More than 6,000 people have checked driving a tank off their bucket list by visiting an attraction in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Tank Town USA has been in operation for seven years and has been a thrilling addition to families’ mountain vacations while drawing in the adrenaline-rush seeking crowd from throughout the region.
Owner Todd Liebross calls the experience “exciting” and says people are attracted to this activity for several reasons, but mostly because the opportunity to drive a tank over cars with the sole purpose of crushing them and navigating through deep mud to create a unique and fun experience.
Liebross, a native of Atlanta, and a long-time resident of Union County, Georgia, was inspired by a report on the Internet of a similar business in England. Prior to opening Tank Town, he worked as a civilian mariner on military ships, and served a stint in the Marine Corps Reserve as an aircraft hydraulics mechanic. Liebross graduated from high school in Blairsville, Georgia, attended Young Harris College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Georgia - Athens before setting off to see the world for almost a decade. He would eventually return to Blairsville, Georgia and open Tank Town.
Tank town opened in April 2013. It is located just outside Blue Ridge on Hwy. 76 in Morganton, in Fannin County, Georgia.
Attendance at Tank town has grown steadily over the years. Liebross estimates that most of his customers come from the Atlanta area or Florida, many of whom have prior knowledge of Tank Town. Others are headed to the area for the Blue Ridge mountains and find out about Liebross’ operation when they arrive. Sometimes, those who come for the tank driving experience end up staying around to enjoy the natural beauty and attractions of the area.
Most of his business is small groups, usually 2 -4 people ranging in age between 40 - 60. He does offer group events, both private parties and corporate gatherings. Grandparents often bring their grandchildren to create that special memory.
“Even if you care nothing about the military or military equipment, just about everyone wants to experience driving a tank as it is like nothing else you will ever drive,” Liebross said in a previous interview. “I've had professional heavy equipment operators tell me it's the coolest thing they've ever done on a machine.”
Tank crushing SUV during mid window explosion! [Photo/Tank Town USA]
Guests to Tank Town pay for various adventures. Driving a tank and crushing a car has a hefty price tag - $599 for 25 minutes of heart-pumping excitement. As the website states, “Why just drive a tank when you can crush a car with one? … Nothing is more thrilling than hearing the hood crumple and the glass shatter as you flatten a car with 17 tons of military steel.” This package includes up to 4 passengers.
There is also a less-expensive package that allows visitors to drive the tank but without the car crush. This package is priced at $150 for the thrill of driving over hills, bumps and other land obstacles.
Guests can also add the experience of firing a machine gun to the package or opt for operating heavy equipment, specifically a 40,000-pound excavator. These additional experiences are available at added cost.
But it is the tank driving experience that brings in the customers. The vehicles guests drive are not considered tanks, however, Liebross clarified. The car-crushing behemoths are armored personnel carriers imported from England. Developed in the 1960s by the British Army, these APC are still in use for various purposes. But, don’t let the size scare you; according to Liebross, these vehicles are easy to operate.
“My youngest driver was 15 with a new learner’s permit and my oldest was a 91-year-old WWII veteran,” he said.
The tanks come originally equipped from the military with automatic transmissions, and the steering controls are simple and easy to operate. Instead of wheels, the tanks move on tracks and weigh more than 33,000 pounds.
Trained instructors guide drivers through the tank course to ensure a positive and safe experience. This includes learning the controls as well as safety procedures.
“It is very safe. They are operating a 30,000-pound vehicle at low speeds in mud,” Liebross said. Not much can go wrong really as they are in a tank! I have never had an injury.”
Aside from having a licensed driver present to operate the vehicles, guests are encouraged to dress for the adventure. Tank Town USA recommends clothing that allows driver and passengers to maneuver in and out of the compartment. Conditions on site can range from dusty to muddy. Recommended clothing includes pants, jeans or shorts, long sleeved tops, and athletic or construction style work boots. Ladies should not wear dresses or skirts.
Reservations are required when planning a visit to Tank Town. The adventure selected also needs to be paid for in advance, according to the business’ Frequently Asked Questions page on its website.
Tank Town is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from April through December. In January through March, it is open on Saturdays only, as weather permits. It is only closed for very cold temperatures or for snow. Other days are sometimes available by special request, according to the website. An interactive calendar helps guests know which days are booked and which are available.
If you plan on visiting Tank Town, there are camping options available locally.
Crossing Creeks RV Resort & Spa, Vogel State Park, and Trackrock Campground & Cabins are located within less than 20 miles of Morganton, Georgia. These three campsites are listed as MobileRVing Preferred Properties found here.