During our recent travels, we were so excited to be taking I-44 through Missouri for one reason – not one, but MULTIPLE authentic BIGFOOT monster trucks are literally right off the interstate and fully accessible for photos, truck touches and close inspection.
The BIGFOOT trucks in Pacific, Missouri are FREE to visit, and an easy win for a quick rest stop especially if you’ve got little monster truck fans riding with you like I did. My kids absolutely love monster trucks – huge fans of both Monster Jam and Hot Wheels monster trucks – so this was an easy win and a strategic rest stop on our road trip through Missouri.
BIGFOOT Monster Truck: The Original
BIGFOOT is widely considered the world’s first monster truck. The story begins with Bob Chandler, a St. Louis-area construction worker and off-road enthusiast who opened a four-wheel-drive parts shop in the mid-1970s to solve a simple problem: nobody in the Midwest stocked the parts he kept breaking on his truck.
That truck became the de facto company vehicle, grew bigger and bigger through constant modifications, and eventually earned Chandler the nickname “BIGFOOT” from a shop employee, thanks to his heavy-footed driving style. The name stuck — and so did the legend.
BIGFOOT’S headquarters relocated to Pacific, Missouri in 2015, and the town has been home to the BIGFOOT 4×4 operation ever since. The trucks displayed around town and the ones we interacted with are the real deal, not replicas – so cool!
BIGFOOT Plaza & BIGFOOT #20 The Flagship Truck Visible From I-44
BIGFOOT Plaza is the location of the first truck we visited.
300 Hoven Dr, Pacific, MO 63069
Even if you’re not a monster truck fan, this truck will catch your eye. The classic BIGFOOT blue with the legendary BIGFOOT logo on the side and amazing tires. The way they parked it as well mounted on the rocks like it’s at the top of a mountain is so cool.
Parking was super convenient, just a few feet away. They also had really nice benches for sitting around the truck. So much better than stopping at another rest stop to get fresh air.
This is a fantastic photo op for the entire family. The only rule is that you cannot climb onto this bad boy.
The History of BIGFOOT #20
This BIGFOOT monster truck was the first BIGFOOT to be officially converted into a display vehicle. This particular BIGFOOT was the world’s first electric monster truck, being powered by 30 batteries!
How To Get There
It can be a little confusing, but as soon as you take the exit you’ll need to turn into a shopping center / side road. From there, it’s just a few right-hand turns and you’re in the parking lot for BIGFOOT plaza.
Vintage BIGFOOT: BIGFOOT #5 Next To the B&H Market
The next BIGFOOT we visited was literally right across the street. Technically, you could walk there, but we found it easier to drive over. It’s parked to the side of the B&H Market – in a regular parking spot, like someone drove it there to grab some groceries. You can literally pull up and park right next to it!
The History of BIGFOOT #5
This BIGFOOT monster truck is legendary. It’s height alone makes it stand out and you won’t forget it. This truck holds the title of the world’s largest, widest and heaviest pickup truck. It’s so tall, you can walk under it! The wheels are so huge and the kids loved sitting in the wheel well – taking some photos. These tires were 10-foot tall Firestone Tundras. This truck was also recognized by Guiness World Records in 2002.
The Cut in Half BIGFOOT Attached to B&H Market
This was really cool, especially for kids – it brings the cab of BIGFOOT right down to their height. Especially for my youngest who of course, brought his monster truck with him and had to roll it on the BIGFOOT tires to test it out. Another great opportunity for cool photos here too.
What We Missed: The BIGFOOT Cafe, BIGFOOT HQ, BIGFOOT Art Gallery
B&H Market has a BIGFOOT themes cafe area inside their store – we had no idea and that would’ve been the pefect addition to this stop. Be sure to check it out!
B&H Market
2244 W Osage St.
Pacific, MO 63069
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Sunday: 7AM – 9PM
We also didn’t know we were less than a mile away from BIGFOOT HQ, also called BIGFOOT 4X4 Inc. The official shop that you can visit Monday – Thursday. Apparently the shop staff provide informal tours, and often they’ll have trucks in there being worked on.
There is also a dedicated BIGFOOT Art Gallery, The BIGFOOT Collection. This gallery houses unique art printes from artists all over the world with their own unique take on BIGFOOT.
The BIGFOOT Collection
142 W. St. Louis St.
Pacific, MO 63069
Hours Of Operation:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am-3pm
