Elkhart Rest Area Southbound – I-35

I-35 southbound travelers near Elkhart in Ankeny County, Iowa, can pull in at Elkhart Rest Area. Reported truck parking: 20 spaces, plus 40 car spaces. The next southbound stop is Osceola Rest Area, about 67 miles further along I-35.

I-35IowaSouthbound
Current operating status not verified — Location data comes from an inventory record. Confirm with the responsible transportation agency before travel.

Location map

Marker shows recorded coordinates, not an entrance or approved driving route. Follow highway signs.

Open directions

Previous and next stop (Southbound)

Previous: Story City Rest Area ≈ 19 mi along I-35Next: Osceola Rest Area ≈ 67 mi along I-35

Order and distance from the official mile markers on I-35.

Reported parking capacity

Car parking40Reported spaces
Truck parking20Reported spaces

Reported capacity from Iowa DOT. This is not real-time vacancy information.

Facilities and amenities

✓ Restrooms✓ Family restroom✓ Accessible facilities✓ Picnic tables✓ Pet area✓ Vending machines✓ Public phone✓ Wi-Fi

Not available: RV dump station.

Unknown (not documented in the sources): Drinking water, EV charging, Playground, Visitor information.

A reported facility does not guarantee current availability.

About this rest area

Elkhart Rest Area is a stop for southbound travelers on I-35 near Elkhart in Iowa. Whether it is open right now has not been confirmed. Check the Iowa Department of Transportation again before stopping: operating conditions can change.

Location and driving direction

You reach it from the southbound lanes of I-35, near Elkhart in Ankeny County. It is listed near mile marker 100.

Heading the other way? Use Elkhart Rest Area (northbound) instead; the two sides are not connected for drivers.

Further along I-35, Osceola Rest Area follows after roughly 67 miles.

Parking and amenities

There are 40 car spaces and 20 truck spaces according to Iowa DOT.

Listed amenities include:

  • Restrooms
  • Family restroom
  • Accessible facilities
  • Picnic tables
  • Pet area
  • Vending machines
  • Public phone
  • Wi-Fi

Listed as not available: RV dump station.

These are capacity figures, not a live count of free spaces. Availability of individual amenities can change.

Map and coordinates

Recorded coordinates: 41.835182, -93.574166. Use them as a reference only; follow the posted signs to the entrance.

Report an issue

Frequently asked questions

Which side of I-35 is this rest area on?

It serves southbound traffic on Interstate 35 near Elkhart. The northbound lanes have a separate facility.

How many truck spaces are there?

Iowa DOT lists 20 truck parking spaces at this facility. This does not indicate how many are currently free.

Are there restrooms?

Yes, restrooms are included in the official amenities listing. Check current conditions before travel.

Is there a pet area?

A pet area is listed for this location. Keep pets leashed and follow posted rules.

Where is the next rest stop?

Osceola Rest Area, about 67 miles further along I-35 by the official mile markers.