We were looking for something new and different to do on a Saturday so we decided to visit the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest. I’ve heard from other parents about their large snake collection. Later I found out that they have the largest snake exhibit in the nation! So we set out on a Saturday morning. The Wildlife Discovery Center is easy to find, on Middlefork Rd in Lake Forest, just off of Waukegan Rd. They are currently expanding and under a massive construction project. I really wasn’t sure where to go once we got there, but some very helpful construction workers helped us find our way. Once inside, we found what we came to see.
We were greeted by a woman named Rachel who was holding a red snake. She asked if we wanted to touch the snake, we all declined but were never-the-less interested. Rachel was informative and guided us through our visit. She told us a little bit about each animal and answered all of our questions. She was great with the kids, showing them the different species and making it fun for them.
What I liked most of all at the Wildlife Discovery Center was how up close and personal we could get with the animals. Only about an inch of glass separated us from these creatures. My kids LOVED the huge snakes! These monsters can easily devour a cat or small dog with little trouble! We also saw a small alligator that was really cool. He was in the water watching with just his eyes and nose above the water, just like you see in the movies! There was small fish in the water and we were just waiting for him to snap one up!
The Wildlife Discovery Center is not a huge place, but it is packed full of all kinds of snakes, turtles, and other reptiles. The staff is right there to personally answer your questions and tell you about each species. I really liked that, you can’t find this at a zoo. We wanted to see the venomous snakes but they were unavailable when we visited. That was a bit disappointing, but it gives us a reason to return! I look forward to visiting their gardens in the spring and taking a nature hike in the summer. They also offer classes and birthday parties for kids. Something to think about for my sons’ birthday party this summer.
One tip when visiting; hours are very limited, closed Sundays and Fridays and open the rest of the days of the week from 10am-1pm. If you like Serpent Safari at the mall, you’ll love the Wildlife Discovery Center!

For more information visit: http://www.lakecounty.org/member_details.cfm?venu_cat=Family_Spaces&MemberID=328&ReturnTo=attractions_list&TypeAnswerID=&CityID=

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