You’re sitting in a cramped, oily metal cabin that smells like diesel and old history. The engine hums through your seat, a low-frequency vibration that makes your teeth rattle just a little bit. It’s loud. It’s heavy. And honestly, it’s one of the most ridiculous things you can do on a weekend in the Midwest. When people talk about going to Kasota, Minnesota, they aren't usually going for the scenery or a quiet brunch. They go to Drive A Tank, which is the actual name of the premiere venue there, and frankly, the name doesn't leave much to the imagination.
Most folks think driving a tank is just about crushing stuff. That’s a big part of it, sure. But there is a weird, mechanical intimacy to handling a 60-ton piece of Cold War hardware that a YouTube video just cannot capture. You realize very quickly that these machines weren't built for comfort. They were built to survive things that would turn a normal car into a soda can.
The Reality of Heading to Kasota for Heavy Metal
Kasota is a small town. If you blink while driving through Le Sueur County, you might miss the turn-off. But once you find the gate, the atmosphere shifts from rural Minnesota quiet to something much more industrial. Tony Borglum, the founder of Drive A Tank, started this whole thing back in 2006. He didn't just buy one tank and call it a day; he spent years navigating the incredibly complex legal and logistical nightmare of importing armored vehicles from all over the world. We’re talking about Chieftains, Abbotts, and the legendary Sherman.
It’s not just a "pay and play" situation. They actually put you through a safety briefing and a history lesson first. You’ve gotta understand what you’re sitting in. This isn't a theme park ride where you're strapped in and helpless. You are the operator. You learn about the British FV433 Abbot self-propelled gun, which is usually the "starter" tank for most visitors. It's surprisingly nimble, or at least as nimble as a multi-ton tracked vehicle can be.
The terrain in Kasota is perfect for this. It’s a mix of wooded trails and open mud pits. If it has rained recently, it’s even better. There is something deeply satisfying about watching a massive tread churn through thick, grey Minnesota clay without even slowing down. You feel invincible. Then you realize you're only going about 15 miles per hour, but in a tank, that feels like warp speed because of the sheer momentum involved.
Why the Sherman Tank is the Real Star
If you’re a history buff, you aren’t there for the modern stuff. You’re there for the M4 Sherman. This was the workhorse of the US Army during World War II. Seeing one in a museum is fine, but standing next to one while the engine is turning over is a different world. It’s taller than you think. It feels more "alive" than the later Cold War models.
Driving the Sherman is a masterclass in mechanical grit. The controls are heavy. You have to respect the machine. Many people don't realize that Drive A Tank is one of the very few places on the planet—literally the entire planet—where a civilian can get behind the controls of a Sherman. It’s a rare privilege that comes with a hefty price tag, but for the person who grew up watching Band of Brothers or Fury, it’s a bucket-list item that justifies the cost.
There’s a specific smell to the Sherman. It’s a mix of spent exhaust, old grease, and hot metal. It stays in your clothes. You’ll find yourself sniffing your sleeve three hours later on the drive back to Minneapolis, and you’ll just smile.
Crushing Cars and Breaking Things
Let’s be real. You want to flatten a car.
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It’s the climax of the experience. They take an old sedan—usually something that’s already seen better days—and they park it in the middle of a field. You line up the treads. Your heart is hammering against your ribs. You get the signal, and you just... drive.
The sound is the most surprising part. It isn’t a clean crunch. It’s a series of violent, metallic shrieks and glass shattering that sounds like a skyscraper collapsing in slow motion. You don’t feel the car. That’s the scary part. A 50-ton tank doesn't "roll over" a car; it ignores it. The suspension barely reacts. You look in the rearview (or have your instructor tell you) and that sedan is now a two-inch-thick pancake.
Beyond the Treads: The Armory
A lot of people think the day ends when you park the tank. It doesn't. One of the best-kept secrets of the Kasota experience is the indoor firing range. They have a collection of machine guns and historic firearms that would make a curator weep. You can go from driving a British Chieftain to firing a Bren gun or an M249 SAW.
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It provides a weirdly complete perspective on military tech. You see the macro—the massive armor—and then the micro—the handheld tools. It’s an exhausting day. By the time you’re done, your hands are probably a little greasy and your ears are ringing slightly despite the protection.
What to Actually Expect (The Unfiltered Version)
Don't show up in flip-flops. Seriously. You’re climbing on rusted metal and stepping through mud. Wear boots. Wear clothes you don't mind ruining.
Also, it’s not a cheap afternoon. Basic packages start in the hundreds, and if you want to crush a car or drive the elite tanks, you’re looking at four figures. Is it worth it? That depends on your "cool" threshold. If you spend your money on experiences rather than things, then yes. You aren't just paying for the gas; you’re paying for the maintenance of machines that haven't been manufactured in half a century. The parts have to be custom-machined. The mechanics are specialized. It's an expensive hobby to maintain, and your ticket price keeps these pieces of history from being melted down for scrap.
It’s also surprisingly physical. You’re pulling levers, not turning a power-steering wheel. You’ll be sore the next day in muscles you didn't know you had. Your core gets a workout just staying upright as the tank pitches over a berm.
Logistics and Planning
- Location: Kasota is about 90 minutes south of the Twin Cities.
- Booking: You can’t just walk in. You need a reservation, often weeks or months in advance during the peak summer season.
- Weather: They operate rain or shine. In fact, rain makes the driving more fun because the mud adds a layer of "drifting" to the tanks.
- Age: There are age and height requirements for drivers, obviously. Kids can usually ride along, but check the current specs before you bring the whole family.
The Takeaway
Driving a tank in Kasota is one of those rare "only in America" experiences that actually lives up to the hype. It’s loud, dirty, and expensive, but it offers a tangible connection to history that no book can provide. You walk away with a profound respect for the crews who lived in these metal boxes for months at a time.
If you're going to do it, go all in. Get the car crush. Drive the biggest thing they’ll let you touch. You won't regret it when you're looking at the photos years later.
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Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check Availability Early: Visit the official Drive A Tank website to see their seasonal calendar; spots for the Sherman and Chieftain fill up fast.
- Coordinate a Group: If you bring a few friends, you can often split the cost of "add-on" experiences like the mobile home crush.
- Plan the Drive: Since Kasota is a bit of a trek from the metro area, plan to grab dinner in nearby Mankato afterward—you're going to be hungry after all that adrenaline.
- Gear Up: Pack a change of clothes and a heavy-duty trash bag for your muddy boots to keep your car clean for the ride home.