Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations: Find Stores & Travel Updates

If you’re looking for Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations, the state currently has two open Buc-ee’s stores, Richmond and Smiths Grove, with a third location planned for Oak Grove. However, the Oak Grove project has faced construction and infrastructure delays, pushing back its original opening timeline. The Richmond Buc-ee’s, located at 1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, KY 40475, opened in April 2022 along I-75. It was Kentucky’s first Buc-ee’s and remains a convenient stop for travelers between Cincinnati and Knoxville. The Smiths Grove location, at 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171, is located along I-65, roughly 30 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the area.

The planned Oak Grove Buc-ee’s is expected to serve travelers near Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division. The location was originally expected to open in Fall 2026, but problems involving infrastructure near the closest I-24 exit ramp have created delays. As a result, the exact opening date remains uncertain. For travelers planning a road trip, these Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations offer convenient access to Buc-ee’s food, fuel, clean restrooms, snacks, and travel-center amenities, while Oak Grove remains a future location to watch for construction and opening updates.

Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations — Quick Reference (2026):

Location	Status	Highway	Address
Richmond	✅ Open since April 2022	I-75	1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, KY 40475
Smiths Grove	✅ Open	I-65	4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171
Oak Grove	🚧 Delayed — no confirmed date	I-24	Near Exit 89, exact site still being finalized

i) Richmond, Kentucky — Kentucky’s First Buc-ee’s

Address: 1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, KY 40475
Highway: I-75
Opened: April 2022
Fuel: Ethanol-free 87 and 90 octane, plus DEF

The Richmond store was the first Buc-ee’s in Kentucky, opening in April 2022 along the busy I-75 corridor between Knoxville and Cincinnati. It became an important stop for travelers moving between the Great Lakes region and the Deep South. Before the Huber Heights, Ohio, location opened in 2026, Richmond was also the closest open Buc-ee’s to Ohio.

Richmond is about 30 miles south of Lexington, making this Buc-ee’s a convenient stop for travelers visiting the area, attending University of Kentucky events, or exploring nearby Bourbon Trail destinations. For drivers traveling I-75, it provides an easy place to refuel, grab food, and take a break during a long road trip.

Amenities: Richmond offers the standard Buc-ee’s experience, including a large retail area, extensive food options, fuel pumps, clean restrooms, and a full-service car wash.

ii) Smiths Grove, Kentucky — A Convenient Stop Near Mammoth Cave

Address: 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171
Highway: I-65
Fuel: Ethanol-free 87 and 90 octane, plus DEF

Smiths Grove gave Kentucky its second Buc-ee’s location and provides coverage along the I-65 corridor connecting Louisville and Nashville. The store is about an hour south of Louisville and roughly 75 miles north of Nashville, making it a practical stop for travelers moving between the two cities.

One of the biggest advantages of this location is its proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park. The Smiths Grove Buc-ee’s is roughly 30 miles from the park, making it a useful place to stop for fuel, food, snacks, or a break before or after visiting the cave system. Its location also makes it convenient for travelers planning visits to Kentucky Bourbon Trail destinations.

Kentucky Derby tip: Traffic can increase around the Kentucky Derby in early May, especially for travelers heading toward Churchill Downs. If your route takes you along I-65 during Derby weekend, planning your Buc-ee’s stop ahead of time can help avoid busy periods.

Amenities: Smiths Grove offers a full-service car wash, along with Buc-ee’s food, fuel, shopping, restrooms, and other standard travel-center amenities.

iii) Oak Grove, Kentucky — The Delayed Third Buc-ee’s Location

The planned Oak Grove Buc-ee’s is more complicated than a simple “coming soon” announcement. Although Buc-ee’s confirmed plans for a third Kentucky location, the project has faced site and infrastructure issues that have delayed its progress. For travelers following Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations, Oak Grove remains a future project rather than an open store.

Planned location: Near Exit 89 on Highway 115, off Interstate 24, in Oak Grove, Christian County, Kentucky
Nearby: Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
Original target: Fall 2026
Current status: Delayed, with no confirmed groundbreaking timeline reported

How the Oak Grove Announcement Happened

Buc-ee’s announced its plans for Oak Grove during a September 2024 Oak Grove City Council meeting. Angela Janik, a Buc-ee’s project coordinator, told the council that the company was excited to become part of the Oak Grove community.

The proposed development is also expected to provide an economic boost to the area. Plans have indicated approximately 200 jobs could be created by the new Buc-ee’s, in line with employment figures associated with other new Buc-ee’s developments.

The Site Selection Back-and-Forth

The exact location of the Oak Grove project has been subject to changes and uncertainty. Early discussions focused on Exit 89 along Interstate 24, near the route toward Tennessee. At one point, reports suggested the project could instead move several miles toward Exit 1, just across the Tennessee state line.

