During the past year and a half, Kwik Trip, based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, has transformed several locations in Willmar into brand new gas stations and convenience stores. In doing so, it has significantly redeveloped two sites and is planning on a third location. On U.S. Highway 12 on the east side of Willmar, the company acquired the former Cenex Travel Plaza and an adjacent parcel of land. That enabled Kwik Trip to demolish the existing structures and to construct an 8,800 sq. ft. facility with a convenience store, truck stop with showers for truckers, 20 auto fueling pumps, 4 diesel pumps and a certified truck scale. This new truck stop opened on August 16, 2018.

On the south side of Willmar, Kwik Trip acquired the former Mills car dealership on South First Street – south of Wells Fargo Bank. Kwik Trip demolished the existing building and constructed a 7,200 sq. ft. facility with a convenience store, 20 gas pumps, and a car wash. This new c-store and gas station opened at the end of September. The nine-acre parcel was subdivided and a new Dairy Queen was also constructed to the south of the Kwik Trip. A third location, the vacant Mills Auto property at Litchfield Avenue and 2nd Street SW in Downtown Willmar, was also acquired and the existing structure demolished this year.

All three of these sites involved redevelopment—tearing down existing structures and building up new facilities. The EDC appreciates Kwik Trip taking on challenging sites and investing in the Willmar community! Welcome to Willmar!