Buc-ee’s Kentucky: Both Locations Plus the Delayed Third (2026)
Kentucky was an early winner in Buc-ee’s eastward march, and I’ve hit both open stores on bourbon-country and Mammoth Cave trips. They’re perfectly placed on the state’s two big interstates, which makes them easy to work into almost any Kentucky drive. Here’s the honest, current guide: exactly where the two open Kentucky Buc-ee’s are, the story behind the delayed third, and which one is closest to Louisville and Lexington.
📍 Buc-ee’s in Kentucky at a Glance
Two stores open, one on the way — here’s the quick rundown.
Key takeaways
- Kentucky has 2 open Buc-ee’s: Richmond (on I-75) and Smiths Grove (on I-65).
- Richmond opened in April 2022 as Kentucky’s first; Smiths Grove followed in 2024.
- A third store in Oak Grove (near Fort Campbell) is planned but delayed by infrastructure work.
- Both open stores are full-size, about 53,000 square feet with 120 pumps, and have car washes.
How many Buc-ee’s are in Kentucky?
Kentucky has two open Buc-ee’s as of 2026, in Richmond and Smiths Grove, sitting on opposite sides of the state along its two main interstates. A third location in Oak Grove is confirmed but delayed. Both open stores run 24/7 and function as gateways to Kentucky’s big draws, bourbon country, horse country, and Mammoth Cave.
Where are the Buc-ee’s in Kentucky?
The two open Kentucky stores are:
- Richmond — 1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, KY 40475, off Interstate 75. Kentucky’s first Buc-ee’s, opened April 2022. About 53,000 square feet with 120 fuel pumps, roughly midway between Cincinnati and Knoxville.
- Smiths Grove — 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171, off Interstate 65 (Exit 38). Opened in 2024, about 53,471 square feet with 120 fuel pumps. It’s famously the smallest town to host a Buc-ee’s, about 20 minutes north of Bowling Green and 30 miles from Mammoth Cave.
Both have full-service car washes, so you get the complete Buc-ee’s experience at either.
Buc-ee’s Kentucky hours
Both open Kentucky Buc-ee’s are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They don’t close overnight or for holidays. The car washes keep more limited hours than the store itself, so if a wash is your goal, aim for daytime.
Is a third Buc-ee’s coming to Kentucky?
Yes, but it’s complicated. A third Kentucky store is confirmed for Oak Grove, in Christian County near Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne, off Interstate 24 near Exit 89. The Oak Grove City Council approved agreements with Buc-ee’s, but the project has hit real construction delays. Engineering studies revealed the nearby I-24 exit ramp and intersections need major upgrades, including roundabouts, and as of the latest reporting, Buc-ee’s hasn’t confirmed a firm groundbreaking timeline. An original Fall 2026 target now looks uncertain. So it’s coming, but don’t bank on a date.
What’s the closest Buc-ee’s to Louisville and Lexington?
Kentucky’s two stores cover the state well, but neither is right next door to Louisville:
| From | Nearest store | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington | Richmond (I-75) | ~30 minutes |
| Louisville | Smiths Grove (I-65) | ~1.5 hours |
| Bowling Green | Smiths Grove (I-65) | ~20 minutes |
| Cincinnati, OH | Richmond (I-75) | ~1.5 hours |
Lexington folks are lucky, Richmond is close. Louisville’s nearest is Smiths Grove down I-65, though the future Oak Grove store would help western Kentucky.
What to get at the Kentucky Buc-ee’s
Keep it classic on a first visit: chopped brisket sandwich fresh off the block, a bag (or two) of Beaver Nuggets, and a stop at the fudge counter. Sample the jerky wall, then grab a cold drink for the road. These stores double as perfect launch points for a bourbon-trail day or a Mammoth Cave trip, so fuel up and stock up.
Frequently asked questions
How many Buc-ee’s are in Kentucky?
Kentucky has two open Buc-ee’s, in Richmond and Smiths Grove, with a third planned for Oak Grove that’s currently delayed.
Where is the Richmond Kentucky Buc-ee’s?
At 1013 Buc-ee’s Boulevard, Richmond, KY 40475, off I-75. It opened in April 2022 as Kentucky’s first Buc-ee’s.
Where is the Smiths Grove Buc-ee’s?
At 4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove, KY 42171, off I-65 Exit 38, about 20 minutes north of Bowling Green.
When will the Oak Grove Buc-ee’s open?
It’s confirmed but delayed by required road and interchange upgrades. Buc-ee’s hasn’t set a firm groundbreaking or opening date.
What’s the closest Buc-ee’s to Lexington?
The Richmond store on I-75 is closest to Lexington, about a 30-minute drive.
The bottom line
Kentucky’s two Buc-ee’s are easy, worthwhile stops on I-75 and I-65, and they double as gateways to bourbon country and Mammoth Cave. Lexington travelers have Richmond close by; Louisville’s nearest is Smiths Grove. Keep an eye on Oak Grove, but don’t count on a date yet. See every current store on our Buc-ee’s locations map.