model is changing a bit, and a multi-phase renovation and expansion is underway to transform Little America into a destination unto itself.

That effort began with the addition of an RV Park in the back of the hotel property that has about 48 spaces with picnic spots and has continued with an update to the lobby, including new furnishings and carpets.

Next up will be an expansion of both travel centers. The kitchen’s going to get bigger, speeding up the meal service, and there will be more dining room and vendor space.

Further down the line, Riggs said the company is considering an indoor water park that will be available year-round, as well as a brand-new hotel, which would give the location a new edge on competitors along I-80.

“I was just looking at some of the old pictures of Little America and realized that we have been growing and expanding since we started,” Riggs said. “What started, you know, as a little restaurant, gas station and gift shop has become much bigger.”

Riggs said the owners of Little America have visited from time to time and expressed to him personally the importance of this particular Little America location to the Holding family, which still owns the location.

For them, it is the place where a family from humble beginnings made an American dream come true, ultimately building an empire that includes storied ski resorts in Sun Valley, Idaho and Snowbasin, Utah as well as other hotels, 400,000 acres of ranch land and Sinclair oil.

Renée Jean can be reached at [email protected] .

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Little America Travel Center

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Review Highlights

“ 89 cent ice cream cones, play gtoud, awesome selection of souvenirs, clean restrooms and super friendly staff. ” in 4 reviews

“ So this truck stop is located really close to the interstate that's what I like about it. ” in 4 reviews

“ Saw multiple billboards spanning I-80 from Cheyenne to Evanston and we decided to stop. ” in 3 reviews

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I-80 Exit 68

Little America, WY 82929

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Rebecca S. said "Stopped here overnight during a long road trip- room was clean and comfortable, breakfast was perfect for families and the kids enjoyed the pool. My only complaint is that only one elevator was operational, so there was quite a wait…" read more

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Overall rating

I had a great stay here, though not in the hotel. The Little America Travel Center permits overnight RV parking in their lot, so I backed my Sprinter van into a spot. I made the effort to minimize my impact, only taking up one spot and it was in a bit of shade that was nice. The food inside is truck stop awesome. I got a chili cheeseburger that was full of flavor and did not give me a coronary. The gift shop is neat and I found a jar of plum jam and some chocolates to bring home. It's not cheap and the kitchen takes a bit of time, but it's good. There is a free wifi that works okay. This is a nice little oasis on the Interstate and work a stop even if you're not staying overnight. [Review 17819 overall - 28 in Wyoming - 1340 of 2022.]

See all photos from Bruce K. for Little America Travel Center

Hey, don't fall for the billboard sign advertising 75 cent ice cream. Saw signs at least 100 miles from travel center. Stopped for ice cream, oh it's at the gift shop in hotel. Found hotel, walked up 2 flights of stairs, found gift shop. Oh it's in restaurant, but machine is broke. Won't do that again!! Ever!@

Wait for food was long, mediocre taste, no one cleaning tables. Don't waste your time.

Traveling through Wyoming with our travel trailer we saw many signs advertising Little America RV camping so we decided to stop for the night. The first thing we noticed was that the staff was helpful and friendly and anxious to help. They guided us to our site which was very level, spacious and comfortable. We had lots of space. The hookups are modern and well placed. They have three restaurants and the place we ate at had good food. And at reasonable prices! You get the immediate feeling that they're not trying to nickel-and-dime you. They made every effort to accommodate us. When we left we were low on gas, but they have a gas station on site with competitively priced gas. Very convenient and comfortable. We'll be back the next time we're in Wyoming.

Food cost way to much.14.00 dollars for hamburger and French fries and drink was under 8 dollars till they remodeled.I don't stop any more.Walmarts cheaper .

Thank god for I'll America. All the truckers lined up for food. Patty melt with xtra pickles , double burger for the boy. On the other side while waiting they had cream chz poppers .... oh my!!! I got some of those. I don't care for the fries here cause they are the flour coated type... yukky. But they crispy. Poppers was a better side for me. Yup all gone now. Headed East!

This rest-stop is clean and well taken care of! It's right off the interstate and easy to get to and out of. My bf ordered a breakfast burrito. He said it was delicious and it was HUGE and made-to order. I opted for a lunch item, I chose a ham and cheese sandwich with potato wedges. It was good! I was bought trickets and shot glasses for faily while on our roadtrip.

The place is pretty clean for a truck stop. The restaurant has been closed for some time which the website didn't say anything about. They do have a small kitchen where they can make some items. They don't really call out your name very loud when it's done so don't wonder off. The ice cream cones for $.75 is pretty awesome.

#dinosaurofwyoming

A pretty cool place. The inside is basically a travel center with carpeting for that luxurious look. They have 75¢ ice cream cones ($1.55 waffle) and the usual selection of touristy junk. The ice cream is excellent, like Dairy Queen soft serve. The doors to the men's room stalls are floor to ceiling, and there's no way to tell if they're occupied so handle jiggling runs rampant. Also, sadly, the men's room has the dubious honor of being the most poo smelling in 1,200 miles or so of travel east to west. There's a playground outside which is ordinary, but in the context of the interstate grind is an awesome respite for ankle biters. There are also buffalo and brontosauraus statues for climbing and photo ops. Tons of green space for dogs, and a massive parking lot. Great location in the middle of nowhere ensures the stop will be well-loved by all.

