Drivetanks — Attraction in Brackettville

It's nearly impossible to capture in words how incredibly unique the adventure was that my friend and I had on the Ox Ranch. The grounds are like the Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom...except you're immersed in it for the entirety of your stay.

The lodgings are simple but comfortable. We stayed in the Barracks. They have awesome military decor and really set the tone. Plus, there's all you can drink adult beverages stocked everywhere. Is this heaven?

We started our first day by meeting our guide Ryan. We met some tortoises, had lunch while watching bison cruise by just feet away and then explored the grounds by Jeep. Ryan said the ranch is twice the size of Manhattan. On our ride we all manner of antelope, deer, sheep, kangaroos and more. We shot skeet and explored a cave. Then we toured the tank museum. But this ain't no ordinary museum. You can climb on and touch everything. They have an impressive collection of operable WWII ordinance and memorabilia.

Before dinner we took up Ryan's suggestion of firing the flamethrower at night. Definitely the coolest pyrotechnics I've ever seen. So fun.

Dinner was great. Actually, all the food was great, They have traditional options like salad, rib-eye steak, assorted BBQ, chicken, etc. But for the more adventurous there are more exotic options. We tried the barasingha deer burger, sampled some zebra sausage and ate some quail wrapped in bacon. Yum.

After dinner was the absolute best part. Ryan took us on a nighttime Jeep tour of the grounds, but navigated entirely by night-vision goggles (NVG)! This was one of the most surreal things I've ever experienced. It was terrifying and exhilarating as he wound the Jeep all around the grounds and even to the top of one of the ranch's mountains. We listened to coyotes, found T-Rex tracks and searched for Indian arrowheads all by NVG. We even found and fed several giraffe we found. Did I mention this was all in the dark, on a moonless night? The. Coolest.

We started the next day by finding our giraffe friends and treating them to some breakfast (copious amounts of corn). Then it was on to the tank experience. We whirled around the course in the German Leopard. The tank was surprisingly smooth to operate (like a big golf cart...according to our co-pilot, Josh). At the range we fired a Barrett 50 cal and an M60 LMG. We got our WWII fix in by shooting a German MG42 LMG and the Thompson submachine gun.

We did all of this in about 24 hours. Where else can you pack in so much bucket-list stuff in one place? Thinking about taking the wife and kids next year just for the interaction with animals. Then I'll be working on my brother to host his bachelor party here. There's truly something for everyone here and we'll definitely be back. Shout out to Ryan who hosted us on that first day well past midnight. A exemplary host and true class act. Thanks for the once in a...

This place is incredible. Where else can you drive/ ride a variety of tanks and then shoot a variety of weapons without having to enlist in the Army? Our cadre, Gabriel, was very welcoming, respectful, and informative. My 18 year old son, a WW2 history buff, first mentioned wanting to come here a few years ago. We live in Illinois, so it wasnt practical. That is until he enlisted in the Air Force. With his base only being a couple hours away, we had to make it happen. We are both so happy we did! Most all of the tanks here are operational and available to drive. They'll let you climb in and check them all out. We were free to explore the garage/ museum area as much as we wanted, never rushed. It was a blast riding the course while my son drove a Scorpion tank. We'll share these memories forever. Already looking forward to the next time we'll be in the area and make it happen again. In addition to the tanks and guns, just driving up to this place is cool. There are all kinds of wildlife at the ranch. Im not even sure what some...

The first thought I have is if you're apprehensive about going, just lose that mindset. Press purchase, book the trip, and do everything you possibly can at this amazing place! Everyone that works there, right off the bat, was polite and courteous and genuinely enjoyed working there. The grounds are spectacular! This is connected to a place called ox ranch, it's basically like driving through a zoo or on Safari! The tanks are huge and everything is real and malleable! We will 100% go back, and find any excuse or celebration to figure out a way to get there! Worth every penny and then some. I took my boyfriend for his 40th birthday and we will go back for his 50th and we will figure out ways to take our kids. Absolutely phenomenal experience. If I could give it more than five...