Late arrivals: food and fuel in Osceola, Iowa after 9 p.m.

You made good time on I-35 and now it is past nine. Here is a simple, late-night plan for food, fuel, and a safe route back in Osceola that works on weeknights and weekends.

Where to grab food after 9

• Westlake Bar & Grill, inside the Lakeside casino. Kitchen runs to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Good for a hot plate and a calm dining room if you arrive before last call.
• Casey’s, 100 W McLane St. Store open to 1 a.m. daily. Handy for pizza by the slice, drinks, and snacks when restaurants have closed.
• Casey’s, 1706 Jeffreys Dr. This location shows 24-hour store hours, so it is the late backstop for hot case items and drinks.

Where to fuel up late

• Pilot Travel Center, 2010 W Clay St.  Open 24 hours, right at I-35 Exit 34. Diesel, gas, air, and a bright forecourt.
• BP, 105 Ariel Circle. Listed 24 hours daily, useful if you are looping back toward town.
• Walmart Supercenter, 2400 College Dr. Typically 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you beat 11, you can grab wipers, washer fluid, or a phone cable.

Safest well-lit routes back

• From I-35 Exit 34, use W McLane St, US-34 into town. It is straight, wide, and well lit from the travel centers toward the square.
• If you fueled at Pilot or Casey’s on Jeffreys Dr, take Jeffreys Dr to W McLane St. Intersections are signed and lit.
• Avoid long gravel cut-throughs at night. If your map shows an unpaved shortcut, stay on US-34 or Highway 69 for visibility.

Quick safety notes

Keep headlights clear of ice, watch for deer near town edges, and park under lights when you can. If you are towing, choose Pilot’s truck lanes and use the wide apron to turn. If you're staying in our hotel in Osceola and need more tips regarding what to expect from trucks and trailers perspective, visit this post here. For ideas on breakfast, click here.