Drive a tank. Crush a car.
Laugh like a kid again.
Tank Town USA in Morganton, Georgia zaps the ordinary right out of your weekend. Step into a hulking, tracked machine.
Feel the controls under your palms. Hear metal scream as you roll over a line of junk cars.
This is not a polite drive-by or a quiet photo op. It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s gloriously physical , the sort of experience that makes grown-ups grin like kids.
If you crave something bold and a little ridiculous, this is your spot. Bring sturdy shoes, a sense of mischief, and a camera for proof.
You’ll leave with mud on your boots and a story people refuse to believe, until you show them the pictures.
What Tank Town USA is
Tank Town USA is a hands-on playground where you get behind heavy controls, not behind a glass barrier. Set on a fenced, muddy course in the North Georgia mountains, the experience centers on real tracked vehicles with roaring diesel and clanking steel.
You are not watching a demonstration. You are the one throwing levers, feeling the tracks bite, and learning how these beasts handle bumps and ruts.
The vibe is part adventure and part driving lesson, guided by staff who keep things simple and safe. The terrain is purpose built with dips, mudholes, and short climbs, so even a half mile feels satisfying and physical.
Passengers can ride along, which turns the experience into a shared moment full of laughter, whoops, and shouted directions over engine noise.
It is an amusement park for anyone who wants to trade virtual thrills for the real clatter of metal.
Expect dirt, dust, and a grin that lingers long after you climb down. The course shows off the tracked vehicle’s strengths while staying contained and legal.
You leave with photos, muddy boots, and a story that beats any arcade or museum.
The tank drive: what you actually do
First comes a clear safety briefing. Staff walk you through the controls, hand signals, and what to expect on the course.
You get a quick tutorial on throttle, steering levers, and how to keep smooth momentum through mud and over small bumps.
It is simple enough to learn yet thrilling the moment the tracks bite and the machine lurches forward.
Then you climb into the driver position and ease out for around 10 minutes or roughly a half mile.
The route includes ruts, dips, and turns that show how a tracked vehicle pivots and crawls. You feel each clatter through your hands, and the noise turns conversation into shouts.
Passengers can ride, which makes every bump a shared cheer.
Guides remain nearby, coaching with gestures and quick tips. You practice straight-line runs, controlled turns, and steady throttle over wet patches.
It is a short drive packed with sensory detail and confidence-building progress. When you park, you will swear the ground is still shaking.
Car crushing: the signature act
The car crush is Tank Town USA’s showstopper. After your drive, staff position a spray-painted sedan and guide you back into the lane.
You roll forward deliberately, feeling the nose lift as steel tracks meet the hood. There is a deep thud, a groan of metal, and a shiver through the chassis.
You pass slowly so you can hear the hood crumple up close.
The session runs roughly 20 to 30 minutes, with repeated passes. Each run flattens more of the roof, pops glass, and kicks up dust and mud.
The effect is strangely methodical, not reckless speed but intentional, heavy pressure that teaches what fifteen tons truly feels like. Staff keep everyone at a safe distance while getting you the best angles for photos and video.
After a few runs, the car looks like folded cardboard. You pivot, back up, and line up again for a final, satisfying flattening.
The sounds are primal and unforgettable, and the slow pace lets you savor every crunch. You step out buzzing, covered in specks of mud, and grinning like a kid.
Other hands-on options: excavator and shooting add-ons
Beyond tanks, you can climb into a full-size excavator and learn the basics of boom, stick, and bucket. With staff coaching, you dig, scoop, and stack like a jobsite pro.
Controls feel alien at first, then strangely intuitive as muscle memory kicks in. In one visit, you can switch from tracked vehicle driving to heavy equipment finesse.
Some packages offer supervised shooting add-ons, including the chance to fire a machine gun under tight staff control. Safety gear is nonnegotiable and the environment is controlled.
You focus on stance, trigger discipline, and the unmistakable percussion of rapid fire. It is an intense contrast to the lumbering tank, yet it fits the same hands-on spirit.
Schedules vary, so check availability when booking. The crew keeps transitions smooth so you are never waiting around.
By day’s end, you have sampled multiple machines and sensations. It is a bucket list buffet of noise, power, and precision.
Practical details: age, rules, and reservations
Reservations are required, and the booking process is straightforward online. You pick a date, choose your package, and receive a confirmation with directions and tips.
