ORLANDO, Fla. — Tanks like the ones that barrel by at Tank America give it the feel of a U.S. Army base, but it’s actually in the heart of Orlando.

It’s also one of the only places in Florida to learn to drive the beasts and have a ton of fun while doing it.

That's exactly what Tank America co-owner John Kinney intended when he and his business partner, Tony Lotane, decided to open the unique venture. The idea came to them in 2015 when they realized they could purchase tanks.

They opened their first location in 2017 on the Space Coast and then officially deployed to Orlando, where they hope to expand even more. 

“Most of our customers were tourists and locals here to Central Florida, so we figured moving over here would just be better for our customers,” Kinney said. “So over the past few years, we picked up and built this facility, and now we’re open and couldn't be happier with how things are going." 

Visitors can climb onto FV 433 Abbot tanks, which are British-made vehicles. The tanks weigh in at an impressive 17 tons, so they can create quite a bit of damage as drivers take a spin through the attraction’s half-mile obstacle course that runs through hills, turns, trenches and a mud pit. Tank drivers also get the chance to crush cars.

“I can tell you the best part of the job is seeing a group come back in from the trail and seeing the smiles from ear to ear after driving a 17-ton tank,” Kinney said. “It's really the most rewarding part.”

What makes the experience even more authentic is the staff. All the employees who teach visitors to drive are veterans who have worked on tanks in the military. 

Tank America is open by reservation only. Reach out online or call the office in Orlando at 407-213-8265 (TANK). For more information on the experience and packages available to purchase, visit the Tank America website.