Drive Tanks

Written by K. Hart at www.casago.com
NATO package
Sherman shooting
Drive Tanks
inside Drive Tanks

About

Calling all military fans, history buffs, and adrenaline junkies! Drive Tanks is a one-of-a-kind attraction offering the exhilarating opportunity to drive and shoot vintage and contemporary tanks, artillery, machine guns, and explosives!

Drive Tanks is different from your everyday museum. It stands out by offering hands-on experiences with historical military machinery that few other places in the world can match. Located on Ox Ranch outside Uvalde, Texas, you'll have over 18,000 acres of Texas Hill Country to explore.

The collection features tanks and artillery from World War II, the Cold War era, and other significant periods. The concept was born from a passion for military history and the desire to preserve these monumental machines as living, rumbling pieces of history.

On-site experts provide insights into the vehicles' history, technology, and the roles they played in shaping the world. Being close to Uvalde, there are plenty of restaurants to hit after your adventure, like Hanger 6 Air Cafe for American fare and Pho Long, which serves delicious Vietnamese cuisine. 

Additionally, the Living Military Museum houses artifacts and memorabilia, offering a comprehensive look into military operations, tactics, and soldiers' daily lives. 

If you're seeking action unlike anything else, you owe it to yourself to visit Drive Tanks!

Fun Facts & Cool Features

To say that Drive Tanks is an action-packed, hands-on, heart-pumping adventure is an understatement! With so many options, your biggest challenge will be deciding which one to choose!

The coolest feature is the opportunity to fire a piece of history...literally! Guests can choose from an arsenal of firearms, including machine guns and sniper rifles, and fire in a safe and controlled environment. 

Another cool aspect is the "Allies & Axis" tank battle reenactment. Imagine feeling the ground rumble as you maneuver a multi-ton tank in a choreographed battle. It's an unparalleled insight into the complexities and challenges of historical military operations.

Even if you're not interested in shooting or driving a mechanized vehicle, history buffs will love the up-close experience of seeing not only American weapons but German, Russian, and Japanese, too. Consider beginning your history tour at the Briscoe-Garner Museum in Uvalde before exploring the exhibits at Drive Tanks. 

For those who fancy a bit more explosiveness in their visit, Drive Tanks offers the unforgettable experience of firing artillery. Selections range from mortars to howitzers to German WWII anti-tank guns! Need more boom? Look into the High Explosives options. 

Additionally, there are rifles, machine guns, and even a flamethrower, ensuring there's a weapon and budget for everyone.

Visiting Drive Tanks on a Frio River vacation merges fun, education, and history into an unforgettable experience. It's an opportunity to step out of the ordinary and into the driver's seat of history.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Drive Tanks from Frio River, Texas:

  • Head east on US-83 for about 20 miles.
  • Turn left onto TX-127 S and continue for approximately 30 miles.
  • Make a right turn onto US-90 W; after 12 miles, turn left onto FM 1572.
  • Travel south on FM 1572 for 20 miles, then turn right onto Ranch Rd 674.
  • Continue for about 10 miles. Drive Tanks will be on your left.
  • Address: 1946 Private Rd 2485, Uvalde, TX 78801

Cost

With so many options at Drive Tanks, listing them all is impossible. However, here are some prices on the more popular offerings;

  • Drive a U.S. Sherman tank: $2,250
  • Shoot a U.S. Sherman tank: $3,200
  • Shoot a U.S. M2 .50 cal machine gun: $200 per 20 rounds
  • Shoot a 105 mm Howitzer: $1,500 per round

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

Local Tips

  • Check out their package deals online. 
  • Children are welcome to participate with parental supervision and approval.
  • For safety reasons, tank rounds are shot with personnel being outside the tank.
  • Reservations are required.
  • Explore the other offerings at Ox Ranch to round out your Drive Tanks adventure.

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