Why Casey's General Store Is Minnesota's Gas Station Favorite

If there’s one thing Minnesotans can agree on, it’s where to fill up the tank—and grab a cup of coffee while they’re at it. This beloved gas station chain has become a true statewide favorite, with an impressive 190 locations keeping drivers fueled and happy from border to border.

Minnesota Gas Stations Have Come a Long Way

Gas stations here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and across the country have evolved, from those small service stations of the past to the massive convenience stores we have today. And did you know Minnesota's favorite gas station now has 190 locations?

It's true. Gas stations are no longer simple, sparse service stations for fueling up. They’ve evolved into cultural phenomenons with unique product offerings and fiercely loyal followers. And there are a lot of them out there.

In fact, as of 2024, there are a whopping 152,396 convenience stores operating across the United States, according to the 2024 NACS/NIQ Convenience Industry Store Count. That’s an increase of 2,222 stores from last year.

Texas is the state with the most convenience stores in the country, sporting over 16,300 locations according to the Convenience Industry Store Count. California is second on the list with over 12,100, followed by Florida with just under 9,700 and New York with just under 8,000. The Minnesota Commerce Department estimates there are around 2,000 convenience stores here in the Bold North.

Get our free mobile app

But of those 2,000 stores, which chain is Minnesota's favorite? Would it be CHS, which is headquartered in St. Paul? Or maybe Circle K or Holiday Station Stores? Or even Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip? Those would all be good guesses, but not correct.

Casey’s Named Minnesota’s Favorite Gas Station

According to a new America's Favorite Gas Stations survey from FreeBets.com, the Casey's General Stores chain was just voted the favorite gas station/convenience store here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It also voted the favorite gas station in Iowa, both North and South Dakota and in Nebraska, as well.

A Casey's General Store in Faribault, MN. (Google Maps)

The Casey's General Stores chain was founded in 1968 down in Boone, Iowa and has grown to encompass over 2,600 stores in 17 different states, where they employ over 40,000 coworkers, their website says. Xmap says that list now includes 190 stores here in the Gopher State.

Why Minnesotans Love Casey’s General Stores

Here's what the FreeBets.com America's Favorite Gas Stations survey says about Casey's:

Casey’s General Store is a Midwest staple, known for its surprisingly good pizza. That’s right – people travel to Casey’s just for its pizza, which has become a cult favorite. Add to that affordable gas, a killer rewards system, and bite-sized scotcheroos, consider it a one-stop shop.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin's favorite gas station/convenience store is, of course, Kwik Trip. Which makes sense, seeing as that popular chain is headquartered over in La Crosse. And while Kwik Trip is expanding its presence in the North Star State, it still doesn't have anywhere near the Minnesota footprint that Casey's does.

Whether it's Casey's, Kwik Trip, Circle K or CHS, all those brands are visited by thousands of Minnesotans everyday. That's the opposite of the following beloved chains, all of which have gone out of business and aren't around anymore. Keep scrolling to see how many you remember!