There isn’t, but there should be! A Speedway store represents the best of the American spirit, offering a safe and fun place for families to gather. Whether you live in Bemidji or just passing through, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Speedway convenience store. It’s time to bring back the joy of going to the gas station.
Why Bemidji?
You might be wondering why Bemidji, Minnesota, is the place to be if you’re looking for a Speedway. The town was founded in 1906, around the time of the original Kentucky Fried Chicken. The chicken restaurant still operates in Bemidji from time to time, and it’s even painted on the side of the building in yellow and green. The town has a lot more going for it than chicken. Let’s take a look.
All Hail The Crown
As we’ve established already, Bemidji is the place to be for chicken lovers. The town also happens to be the home of the 2018 Minnesota State High School Hockey Championship, which makes it the place to be for hockey fans. If that’s not enough, Bemidji is also the capital city of Minnesota, which means it is the place to be for all Minnesotans. Finally, Bemidji is the county seat of Itasca County, which means it is the place to be for all county residents. Basically, if you’re from or live in Bemidji, you’re in for a real treat. There are so many reasons why this town is the ideal location for a Speedway convenience store.
The Great Outdoors
One of the things I love most about the American Midwest is its great outdoors. The scenery is beautiful, and there are so many lakes and forests for me to hike and explore. There’s lots of hunting, fishing, and camping, as well as some extreme sports opportunities as well. When the seasons change, it’s the perfect excuse to put on your boots, grab your dog, and hit the roads. I’m not sure if there’s an official name for what I love most about the Great White North, but there should be. The great outdoors are just another reason why the land of ten thousand lakes is such a special place.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia is another great driver for me when it comes to visiting places. There’s nothing quite like getting in your car and driving down a long, deserted highway, with the windows down, music blasting, and feeling that nostalgic rush as you pass by familiar sights and sounds. Sometimes the best way to experience something is by revisiting it through nostalgia, and that’s exactly what I plan to do whenever I visit a Speedway.
The American Dream
The American Dream is another phrase I often think of when it comes to America. This phrase, which was first popularized by former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in a speech in 1933, perfectly describes the spirit of the country and the places that represent it. If you’re passionate about American culture and want to visit the places that helped to shape it, then Bemidji is the place to be. In fact, the town and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most significant landmarks from that era, including the American Flyer train, the Herling-Sweeney cottage, and the Frederic Remington Art Museum. It’s easy to see why the American Dream is synonymous with America, as this collection of places and artifacts is a great example of the ideal American lifestyle – freedom, opportunity, and optimism.
The Best Steaks
What else can I say about Bemidji, Minnesota, that wouldn’t already be apparent? The town is absolutely overflowing with restaurants and eateries of all kinds, including famous brand names that serve all sorts of food. You won’t go hungry, regardless of which part of town you’re in. Plus, diners are frequent visitors to Bemidji and the surrounding areas, so even if you aren’t a fan of burgers and fries, you’ll find plenty of alternatives. One of my favorite restaurants in Bemidji is Gus’s Chicken Spot. Their steaks are the best in the area, as well as their onion rings and their pancakes. If you’re a BBQ lover, you’ll be in paradise as well, as the area is filled with excellent BBQ joints.
The History Books
You might be wondering how a gas station could become so important in American history. If you’ve ever been there, you know that most of the time, a gas station constitutes the single largest building in the vicinity. It’s usually made up of two parts: a small convenience store (essentially a mini-supermarket) attached to the pump, and a large, open-air garage that was built in the 70s to accommodate all the cars that come in for gas and snacks. Today, the large garage houses numerous shops and restaurants, along with a movie theater and an indoor ice-skating rink. The entire building is a testament to just how far gas stations have come.
Final Takeaway
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy yourself when you’re in Bemidji is by going to a Speedway store. This brand is a perfect fit for the town, offering families and groups of friends a fun and safe place to spend time. If you’re a fan of Americana and the classic Midwestern lifestyle, then Bemidji is the place for you. There’s plenty of stuff to do and see, and the food is great too. If you want to add a little bit of nostalgia to your trip, you can always visit some of the places that helped to shape the American spirit – the ones that gave us the freedom to dream big and work hard. You can’t beat that.