Mosca, Colorado: Colorado Gators Reptile Park

This place is definitely a must-see if you're anywhere nearby, but one important fact hasn't been mentioned: You can bring your dog! Imagine the fun as Fido comes face-to-face with one of the many tortoises that wander around the park, or sniffs uncomprehendingly at gators (through the fence, of course). I wish I'd had my chihuahua with me today; those ostriches would have given him something to think about.

A delightful stop on our way north through Colorado. We had a ball, checking out the gators, snakes, tortoises (wandering around underfoot!), and of course, the tilapia. The bio-dome was beautiful, the gators handsome. Got my picture taken with a live stapler gator, got to feed the rest of them.

Jay Young of Colorado Gators wrestles one of the 450 alligators soaking in the geothermal waters of Colorado. Jay has been handling these gators to administer vet care since they were less than a foot long. Now he teaches gator wrestling classes to the brave and foolish for a mere $50.

Colorado Alligator Farm is a fascinating addition to America's capitalist dreams. This fellow started collecting alligators at his farm so they would process the remains of the processed talapia that he sells to restaurants, etc. Natural warm springs in the area brought about the idea for both. Today, this little farm has grown into a rescue for all sorts of exotic "pets" as well as a functioning fish farm. You can even get your picture taken holding an alligator!