Monroe, Washington: The Reptile Zoo

I stopped by the Reptile Zoo on my drive across Washington State on scenic US 2. I was intrigued by the signage, which proclaimed "Deadliest Snakes!" My admission fee was $8, which guaranteed all-day access. Having work obligations, I only stayed about 45 minutes, which was adequate time to check out the displays of dangerous creatures. There were some highly venomous snakes, notably the green mamba, and several large, nasty lizards. Signs warn visitors not to reach into the lizard enclosures ("They bite!").

I have gone here numerous times with my kids (The Reptile Man also makes appearances around the area with his animals). The zoo is filled with some beautiful creatures, including a king cobra, an enormous alligator snapping turtle, an albino alligator, spiders, and tons of others. They have some sweet corn snakes that you can hold, and a huge boa constrictor that you can have draped over you. I would totally recommend a trip here. The last time I drove past there was a fun BBQ place in the parking lot in a converted school bus.

The Reptile Man, Scott Petersen, runs the Washington Serpentarium. He often goes on the road with his show of snakes, iguanas, turtles, lizards, and alligators. Features an albino alligator!

At my son's elementary school, Hillcrest Elementary in Oak Harbor,Washington, Mr. Petersen presented a great assortment of reptiles to the children and parents who dared to sit in the same room with him (and his "friends")...it was great!

I haven't actually visited this place, but it looks pretty exciting. It looks like a little reptile zoo, but there is a sign out front that says "Home of the Washington Reptile Man!" which makes me curious.