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Walking on the beach, strolling through art galleries, careening a tank through an obstacle course… Wait. What!? You heard right. Driving a tank — we’re talking a military-grade vehicle here — is fast becoming a popular travel activity, attracting all kinds of travelers. It doesn’t take any special skill to drive a tank, and it provides the adrenaline rush you’d expect from extreme sports but without the scary heights and physical challenge. Plus, you get to smash, crash, and bash with no machine guns and anti-tank guns to worry about. Who doesn’t like the chance to blow off a bit of steam? You can’t expect to shoot real tanks, however.
While many tank-driving companies are based in the United States, few have American-made tanks among their recreational arsenal. The Department of Defense’s policy requires old combat vehicles to be destroyed. As such, the majority of companies offer experience with foreign equipment.
It’s also worth noting that not all “tanks” are actually tanks. For instance, they may be armored personnel carriers — which certainly act like tanks in the eyes of most civilians but might not make the cut with military veterans looking to relive their service experience. Thankfully, all tank driving companies are eager to share the history of their vehicles so you’ll know exactly what you’re going to get.
It’s worth noting that tank driving experiences universally involve mud and the supremely awkward exercise of trying to climb in and out of a tank. In other words, wear sturdy shoes and old clothing that allows you to move with ease! And bring your wallet. Experiences usually start at a few hundred dollars and can easily go up to a few thousand. Other than that, you’re ready to hop aboard!
Where Can I Drive a Tank? – Here Are 9 Awesome Places
1. Ox Hunting Ranch, Uvalde, Texas
Ox Ranch’s claim to fame is that they’re the only place in the world where you can take a tank ride and shoot a real tank (most retired tanks have had their cannons altered so they don’t fire), along with the chance to shoot artillery and machine guns. Visitors can also engage in trophy hunting, yoga, stargazing, hiking, bass fishing, skeet shooting, and more. No anti-tank guns, fortunately.
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2. Drive A Tank, Kasota, Minnesota
One of the original players in the recreational tank driving industry Drive A Tank offers an exhaustive list of packages and options, ranging from short drives to epic home demolition packages. Yep, you can ride a tank through a house or use it to crush a car (or several!) Adventures here include an opportunity to drive a rare Sherman 8 (just like Brad Pitt in Fury!).
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3. Battlefield Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
This well-known purveyor of Las Vegas’s ultimate shooting range (think machine guns and grenade launchers) also offers a tank experience. This being Vegas, lush forests are in short supply, so instead of woodland rides, you drive your tank on a course that includes obstacles like other vehicles and dealing with pits and mounds. Participants are picked up and dropped off from their hotels in a military Humvee. Sadly, there’s no tank-based wedding service offered at Battlefield Vegas – a lost opportunity if you ask me.
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4. Tank Town USA, Morganton, Georgia
If you’re mildly curious about driving a tank, Tank Town USA might be the best place to try it out for the first time. Tank Town’s packages start with 10-minute experiences, which probably go much faster than you expect but it’s an easy, affordable way to try things out. You can also bring along two additional passengers to this tank ride at no cost, which is especially nice for families and couples.
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5. Russia EGuide (Outside Moscow)
You didn’t think it was just American companies that offered tank driving experiences, did you? This Russian tour organizer offers a six-hour package that includes a visit to military grounds, a tank ride over a trench, an obstacle course, an off-road route, and even a Russian military-style lunch. You cannot shoot real tanks in this package.
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6. The Irish Military War Museum, Starinagh, Ireland
Every tank-driving company offers its own vibe, from gung-ho testosterone-heavy mayhem to adrenaline-fueled group adventures. The Irish Military War Museum will appeal to both history buffs and families. In addition to having one of the most hands-on military museums in the world, they offer both tank driving experience and tank riding ones as well. The latter, which can accommodate up to 10 people for roughly $87, is a bargain. No machine guns shooting is included.
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7. Armourgeddon, Bosworth, England
All the tank driving experiences at Armourgeddon take place on a WWII-era bombing range and include free entry to the company’s large onsite museum, making this the ideal experience for military history fanatics. They’re also the only company in the world that offers a hybrid tank-driving paintball battle.
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8. Tank America, Orlando, Florida, USA
Thanks to the team at Tank America, you can get behind the controls of a 17-ton military-style vehicle in Florida. After you receive a full safety and vehicle briefing you are allowed to get on board their FV433 Abbot tank.
Some of their more premium packages include the option to bring a passenger along for the ride so you can showcase your skills. Prices start at around $300 for the Basic Tank Training rising to $1,591.49 for the Tier 1 Elite Package that includes shooting 5 machine guns. You won’t be able to shoot real tanks, however.
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9. Tanks-Alot, Scart Farm, Bridge of Wier, Scotland
Tanks-Alot is the UK’s biggest Tank Driving school and the only one offering full-day tank driving experiences (Full-Monty). With over 150 real tanks and military vehicles ready to be driven across their challenging courses, Tanks-Alot is the ultimate offer for military history lovers.
Apart from a tank driving experience, you will learn about machine guns and woodland survival skills. You’ll drive four historic military vehicles over the 100-acre course, including the only Amphibious Gvozdika in the UK, a German demolition WWII Springer, and an American Lance Nuclear Missile Launcher. You can relax as no anti-tank guns are lurking to get you.
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Bonus! Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, Oshawa, Canada
There’s no tank driving at the RCAC Museum, but you can enjoy a ride in a military battle tank or military vehicle with museum staff in the driver’s seat. It’s the only place in Canada to offer this experience. Costs start at about $50, making this one of the most affordable tank experiences in the world.
FAQs
Can Tanks Drive on Mud?
Yes, they can. Tanks were initially developed by the British Military in WWI to drive in muddy conditions on the battlefield because both the German and Allied troops found themselves bogged down in mud during long periods of static warfare.
Do I Need a Special Licence to Drive a Real Tank on the Public Roads?
You need a civilian H-category driver’s license. Also, you must be taxed and insured, have rubber tracks or rubber feet on metal tracks to avoid damaging the road surface, and don’t exceed any relevant weight limits for tank riding on public roads.
How Much Does a Tank Cost?
The cost of a tank can range from a few million dollars for older models to tens of millions for the most advanced units. For example, the M1 Abrams, a main battle tank used by the United States, has an estimated cost of around $6 million to $8 million per unit.
Can I do a Car Crush on a Tank Driving Experience?
Yes, driving the tank over a poor, innocent family hatchback is a satisfying experience, but a car crush with a tank is not as easy as it looks. You need to be able to handle the tank and control the vehicle during the car crush to ensure maximum flattening. You do not get to shoot real tanks at cars.
What Should I Wear to Go Tank Driving?
You need to wear something to be comfortable outdoors. Most tank-driving operators provide overalls and helmets. As for what you wear on your feet, prepare for it to be muddy out there (unlike usual ranges for shooting guns), so Wellingtons or sturdy boots are best.
