The museum was really cool seeing how tow trucks have evolved. Learning about those that drive and realizing how was don't make it home. They have a wonderful memorial in thrle front. Gino was very kind and freely answered any question. There were 2 other gentlemen that were just as great. I highly recommend this place.
This is one of the most underrated/under promoted spots in Chattanooga, especially if you have little children! The gift shop is awesome for all occasions (not tow truck themed!) and it is very affordable all around. So fun playing on Tater Tot for free without having to even go in the museum part.
One of our favorite stops in Chattanooga with our little boy! The tow truck outside covered in Christmas lights was so festive and we loved the Cars themed golf carts. The museum has some really neat antique tow trucks and there is plenty of toys and activities for kids to explore.
This was an amazing experience, especially for my truck-loving toddler. The collection of tow trucks was impressive, with so many different models to see and explore. In addition to the trucks, the museum offered plenty of toys and books that kept little ones engaged and entertained throughout our visit. It was a fun, interactive place that made it easy for both kids and adults to enjoy, and we left with big smiles all around.
Walking into the International Towing & Recovery Museum is like stepping into a time machine, one that shows you how much our roads, and the people who keep them safe, have changed over the years. From the very first tow trucks built in the 1910s to more modern wreckers, the collection offers a remarkable journey through automotive history and the evolution of a humble-but-critical industry. The statue was moving and well worth the visit.
Doesn't matter if you're into tow trucks, automobiles in general or just interesting history about random subjects. This place is a must! Ask for Geno, he'll hook you up like a tow truck.
I definitely have been wanting to go to this place for an extremely long time. It was absolutely worth it. It's very powerful place especially on the outside with the wall of the fallen. Because some people don't understand it. They don't understand that those aren't just names on a wall. Those are someone's loved ones. That made the ultimate sacrifice to help somebody else out that was in need. Me personally I drove her tow truck for 15 years so I had my fair share of close calls. People nowadays really need to understand the slow down and move over.
But going into the museum you definitely learn a lot. Especially with the quick video, with it being the birthplace of towing. Going through the museum you see the old school stuff right up front and it's just amazing we're towing came from, to where it is today with all the modern technology and hydraulics. So it's definitely a really cool learning experience. You see a lot of cool stuff in there.
Pretty cool place! I liked the monument out front too. They have 3 vehicles that can be touched, which younger people (and the young at heart) enjoy tremendously.
Who knew tow trucks could be so interesting?! Great museum with lots of historical information. Towers throughout history are displayed beautifully and there is a great little film at the beginning. I loved it!
Wow, what a fascinating display of tow truck. You start with a short video. Less than 10 min, then you are free to roam the tow truck halls. There are 2 levels. No touching please. The vintage tow trucks are in amazing shape. All if them are very cool. They even let you sit the the Kei car tow truck. Very cool place to go.
From the outside you can easily drive by and not have a clue that you just passed a museum . I think they need a tow truck and better signage out front to get more visitors. THIS IS A COOL PLACE TO VISIT. when my fiancé asked if I wanted to go to the tow trucks museum I thought ookkk, I wasn't as excited as he was about going ... Now I'm glad I did. They have a gift shop as you walk in the door and a tiw tru that tge kids can play on and operate the boom . Then you go into the movie room And watch a short film about the museum and some of the early tow trucks . Once you enter the first room you will be blown away With all the beautiful trucks and amazed how they have changed over the years . They have peddle cars and lots of older and so.e new toy tow trucks . I think not only will the Men but women and Children will enjoy seeing and learning about the tow trucks as well I think it will give you a little more respect for the job that they do. The staff are helpful and friendly. Go check it out .
We were initially going to this museum because we thought it was funny. Who doesn't want to be able to tell people that they went to a Tow Truck Museum on their family vacation? But it was actually really cool. The history of how tow trucks were invented, and all the well restored tow trucks. It was a very well done museum. And the tribute to tow truck drivers who have been killed in the line of duty was very touching. It doesn't take a long time to go through, and the price is reasonable. It's a great option for a hot afternoon when people are tired of being outside.
