A man feeds fruit to a tortoise in front of two amazed kids at Reptile Garden

REPTILE GARDENS: A PHOTO ESSAY

Crocs. Gators. Parrots. Snakes. Tortoises. Parrots. And some surprises.

Founded in 1937 with dream and a sack of rattlesnakes, this visitor staple is officially home to the Guinness Book of World Records' largest collection of reptiles. Scroll on to see the slithery joy that awaits you at Reptile Gardens near Rapid City.

Home to gators, crocs, parrots, deadly snakes, ancient tortoises, and a few surprises, Reptile Gardens is where an entire adventure can happen at one place.

The business was started in 1937 by Earl Brockelsby, who quickly became known for ending his tours by revealing he'd been toting a sleeping rattlesnake under his cowboy hat the entire time. Today Reptile Gardens is a must-see (and, often, must-see-again since a ticket acts as your season pass) stop in the Black Hills.

See live shows, get up close (safely) to some of the planet's most unique beings, and experience one of the most memorable places in the entire country.