Reptile Gardens is located in:

Rapid City, South Dakota
Voice: 800-335-0275
Website: www.reptilegardens.com
E-mail: getinfor@reptilegardens.com

In 1935, at age 19, Earl worked at a Rapid City tourist attraction called "The Hidden City." Sometimes he would end his tours by removing his hat and revealing a live rattlesnake coiled on top of his head! Earl took note that weather or not the tourist enjoyed the Hidden City, they always were excited and thrilled to see a live rattlesnake close up. Two years later, Earl decided that it might be possible to build a profitable business based on people's fascination with reptiles. He and some friends constructed an 18 by 24 foot building a the top of a long hill about 3 miles south of Rapid City and put a hand full of specimens on display. The location was carefully chosen because in those days cars often overheated as they reached the top of a long hill. The idea was for them to stop in Reptile Gardens' parking lot to cool their radiators and maybe stay to see the Gardens.