Definitely worth a stop to see the collection of trucks. There is an 5 minute introductory video on the location and profession which lends to the respect and safety of the industry of toe and recovery.
The 1st tow truck was invented right here in Chattanooga. The museum opened in 1995 and features dozens of fully restored tow trucks in display from vintage to modern. Tickets are $12 or $10 for seniors. You watch a 7 minute video, walk through 2 areas of vehicles, memorabilia and a ton of toys on display and walk through the Hall of Fame. The souvenir and gift shop was really neat, offering a variety a different and unique items. They also had a working tow truck for kids!! The worker was very helpful and gave us great ideas of places to visit. They had area magazines and maps available as well. Highly recommended!
This is a great little museum with a great history and display of tow trucks. It’s great for all ages as they even have a few for the kids to look at and one they can actually operate. The gift shop is large with a great selection. If you’re in the area and love tow trucks or everything transportation like I do, you should stop by. There’s also a short introductory video they show you before you enter which is very interesting.
This is a neat museum that can be easily overlooked if not considering it as a potential museum topic. Thankfully, someone found it to be just the right topic. This place commemorates the tough job of towing vehicles from today to when it first even became a concept historically speaking. If you live near Chattanooga, be sure to drop by and pay a visit!
Such a wonderful history that came right out of Chattanooga! I left with so much information and a keen insight into the history of Chattanooga between 19 and 20 and today. Really well laid out and thawed out especially enjoy all the information that was given to us by the presenter! we will definitely be back!
A must see when in Chattanooga! Glad I was able to check it out! The museum has some great artifacts on display, but also has a great cause behind it, to support families of operators who have passed away in the line of duty.
What a great museum to walk through and learn the history of the wrecker industry! Lots of restored vehicles, mementos from the past, and pictures of historic figures in the community. Worth a visit if you’re in Chattanooga
Did you know that first responders in the towing industry have three times more roadside fatalities than any others in traffic accident response field?
Who among us hasn’t sighed a breath of relief when the tow truck rolls in to help us or the car in front of us that is stopping traffic?
The tow truck was invented by Earnest Holmes Sr. in Chattanooga. He was a local mechanic who, in 1916, was inspired to invent a split boom wrecker. His story, along with that of his entire family, is central to towing universally.
The Museum has had a permanent footprint since 1995 and it represents the worldwide industry history. They also have a tribute memorial wall and Survivor Fund to help remember those lost while helping their families.
There are many displays here that a children interactive and the museum continually updates displays. It is fascinating history and certainly worth a stop. They also host events during the year which are listed on their website and social media pages.
Great place to visit. Lots of info to be taken in. They have a short video to start showing the first tow truck and who built it. Got out to the showroom and they have a great selection of different trucks on display along with an extensive toy tow truck collection. Also down stairs is more trucks on display along with tools of the trade. Great gift shop also of many different items to deal with the trade and others that don't. Staff was great to deal with and very curtious. I would recommend checking it out.
This place truly is amazing. Not only is everything inside amazing, put the people who put this place together and make this place run. I had the honor and pleasure of visiting for Museum Weekend, and I was blown away. Everyone made me feel like family here. The museum has so many awesome tow trucks, and awesome artifacts to see. The walls are lined with years and years of museum inductees. So much knowledge in one place. You also have to take a moment to visit the Wall of the Fallen to pay your respects. The gift shop is not only just towing related, but has SO MANY COOL THINGS!!! And they are open Sundays! (Great for last minute gifts). I highly suggest checking this place out if you are a gearhead, love old vehicles, or love tow trucks! Also definately consider becoming a member and supporting the museum!
Oct 17, 2019
Nearest Junkyards to International Towing & Recovery Museum
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