(KPEL-FM) - Lafayette, LA - Buc-ee's used to be a fun stop for Louisiana folks on the way to the beach or when traveling in Texas, but now, with two locations breaking ground in Louisiana, Buc-ee's fans won't have to wait for a road trip to indulge in Beaver Nuggets and Beef Jerky.

Soon, three locations will be within 3 hours of Acadiana.

These massive gas stations, even though they are so much more than just that, require an incredible amount of planning, and like with most major construction projects, there are often delays.

The first Buc-ee's opened in 1982, and the company is based in Lake Jackson, Texas. They currently have stores in 7 states.

For Buc-ee's fans or folks wondering if it's really worth the hype living in south Louisiana, the two closest options are Baytown, Texas, or off Exit 49 in Alabama, just east of the Loxley exit.

BAYTOWN, TEXAS

The Baytown Buc-ee's is a convenient stop on your way to The Woodlands or Galveston, depending on which route you take. If I know anything about Louisiana Buc-ee's fans, it's that we don't mind driving out of the way for a few minutes to make a stop for some beaver nuggets and extra clean bathrooms.

This Buc-ee's has more than 60,000 square feet under its roof and nearly 100 covered gas pumps length of three football fields.

A 3-hour day trip will fly by in no time, especially when you have endless options of beef jerky flavors to look forward to.

PASS CHRISTIAN, MISSISSIPPI

The Buc-ee's in Pass Christian, Mississippi, is scheduled to open at the Menge Avenue exit off of I-10 in May 2025.

Since this location is weeks from opening, we are counting it as one of the three closet locations to get your Buc-ee's fix.

The timing is perfect for Louisiana folks traveling to Biloxi or heading to one of the Gulf Shores beaches during the summer time.

The 74,000-square-foot store will also have 120 fuel pumps, as well as electric vehicle charging stations.

The two-and-a-half hour trip would be an easy day-cation for anyone traveling from the Lafayette area and even closer if you are in the New Orleans area. From New Orleans this Buc-ee's is just an hour away.

RUSTON, LOUISIANA

The folks in Ruston and surrounding areas are anxiously waiting for the first Buc-ee's location to open up in their city.

Baton Rouge was considered in 2016, but plans fizzled out the following year.

The projected opening was originally sometime in 2025. However, remember that record-breaking snowstorm we all had so much fun playing in? Well, unfortunately, that delayed construction.

The timeline had been extended to mid-2026 to accommodate necessary road construction, such as expanding a three-lane bridge to five lanes and reconstructing the four ramps at the Tarbutton Road interchange.

Officials expect to break ground on the 53,000-square-foot facility with 120 gas pumps in 2026.

A 3-hour car ride up I-49 and then HWY 167 won't make a bad day trip, but for now we have to be patient.

When Will Buc-ee's Open in Lafayette?

While Ruston, Louisiana, will have the very first Louisiana location, Lafayette is just as thrilled to be trailing behind with a second at I-10 Buc-ees off of Louisiana Avenue.

There has been some movement but with Ruston's timeline being extended it is a safe assumption that Lafayette's location won't be completed until that one wraps up in 2026 hopefully.

We would love to be wrong, but Acadiana Buc-ee's fans will need to be patient for now.

The good news is, you can get your fix at these other Buc-ee's locations in Baytown and Alabama.

Soon, the Christian Pass, or Harrison County location, will be the closest for Louisiana Buc-ee's fans until our two sites are completed.

Want Buc-ee's Now?

Not everyone considers a three-hour car ride a short trip. The good news is you can buy some of your favorite snacks without getting in your car at all. See whos selling Beaver Nuggets near you here.

Just to recap, the Baytown and Alabama locations are open now, but in just a few weeks, the Harrison County location will be open for business, making it the shortest drive for Acadiana Buc-ee's enthusiasts.

Read More: Louisiana Get Ready - Buc-ee's Confirms Grand Opening/Job Fair