What’s Up With Your ‘Parking Only’ Rest Areas, Iowa?

There's nothing quite like seeing on of those familiar blue signs on the interstate that says a rest area is coming up soon. But what's the deal with those rest areas along I-35 and I-80 in Iowa that are literally for 'resting' only?!?

My wife and I headed out on a big road trip out to Las Vegas and back recently, so even though I'd been through Iowa along I-35 and I-80 many times, I really only noticed these peculiar rest areas on this trip-- especially when my need for a bathroom was rather urgent.

Have you seen these signs? They fool you into thinking a regular rest area -- you know, one with a bathroom -- is coming up soon, only to then tell you that this rest area is for 'parking only' and that a 'modern rest area' is still 30 or 40 miles up ahead. Great!

Not cool, Iowa. Not cool. Especially when you've been downing a ton of water during your 3,600 mile road trip and you need to find a bathroom-- pronto. I'm guessing that these 'parking only' rest areas in Iowa are designed for truck drivers (or anyone, I guess) who needs to pull off the highway and either stretch those legs or grab a quick nap. So that makes sense.

But when you've really gotta go and you see one of those 'rest area ahead' signs, you're thinking they've got what you need, right?  It's kind of cruel to pull the 'ol bait and switch a few miles down the road-- not to mention, painful too. And, come on, Iowa-- how much would it take to toss a couple of those porta-potties at these 'parking only' rest areas? My kidneys thank you.