Chattanooga, Tennessee: International Towing and Recovery Museum

The history of tow trucks, complete with many vehicles and exhibits. A "Wall of the Fallen" honors those who died in the line of duty, and an outdoor statue depicts a tow driver rescuing an adult and child.

Ground was broken on February 23 for an elaborate "Wall of the Fallen," the latest attraction at the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum.

Lots of old tow trucks from years gone by, all in very nice condition. The gentleman at the front desk gave us a brief tour and was very nice. They had some old gas pumps on display, along with old filling station paraphernalia. Some dioramas and lots of tow truck pictures. There was the "Tow Truck Hall of Fame" hallway with pictures of Hall of Fame members. There were two binders of information on what they did to get into the Hall of Fame. There is also a gift shop where we purchased some postcards so we could share the experience with friends and relatives. It was an interesting stop. I was glad we went.

The International Towing and Recovery Museum has moved from its location at the corner of Broad St and 4th St. It is now on Broad Street on the way to Lookout Mountain (Of Rock City and Ruby Falls fame). It is in a bigger building, but in my opinion not as nice looking as the Broad and 4th site. Still a nice place to go see some really neat vehicles.

Also, 20 miles up I-75 from Chattanooga is the small town of Ooltewah, TN where Holmes Wrecker is still in business making wreckers. According to the museum folks, from the 1940s to the '60s, 95% of the tow trucks in the world were made in Chattanooga.

The Towing and Wrecking Hall of Fame in downtown Chattanooga is amazing! They really take it seriously. There are hundreds of photos of distinguished towing and wrecker workers. I couldn't help but laugh.

It's off Main street in Chattanooga, on the north end near the Yellow Submarine restaurant (another must see. It's owned by a former teen heart-throb).