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WWII M36 Jackson Tank Ride at The American Heritage Museum - Boston, MA

WWII M36 Jackson Tank Ride at The American Heritage Museum

Hudsonmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

10 minutes

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness needed to stand and balance inside the tank during movement

Overview

Step into history at The American Heritage Museum with a ride aboard a restored WWII M36 Jackson tank. Feel the engine roar and the tracks churn on this unique outdoor adventure in Hudson, MA.

Hudson, Massachusetts

The M36 Jackson WWII Tank Ride Experience

Enlist Today to Take a Ride on a Fully Restored World War II Tank Destroyer!

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Adventure Photos

The M36 Jackson WWII Tank Ride Experience photo 1

About This Adventure

The M36 Jackson WWII Tank Ride Experience

Go back in time to 1944 and crew an authentic World War II Tank Destroyer!


Mission Essentials

Cost: $195.00 per person (tax deductible donation) Capacity: Up to Five (5) Riders Per Experience. Duration: 10 Minutes Restrictions: All riders must be at least 5' tall and able to stand unassisted.

Mission Briefing

The M36 Jackson was a highly effective tank destroyer used by the United States during World War II. It was designed to counter the German Panther and Tiger tanks, which had proven to be formidable opponents for the earlier American tanks.

The M36 combined the hull of the M10 tank destroyer, which used the M4 Sherman's reliable chassis and drivetrain combined with sloped armor, and a new turret with a powerful 90mm gun, which was capable of penetrating the armor of the German tanks from a long range. The vehicle had a relatively low profile, which made it harder for the enemy to spot and target it. It also had a top speed of 45 mph, which allowed it to quickly move to strategic positions on the battlefield.

The M36 saw action in various theaters of the war, including in Europe and the Pacific. It proved to be a valuable asset to the American military, often being used in combination with other vehicles such as the M4 Sherman tank.

After the war, the M36 continued to be used by the United States in the Korean War and as an export to other nations, even being re-engined by Yugoslavia with a 500 hp Soviet-made diesel engine used in T-55. Today, the M36 Jackson is a rare sight with only a few preserved in museums and private collections.

Your Ride Experience

On your 10 minute ride in the M36 Jackson, you will be one of up to five (5) participants aboard with four in the open top turret as standing position riders and one person in the hull gunner position as a seated position. You'll get the experience of feeling what it was like to be a crewmember aboard this tank destroyer during WWII. You will go through a variety of turns, accelerations, stops, and hill climbs while feeling the vibration, hearing the roar of the engine a squeaking of the tracks, and smell of the exhaust during your ride.

All riders must be at least 5' tall to ride. Children under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult if they meet the height requirement. Because of size limitations in the M36 Jackson, participants may be limited by height, weight, and mobility. Please contact us at 978-562-9182 if you have questions regarding this.

All donations from tank ride experiences are tax deductible and fund the development and growth of the American Heritage Museum, 501c3 non-profit educational organization.

Adventure Tips

Height and Mobility Requirements

All riders must be at least 5 feet tall and able to stand unassisted inside the tank's turret.

Wear Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes

The ride involves standing and moving inside the tank; sturdy footwear will enhance your safety and comfort.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ride to complete safety briefings and gear up.

Respect the Machinery

This historic tank is a delicate piece of preservation; follow guides’ instructions carefully during the ride.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer often roam the wooded areas near the museum grounds.
  • Various songbirds, including the American robin and eastern bluebird, are common in the spring and summer months.

History

The M36 Jackson was a critical American tank destroyer in WWII, designed to counter heavily armored German tanks, and saw combat in both Europe and the Pacific theaters.

Conservation

The American Heritage Museum emphasizes preserving military history responsibly, maintaining the tank with care to ensure its longevity and minimizing environmental impact on the surrounding landscape.

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Adventure Hotspots in Boston, MA

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Closed-toe Hiking Shoes

Essential

Protects your feet while standing and moving inside the tank.

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjust for changing temperatures during outdoor waits and the ride.

spring|fall|winter specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin during outdoor portions of the experience.

summer|spring specific

Ear Protection

Optional for those sensitive to the loud engine noise during the ride.