Minimum driver age typically accepts a learner’s permit. Passengers are welcome within set limits, which are noted during booking.
The FAQ answers specifics on footwear, weather, waivers, and add-ons.
Arrive a bit early to sign paperwork and hear the safety talk without rushing. Weather can change conditions fast, especially after rain, so flexibility helps.
If you are buying a gift, digital certificates make it easy to surprise someone with a tank drive. Keep the phone number handy for day-of questions or weather checks.
Rules keep the course safe and legal, and staff enforce them with friendly clarity. You will appreciate the structure once the engine rattles to life.
Everything moves smoothly because the details are settled before you touch the controls. That prep turns thrill time into all action.
Cost and what packages include
Prices vary by package, with a standard tank drive as the foundation. Expect a set block of drive time and an allowance for passengers, usually included without nickel and diming.
The car crush is a separate, longer package that extends your session and delivers those repeat passes that flatten a sedan. Combos bundle tank time with excavator controls for a fuller day.
Add-ons like shooting are priced separately and scheduled to fit around your main booking. The website lays it out in plain language so you know exactly what you are getting.
You will see what each tier includes, from duration to passenger count. Taxes and fees are transparent during checkout, and gift certificates carry the same value clarity.
If you are deciding between an entry package and a crush upgrade, reviews strongly favor the crush for maximum wow. The extra minutes are noticeable.
It feels like a second act with a louder finale. Whatever you choose, time behind the controls is the real prize.
What to bring and what to wear
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes you do not mind caking with mud. Choose clothes that can get dirty and still make you smile in photos.
A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses help on bright days. After rain, the track goes from dusty to soupy fast, so traction matters.
Toss a small towel in the car and maybe a change of socks.
Bring a secure phone case with a wrist strap or lanyard so you can film without worry. A compact bag keeps your wallet, keys, and snacks handy.
Ear protection is provided when needed, but you can bring your own if you prefer. If it is chilly, layer up so you can adjust once the engine heat and adrenaline kick in.
Travel light so both hands are free around equipment. Mud spots are badges of honor here.
You will thank yourself later for clothes that can take a beating. The goal is comfort that does not distract from the rumble.
Safety and what staff manages for you
Safety starts with a briefing that covers controls, signals, course rules, and where to stand for photos. Staff manage the gates, staging, and traffic flow so only one machine is moving in your lane.
They watch your hands and posture, stepping in with calm coaching. The course is fenced and designed to keep the action contained and predictable.
Vehicles are maintained by people who know their quirks. You focus on driving while the crew handles mechanical checks and resets.
During a car crush, they position the sedan and direct your approach so each pass stays deliberate and safe. It feels intense without becoming chaotic.
They also handle weather calls and timing. If conditions shift, you will be guided, not left guessing.
The result is a controlled environment where thrills happen on purpose. That calm competence lets you relax and have fun.
Nearby stops: where to eat or stay after
After the mud, point your wheels toward Blue Ridge or Morganton for food and a walkable main street. The area has casual grills, coffee spots, breweries, and sweet shops that welcome muddy boots and big smiles.
Cabins dot the hills if you want to stretch the fun into an overnight. Search local listings for current hours, since mountain towns can shift with the seasons.
You will find photo friendly porches, patios, and a slower pace that pairs well with post-tank adrenaline. If you have a group, call ahead for seating.
For couples, a cozy cabin with a hot tub makes an ideal cooldown. Everything is within an easy drive of the course, so the outing fits neatly into a half day.
Ask staff for suggestions. They know which places handle hungry, happy visitors fast.
You will leave with full bellies and maybe a new favorite breakfast for the next morning. Mountain air makes everything taste better.
Tips from visitors and final planning notes
Book weekend slots well ahead, and watch the forecast for muddy fun. Arrive early for paperwork and photos before the engine drowns out conversation.
Bring a charged phone plus a strap or case that locks tight. Expect loud moments, so be ready with ear protection.
Reviews emphasize how hands on it is, so plan clothes that can take splatter.
Do not overpack. You will want both hands free.
Keep snacks and water in the car for the ride back. If kids are joining, prep them for noise and set clear expectations about where to stand during photos.
Staff will help, but your calm presence matters.
Finally, aim for the car crush if your budget allows. It is the part people rave about the most.
The slow, crunchy passes create unforgettable video and smiles. You will talk about it for years.