The location discussions highlight how complicated a Buc-ee’s development can be. A project of this size requires suitable land, highway access, traffic planning, utilities, and other infrastructure. For now, travelers tracking Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations should treat Oak Grove as a delayed planned location, rather than relying on the original Fall 2026 opening target.

Why the Oak Grove Buc-ee’s Project Has Been Delayed

The infrastructure work is the main reason the Oak Grove Buc-ee’s project has been delayed. Construction was originally expected to begin in summer 2025, but engineering studies identified several major improvements that need to be addressed before the development can move forward.

Key infrastructure requirements include:

• Major intersection upgrades around the proposed site
• Reworking the nearest I-24 exit ramp to improve access and traffic flow
• New roundabouts to help manage the large amount of traffic expected at the travel center

These improvements have pushed the project behind its original schedule. Buc-ee’s has not provided a specific new groundbreaking date in the most recent reporting, so travelers should not treat the previously announced Fall 2026 opening as a confirmed date.

For anyone following Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations, the safest approach is to consider Oak Grove a delayed future project until Buc-ee’s or local officials announce a new construction and opening timeline. A 2027 opening has been discussed as a possibility based on the scope of the infrastructure work, but it should not be treated as an official opening date.

Why Oak Grove, Kentucky?

Oak Grove’s location makes it an attractive area for a large travel center. The city is next to Fort Campbell, a major U.S. military installation and home to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). The surrounding community includes military personnel, families, workers, and other travelers who could provide a steady customer base.

The city also sits along the I-24 corridor connecting Nashville with western Kentucky, giving the proposed Buc-ee’s access to interstate travelers as well as local traffic. While the required road improvements have complicated the project, Oak Grove’s location remains a logical fit for a large Buc-ee’s travel center.

Kentucky Buc-ee’s: Amenities Comparison

Feature	Richmond	Smiths Grove	Oak Grove (planned)
Status	Open	Open	Delayed
Highway	I-75	I-65	I-24
Car wash	Yes	Yes	TBD
Ethanol-free fuel	87 & 90 octane	87 & 90 octane	TBD
DEF available	Yes	Yes	TBD
Nearest major attraction	Lexington / Bourbon Trail	Mammoth Cave NP	Fort Campbell
Opened	April 2022	2022	Delayed

Choosing between the current Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations mostly comes down to your travel route. Richmond and Smiths Grove serve different interstate corridors, while Oak Grove is still waiting on construction progress.

Traveling I-75 Through Kentucky?

Make Richmond your Buc-ee’s stop if you’re traveling between Cincinnati and Knoxville. It is the only open Buc-ee’s along Kentucky’s I-75 corridor, and its location also works well if Lexington is part of your plans. From here, travelers can easily continue toward Kentucky’s horse country or nearby Bourbon Trail attractions.

Driving I-65 Between Louisville and Nashville?

Smiths Grove is the convenient choice for travelers using I-65. The location breaks up the drive between Louisville and Nashville and is especially useful if Mammoth Cave National Park is included in your itinerary. The park is only about 30 miles away, making Buc-ee’s an easy stop before or after your visit.

Passing Through Kentucky on I-24?

There is currently no open Buc-ee’s along Kentucky’s I-24 corridor. The planned Oak Grove store is expected to eventually serve travelers in this area, but ongoing project delays mean it is not yet an option for drivers. Until construction moves forward and the store opens, I-24 travelers will need to use other stops along their route.

Planning a Bourbon or Horse-Country Trip?

For trips centered around Lexington, Kentucky’s horse country, or nearby Bourbon Trail destinations, Richmond may fit more naturally into your route. Its position south of Lexington makes it useful for travelers approaching the area from I-75.

Visiting Mammoth Cave?

If Mammoth Cave National Park is your main destination, Smiths Grove is the more practical Buc-ee’s stop. Its location on I-65 puts you much closer to the park than either Richmond or the planned Oak Grove site, making it an easy place to fuel up, grab food, or take a break before continuing your trip.

What Can You Buy at Kentucky Buc-ee’s?

Kentucky Buc-ee’s locations offer much more than fuel. Travelers can stop for popular Buc-ee’s foods such as fresh barbecue, brisket sandwiches, breakfast items, kolaches, Beaver Nuggets, snacks, sweets, and cold drinks. The stores also have plenty of grab-and-go options for road trips, making it easy to pick up food before getting back on the highway.

You can also shop for Buc-ee’s merchandise, including T-shirts, hats, tumblers, mugs, blankets, souvenirs, and other items featuring Bucky the Beaver. The selection can vary by location and season, so some products may not be available at every Kentucky store.

