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The Little-Known Ranch In Texas Where You Can Drive A 55-Ton Military Tank

Ever dreamed of driving a tank or operating one of those massive cannons you see in movies? 

Well, guess what – you can do exactly that, right here in Texas! 

Yes, you heard that right. 

There’s a place where you can get behind the controls of a real military tank and even fire off some serious firepower. 

It’s the kind of adventure that’ll get your heart racing and make you feel like you’re in the middle of an action movie. 

If you’re ready for a totally wild experience that’s unlike anything else, keep reading because this is something you won’t want to miss!

Tank Driving Experience in Texas

If you’re looking for the ultimate tank driving experience, DriveTanks.com is where you need to go! 

Tucked away in Uvalde, this place offers one of the most unique adventures you’ll ever find. 

Uvalde is about 1.5 hours west of San Antonio and under 3 hours from Austin, making it a pretty easy day trip from either city. 

It’s located on the famous Ox Ranch, a sprawling 18,000-acre property known for its exotic wildlife and outdoor activities. 

So not only do you get to drive and operate tanks, but you’ll also be surrounded by stunning Texas Hill Country scenery while you’re at it. 

DriveTanks.com is one of the only places in the world where civilians can drive real tanks and fire actual tank weapons! 

They offer a variety of military vehicles to choose from, including legendary tanks like the American M4 Sherman and the Russian T-34. 

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can just drive the tank, or you can drive and fire a round from the massive cannon. 

Want more? How about firing a Browning or experiencing a flamethrower? 

Yeah, they have that too!

The team at DriveTanks.com takes you through the whole experience step-by-step, so even if you’ve never been in a tank or handled a weapon before, you’re in good hands.

You can even combine your tank experience with a stay at the Ox Ranch and enjoy a safari, ziplining or off-road tours to round out the adventure.

But trust me, the fun doesn’t stop at just driving a tank – there’s a whole lot more in store once you arrive!

What To Expect

So, what’s it actually like to drive a tank and fire off some heavy-duty rounds? 

Well, get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other! 

When you arrive at Ox Ranch, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. 

The property is absolutely stunning, with rolling hills, scenic vistas and even wildlife roaming around. 

It’s hard to believe you’re there to drive tanks when you’re surrounded by such natural beauty! 

After checking in, you’ll head to the main base where all the military magic happens. 

The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they’ll make sure you’re prepped and ready to go. 

Before you can jump in a tank, there’s a quick but thorough safety briefing. 

The team explains how the vehicles work, how to safely operate the equipment and what to expect once you’re inside the tank. 

They’ll show you everything from steering to how to aim the cannon. 

Now for the exciting part – getting into the tank! 

Most of the tanks on offer are legendary machines that have been fully restored to working condition. 

It’s a totally different feeling than anything you’ve driven before – powerful, a little intimidating but seriously cool.

Driving a tank is a unique experience – you’re controlling a multi-ton machine that can roll over almost anything in its path. 

Steering might take a little getting used to at first, but the guides are with you the entire time, making sure you’re comfortable and having a blast. 

If driving wasn’t enough, here comes the best part – firing the tank’s main cannon! 

Once you’re positioned and ready, you’ll get to aim at targets set up in the distance. 

You’ll feel the tank shudder as the shell leaves the cannon, and trust me, it’s an adrenaline rush like no other.

But wait – there’s more! 

If you want to amp up the action, you can add other experiences to your day. 

How about firing a vintage M1919 Browning or even a flamethrower? 

Yes, a real flamethrower! 

DriveTanks.com offers a full arsenal of historic weapons for you to try, so if you’re the kind of person who loves variety, this is your chance to go all in. 

Know Before You Go

Before you head out to live your tank-driving dreams at DriveTanks.com, here are a few important things you need to know to make the most of your visit:

Pricing

The cost of this experience will vary depending on what package you choose. 

Prices typically start around $650 for driving a tank.

But if you want to fire the cannon too, it’s going to cost more, typically between $1,000 – $2,000 but it can be more depending on the specific tank and the number of rounds you fire. 

Bear in mind that these prices are per group and not per person. A group can be up to 6 people.

For the full experience with multiple tanks and weapons, packages can go up to $3,500 or higher. 

The great thing is, DriveTanks.com lets you customize your experience, so you can choose the activities that interest you most. 

Be sure to check their website for detailed pricing on all the different options available.

Opening Times

DriveTanks.com is open seven days a week, but it’s by appointment only. 

You can’t just show up and hop in a tank – you’ll need to book your experience ahead of time. 

It’s recommended to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend or during peak travel seasons. 

This ensures they’ll have availability for the day and activities you want.

Tickets & Reservations

You can reserve your spot directly on the DriveTanks.com website

A deposit is usually required at the time of booking, and the rest can be paid on the day of your visit. 

They offer a variety of packages, so make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and interests. 

Food & Facilities

DriveTanks.com doesn’t offer on-site food, but Ox Ranch has a lodge where meals can be arranged as part of your experience if you’re planning a full day or overnight stay. 

There are restrooms and other basic facilities available at the ranch, but it’s a good idea to pack some snacks or drinks, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day there.

With all of these details in mind, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable experience at DriveTanks.com. 

It’s truly one of the most unique things you can do in Texas, so get ready to make some epic memories!


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Tom Jackson

Tom was born in San Antonio but spent most of his childhood in Dallas, he has lived in several cities across Texas and joined the team in 2024 to create travel guides on Texas.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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