Alligator Alley Adventures is an interesting and unique stop in Wisconsin Dells. The admission price is very fair making it possible to visit a couple times during a trip there with the family, the visit is quick and easy to fit into a day, and the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. We spent about 40 minutes to an hour there. They offer the chance to take a picture with a baby alligator, which is very cool, and there are pythons and other reptiles on display. You can technically walk through the whole place in just a couple minutes, but if you take time to read and look closely, you’ll probably spend 15–20 minutes or more. They also offer the option to purchase pieces of meat to feed the gators through a chute, which is a fun and interactive experience. It is very cool to see these creatures. Those are definite positives I appreciated.
That said, I think some changes could really improve both the guest experience and the welfare of the animals. One concern for me was the feeding practices. In addition to meat, live jumbo rats and mice are sold to feed to the gators and pythons. You don’t actually touch the rodents when you buy them (wasn’t clear to me at first) with the live mice, the staff handle them and push them through the same chutes used for meat. The gators eat them within seconds as soon as they notice. The rats, however, are grabbed with prongs and dangled inside the ceiling of the alligator enclosure. What disturbed me was seeing the rat held in front of the gators for about 25-30 seconds while it clung frantically and desperately to the prongs trying not to fall. Within that time, the gators surely start piling up onto one another, laser focused waiting for the rat. It was clear the rat was absolutely terrified being dangled over all those gators, and it felt like unnecessary suffering for the prey and more of a show than a feeding. At 16.99 per rat I guess its more of a show thing for the price.. it was pretty sad 😢 many modern reptile facilities use pre-killed food instead, which avoids that unnecessary fear and stress on the prey while still meeting the animals dietary needs. It may not be “as cool to watch” but it certainly would be more humane.
In regards to the size of the gator enclosure, while I do think they could use more space, I did notice they all cram right into the front corner of their enclosure right when you enter, and made me think that’s where most people stop first to feed them, and it’s also where the ceiling door is to feed them the rodents, so they may want to cram up there expecting a better chance of food. Still the facility could really benefit from an upgrade to give the alligators more room, better enrichment, and a more natural environment.
I believe this place has the potential to be really cool and educational, but I’d love to see adjustments that prioritize humane feeding practices and improved habitats. With those improvements, Alligator Alley could easily go from being a “quick stop” attraction to a standout experience...
Read moreReview of Alligator Reptile Center – Wisconsin Dells
If you’re looking for a quick but fun reptile experience in Wisconsin Dells, the Alligator Reptile Center is worth a visit—just don’t expect it to take up much of your day. My visit was enjoyable, but the experience was much shorter than anticipated. We went through the entire place in under 15 minutes, even though we had planned for more time.
Exhibits & Animals The center features a variety of reptiles, including alligators, frogs, turtles, and snakes. The main attraction, of course, is the alligators, which you can feed for an extra $6. They provide six small pieces of meat that you drop into a tube, which then rolls down to the alligators. It’s a cool way to get a close-up view of them in action.
Pricing & Extras I don’t remember the exact admission price, but I believe it was around $8.99 per adult, which seems fair for what you get. However, there are additional costs for interactive experiences. You can take a photo with an alligator for $18.99, which is a fun souvenir but a little pricey for the short experience.
Overall Experience The biggest downside is the length of the visit. While the exhibits are interesting, I wish the experience was longer. We were expecting to spend more time here, but we finished way faster than we thought we would. That said, it was still a fun stop, and if you’re in the area and enjoy reptiles, it’s worth checking out—just be aware that it’s a quick visit.
Final Verdict: 3.5/5 • Pros: Unique reptile exhibits, affordable entry fee, interactive feeding experience • Cons: Very short experience, extra fees for add-ons, could use more exhibits
If you’re in Wisconsin Dells and looking for a quick, family-friendly attraction, this is a fun stop—but don’t expect to spend more than 15–20...
Read moreExciting Visit to Alligator Alley Adventures! 🐊
We visited Alligator Alley Adventures on a Friday in August, and it turned out to be a perfect little adventure for our family—especially for our teenagers! 🎉
From the moment we arrived, we were pleased to find plenty of parking and, even better, no waiting line at all! The place wasn’t packed, which allowed us to take our time and fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. 🚗
Although the mini zoo is on the smaller side—you can easily explore it in about 20 minutes—it’s packed with interesting exhibits. The highlight of our visit was definitely the opportunity to see and even interact with some really large and heavy snakes. Our teens were absolutely fascinated by these incredible creatures! 🐍 It was a unique experience that they couldn’t stop talking about.
The layout of the zoo is easy to navigate, and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the enjoyment of our visit. The intimate size of the zoo means you get up close and personal with the animals, making it a great stop for anyone, especially families with curious kids or teens.
If you’re in the area and looking for a quick, fun, and memorable stop, Alligator Alley Adventures is definitely worth a visit. It’s a unique experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, especially if you have reptile enthusiasts in your group! 🐢
Thank you! Val...
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