The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, tells the story of the towing and recovery industry through historic vehicles, artifacts and its Hall of Fame. Its collection includes tow trucks dating from 1913 to 2002, making this a focused stop for anyone interested in automotive and industry history.
- Location: 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408
- Collection: 24 tow trucks, plus industry artifacts and memorabilia
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Adults $12; other prices vary by age and eligibility
What the Museum Covers
The museum documents the history of towing and recovery and explains the industry’s role to the public. The Friends of Towing began the project in 1985, aiming to recognize industry professionals, preserve the trade’s history and gather artifacts and memorabilia.
Before the collection found a permanent home in Chattanooga in 1995, the Friends of Towing took the Hall of Fame and Museum to trade shows around the country in a semi-trailer. The project has since grown into a museum whose Hall of Fame began with 27 members and now includes over 300 towing professionals.
The museum credits Ernest Holmes Sr. with creating the first U.S. tow truck. After modifying a 1913 Cadillac to recover a friend’s Model T from a ditch, Holmes filed a patent for his invention on January 17, 1918.
Exhibits and Hall of Fame
The showroom’s 24 tow trucks span nearly nine decades, from 1913 to 2002. The collection connects the industry’s early equipment to later designs and includes several vehicles singled out by the museum.
Among them are a 1913 Cadillac, a 1929 Chrysler tow truck, a 1935 Ford fitted with a 1½-ton Weaver crane, a 1950 Mack A Model and a 2002 International H 430 Pink Wrecker.
The Hall of Fame adds the people behind the work, while the Wall of the Fallen memorial honors towing operators who died in service. Dedicated in 2006, the memorial receives additional names during a special ceremony in September.
How do you get from Calhoun to the museum?
The museum is in Chattanooga, not Calhoun, Georgia, at 3315 Broad Street. It is about 38.8 miles from Duffys Motel, a two-star motel in Calhoun; plan the drive as a regional outing and check your route before setting off.
The museum’s address is 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408.
If you’re planning a longer visit to the city, this Chattanooga day trip from Calhoun by car covers the wider journey.
Hours, Admission and Visitor Access
The museum closes on Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours and admission can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM–5 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors aged 55 or older, military members and AAA members; and $8 for children ages 6–14. Children under 5 enter free, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The on-site library is available by appointment only.
For air travel, the Chattanooga airport-to-Calhoun drive can help with planning that part of a trip.
FAQs
Where is the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum?
It is at 3315 Broad Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, rather than in Calhoun, Georgia.
How many tow trucks are on display?
The showroom has 24 tow trucks dating from 1913 to 2002.
How much does admission cost?
Adult admission is $12. Discounted rates apply for seniors aged 55 or older, military members and AAA members, while children under 5 enter free.