Skip to Main Content

The Snake Man.

Snake Man

Field review by the editors.

St. Louis, Missouri

For over 40 years Charlie Hoessle was a beloved reptile man at the St. Louis Zoo, even hosting the Zoo's TV show in the early years of public television. The Zoo named its herpetarium (reptile house) after Charlie, and in 2005 unveiled in front of it a life-size statue of him, draped in a boa constrictor. Sculptor Stanley Bleifeld wisely did not give the snake a protruding tongue, which might poke out a child's eye or get snapped off by a careless tourist. The statue is designed to be a photo-op, and the snake's head has been rubbed shiny for good luck.

Snake Man

St. Louis Zoo

Address:
Wells Drive, St. Louis, MO
Directions:
St. Louis Zoo. South entrance to the zoo (Wells Drive). Once past the turnstiles veer right, cross the railroad tracks, stay right and go up a slight hill, following signs for Historic Hill and Herpetarium. The statue will be on the left, directly across from the Herpetarium building.
Hours:
Daily 8am - 7pm Local health policies may affect hours and access.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Monkey ManMonkey Man, St. Louis, MO - < 1 mi.
Giant Concrete Turtle ParkGiant Concrete Turtle Park, St. Louis, MO - < 1 mi.
World's Largest Amoco SignWorld's Largest Amoco Sign, St. Louis, MO - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Giant Vess Soda Bottle, St. Louis, MO - 6 mi.

More Quirky Attractions in Missouri

Stories, reports and tips on tourist attractions and odd sights in Missouri.

Explore Thousands of Unique Roadside Landmarks!

Strange and amusing destinations in the US and Canada are our specialty. Start here.
Use RoadsideAmerica.com's Attraction Maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Save Cool Vacation Destinations! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Missouri Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings