Chattanooga is recognized as the birthplace of the tow truck, where the first device was mounted on a 1913 Cadillac.
The museum houses a 1919 Cadillac wrecker that represents the early integration of recovery equipment onto passenger vehicle chassis.
The Wall of the Fallen memorial includes names of industry professionals from around the world.
The collection features the 'World's First' tow truck prototype developments by Ernest Holmes Sr.
The museum hosts an annual event known as the Towing Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The International Towing & Recovery Museum preserves the history of the towing industry through an extensive collection of vintage trucks, tools, and equipment dating to 1916. The museum serves as the official home of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame. Exhibits include fully restored antique wreckers, early hand-cranked recovery devices, and specialized heavy-duty machinery. Visitors can view the Wall of the Fallen, a memorial dedicated to towing professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty. The facility is located in Chattanooga, the site where Ernest Holmes Sr. invented the first tow truck in 1916. Displays explain the mechanical evolution of towing technology from primitive pulleys to modern hydraulic systems. The museum highlights the contributions of the towing industry to public safety and roadside assistance.
Beside the restored 1919 Cadillac wrecker in the main gallery.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Warehouse Row area for local architecture.
Check the museum's official calendar for specific dates when the Hall of Fame induction ceremony occurs, as the museum may be busier during this time.
The museum is fully indoors and climate-controlled, making it an ideal activity for hot summer afternoons in Tennessee.
Assuming the museum only contains modern vehicles; the historical depth of the early 20th-century collection is the primary draw.
Closed on major holidays; check website for seasonal updates to exhibition hours.