I would have to say that all TA truck stops are very clean and very well taken care of. And most of them have a restaurant there. So this truck stop is located really close to the interstate that's what I like about it. It is also very easy to enter it and very easy to get to the pump to fuel up your truck with diesel and diesel exhaust fluid. I have never had problems with TA truckstop employees. They always will provide you with a receipt that will always close the pump if it's not working. I've been to the truckstop before that it was super busy and all pumps were taken one of them was free and I went there and it wasn't working. So I had to go back in line which was very long. Inside of the truckstop is always clean and all is very well taken care of. They have a good coffee and many snacks for you to continue your trip. Bathrooms are always clean and showers are always very sanitary and very well-maintained. I would highly suggest you stop here and take a rest or your 24 hour reset.

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Little America Wyoming

Little-America-Wyoming-Bar-and-Lounge-Near-Rock-Springs-and-Green-River-Wyoming

Right off I-80 near Green River and Rock Springs, Wyoming, Little America Hotel offers the perfect basecamp for nearby parks and outdoor attractions. Providing a haven to travelers since 1934, Little America Wyoming is the original Little America Hotel featuring 140 guest rooms, each offering flatscreen televisions, beautifully crafted hardwood furnishings and cozy goose-down pillows. The onsite Travel Center features sixteen fueling islands, a convenience store and a delicious grill & deli for made to order food. Located in the main building is Lobby Bar with foosball, pool tables and a menu of classic American diner offerings.

Starts at $99/night for Little America Wyoming; $59/night for RV Park

Interstate 80, Exit 68 Little America, WY 82929

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Reviews of little america, 5/5 - excellent.

I would like to stay there again

It was nice for such a short stay.

Most comfortable beds ever!

Very unique and historic site.

We stopped here again two years ago and there was little to offer. This trip was a big improvement. The rooms aren't modern but that is the charm. Brings back good memories of a time long past.

Overall, highly recommend this place as a stop on your travels.

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Little America Travel Center

Ratings and reviews, location and contact, little america travel center - restaurant reviews & phone number - tripadvisor.

Little America Hotel

ROOMS TO SHORTEN THE LONG HAUL!! Nothing makes the highway smoother and more enjoyable than a good night’s sleep in a great bed in a comfortable room by a refreshing pool. Located right off I80 (6945 WY-374, Little America, WY 82929). Call us and make your reservation today (307) 875-2400. Visit our website for more information https://wyoming.littleamerica.com/

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Delivery No

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Parking Yes

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Cuisines: American , Breakfast , Brunch

Price Point $$ $ - Cheap Eats (Under $10) $$ - Moderate ($11-$25) $$$ - Expensive ($25-$50) $$$$ - Very Pricey (Over $50)

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Nearby Restaurants

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Ponderosa Bar & Lounge ($$) Bar Food Distance: 0.07 miles

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Little America Travel Center

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Travel Center

Little America's Travel Center offers a host of amenities and services

Whether you’re road tripping with the family or driving professionally, stop in and see what’s waiting for you:

• Sinclair Fuel (regular, plus, premium, and diesel) on high-speed satellite dispensers
• 24-hour Convenience Store with sundries, pet supplies, and souvenirs
• Burritos, hot dogs, hamburgers and much more
• Large private shower facilities
• Wireless internet
• Fax services
• Motor additives

Rocky Mountain Mobile Truck Service and Repair Center

Rocky Mountain Mobile Trucking provides full-service engine work, as well as new and used semi truck tires, refrigeration techs, trailer washout, drop trailer yard, and 24/7 on-call help. Temporarily closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Rocky Mountain Mobile Truck Centers provides fast, friendly, and knowledgeable service. Whether you need routine maintenance, a quick roadside heavy diesel truck repair, a new trailer tire after a blowout, or a complete engine overhaul, their friendly staff will have your heavy trucks fixed right and back on the road with less downtime.

Call now at 307-206-4800

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Driver Amenities

We’ve always been a home away from home for professional drivers. Our services and amenities make life on the road more comfortable.

• Semi-truck access, parking, and fueling
• AmBest AMBUCK$ points
• Driver room rate with valid CDL
• Truck Supplies
• $14 showers

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Little America RV Park

Travel center, fuel center, local activities.

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Relax from your journey, and grab a quick bite to eat. For 60 years, The Fuel Center Hot Grill and Deli has proudly served travelers from all over the world.

Open 24 Hours

Contact: 307-872-2686

• 16 fueling islands with quality Sinclair ultra-low sulfur diesel
• Pay at the pump convenience
• 24-hour Hot Grill and Deli
• 24-hour Convenience Store
• Driver’s Lounge
• 14 private marble showers (select private showers have bathtubs)
• Coin-operated laundry facilities
• U.S. Post Office on premise