Kentucky Buc-ee’s Gas Prices & Fuel Options

Fuel is one of the main reasons travelers stop at Kentucky Buc-ee’s locations. Both Richmond and Smiths Grove provide a large fueling area designed to handle highway traffic, with multiple pumps available for cars and other vehicles.

For drivers looking for special fuel options, the Kentucky stores have offered ethanol-free 87- and 90-octane gasoline, along with DEF (diesel exhaust fluid). Fuel availability can change, so it is best to check the pump signs when you arrive.

Gas prices at Buc-ee’s can change frequently based on market conditions and local fuel prices. For that reason, travelers should check the current price at the store rather than relying on an older online listing. If you are planning a long road trip, comparing prices before leaving can also help you decide where to refuel.

Parking & RV Information

Kentucky Buc-ee’s locations have large parking areas for travelers making a quick food, shopping, or fuel stop. The spacious layout is designed for high visitor traffic, although parking availability can become tighter during busy travel periods, weekends, and major Kentucky events.

RV travelers can also use the locations as a convenient daytime stopping point for fuel, food, and a break from the road. However, parking does not automatically mean overnight RV camping is permitted. Travelers with RVs should follow posted signs and store rules and confirm the latest overnight-parking policy before planning to stay.

For most road trips, the Kentucky Buc-ee’s stores are better treated as travel stops rather than campgrounds. Drivers can refuel, grab food, use the restrooms, shop, and continue their journey.

i. How many Buc-ee’s locations are currently open in Kentucky?

Kentucky currently has two open Buc-ee’s locations, one in Richmond and another in Smiths Grove. A third store has been planned for Oak Grove, but construction delays have left its opening date uncertain.

ii. Where is the Richmond Buc-ee’s located?

The Richmond Buc-ee’s is at 1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, Kentucky 40475, directly along I-75. It opened in April 2022 and became the first Buc-ee’s location in Kentucky.

iii. Where can I find the Smiths Grove Buc-ee’s?

The Smiths Grove Buc-ee’s is located at 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, Kentucky 42171, near I-65. It is approximately 30 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, making it a convenient stop for visitors traveling to the park.

iv. Is Buc-ee’s planning a location in Oak Grove, Kentucky?

Yes. Buc-ee’s confirmed plans for an Oak Grove location during a September 2024 city council announcement. The project was originally expected to open in Fall 2026 near Exit 89 on I-24, but infrastructure requirements have delayed the development. There is currently no confirmed groundbreaking or opening date.

v. What caused the Oak Grove Buc-ee’s delay?

The proposed Oak Grove development requires substantial road improvements before construction can move forward. Reported requirements include major intersection upgrades, reconstruction of the nearby I-24 exit ramp, and new roundabouts designed to manage expected traffic levels.

vi. Do the Kentucky Buc-ee’s locations have car washes?

Yes. Both Richmond and Smiths Grove have full-service car washes. Travelers can also find Buc-ee’s food, fuel, shopping, restrooms, and other standard travel-center amenities at both stores.

vii. Which Buc-ee’s is closest to Mammoth Cave National Park?

The Smiths Grove location is the closest Buc-ee’s to Mammoth Cave National Park, at approximately 30 miles away. Its position along I-65 makes it a convenient stop before or after visiting the park.

viii. Which Buc-ee’s is closest to Lexington and the Bourbon Trail?

For travelers heading toward Lexington or Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, the Richmond Buc-ee’s is the more convenient of the current Kentucky locations. It sits about 30 miles south of Lexington along I-75.

ix. Is there currently a Buc-ee’s on I-24 in Kentucky?

No. There is not currently an open Buc-ee’s on Kentucky’s I-24 corridor. The planned Oak Grove store would serve this route, but the project remains delayed and does not have a confirmed opening date.

x. Does Smiths Grove Buc-ee’s get busier during Kentucky Derby weekend?

Traffic around the Kentucky Derby in early May can increase at Smiths Grove because of its location along I-65 toward Louisville. Travelers heading toward Churchill Downs during Derby weekend may want to allow extra time for their stop.

The current Kentucky Buc-ee’s Locations include two operating stores: Richmond along I-75 and Smiths Grove along I-65. Both locations give travelers easy access to Buc-ee’s food, fuel, shopping, and other travel-center services while providing convenient stops near popular Kentucky destinations such as Lexington, the Bourbon Trail, and Mammoth Cave National Park.

A third Buc-ee’s is planned for Oak Grove near Fort Campbell, which would bring the chain to the I-24 corridor in Kentucky. However, the project has encountered major infrastructure requirements involving nearby roads and highway access, leaving its construction and opening schedule uncertain.

For a 2026 Kentucky road trip, Richmond and Smiths Grove are the two confirmed Buc-ee’s stops to plan around. Oak Grove is still a future project, so travelers should wait for an official construction or opening update before relying on it as part of their route.