Visit Rescued Reptiles at Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary, Now Open Daily

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary Welcomes Visitors of all Ages

A field in Michigan is the last place you would expect to find an animal sanctuary, but that’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens MI.

This rescue facility is open to the public and home to hundreds of reptiles, from snakes to tortoises to, you guessed it, alligators.

This alligator sanctuary in Michigan is a must do for summer activities with kids because there is something fun for all ages, from toddlers to big kids.

Pack a bag, hop in the car with your family and prepare yourself for an hour or two of some interactive, scaly fun.

Where is Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary?

Critchlow is 15 miles south of Battle Creek on M-66 and is open seasonally, from May through October. There is a sign but look for a light-yellow building and green fencing.

Tickets & Admission

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the ticket window. At our most recent visit, we were welcomed by a staff member with a very large snake wrapped around her. As far as snakes go, it seemed friendly enough, and we even got to pet it.

We purchased our wristbands after deciding on our add-ons. You can get a day pass or a season pass, both of which allow you to see the alligator exhibits and show. Food and animal encounters are an additional fee.

Meet the Alligators

You’ll see an Enter sign by the “elementary school” to help you know where you start. The alligators live in “schools” based on their size. This adds a fun spin to your visit and your kids can relate.

Their enclosures are double-fenced and there are some benches for little ones to stand on so they can see and toss in the gator food.

You’ll see alligators slither in and out of their pond and hear them hissing and grunting, especially if you have a cup of food.

Along the back are the biggest gators of all time, including Godzilla and Medusa, the show’s stars. These alligators are on a special diet, so you can’t feed them, but there are windows at the perfect height for kids.

The alligators back here have interesting stories about their previous homes so take the time to read their signs.

You CAN Teach an Old Gator New Tricks

Save time to see the show where a giant 11-foot alligator named Godzilla emerges from his pond and shows off his powerful jaws. Medusa, a nine-foot alligator, is just as entertaining during the show, too.

Staff will walk around and let you know when the show is starting. The show runs for about 20 minutes two to three times a day at Godzilla and Medusa’s enclosure so you should always be able to catch one.

There isn’t much seating or shade, but your kids can sit along the windows and enjoy a good view. There’s a deck above the enclosure with a few benches and a great view, but it fills up fast.

Godzilla and Medusa will do tricks, grunt and snap while the staff member educates and jokes around. The surprising part is the alligators seem to know what to do. Your kids might get a chance to answer a question during the show.

Do you notice how passionate the staff is about the alligators? It’s a great reminder that this fun place is really a rescue facility dedicated to their reptiles.

Elevate Your Visit with Animal Encounters

Going to the Alligator Sanctuary is like choosing your own adventure. If you’re going for the full adventure, adding on an Animal Encounter will make your visit even more unique.

There are two options for the Animal Encounter: Tortoise Encounter and Alligator Encounter.

The Tortoise Encounter is appropriate for all ages, and you can take as much time as you’d like, while the Alligator Encounter is geared towards a bit older crowd as visitors can hold a small or large alligator for a few minutes.

Scrub A Tortoise

The Tortoise Encounter boasts 15 tortoises meandering around its enclosure, and we spend the most time there during our visit. They’re cute and big, but they’re friendly.

You can feed them for an extra fee, but they are just as happy being scrubbed by the brushes. A parent can go in, too. How many people can say they’ve washed a tortoise?

The Tortoise Encounter is $10/single person or $20 per family.

Hold an Alligator

Brave kids can have an encounter with a small or large alligator at the Reptile Encounter Station. The staff preps the kids before they bring the alligator out and help the entire time.

It’s safe! The alligator’s mouth is taped shut.

Have your camera ready because it’s a quick experience.

The Small Gator Encounter is $10/single person or $20 per family; large gator is $20/single person or $40/family.

Alligators After Hours

If you can’t get enough of the alligators during their normal hours, you can attend two recurring events: Twilight Tours and Spring Release.

Twilight Tours

Twilight Tours are available monthly throughout the summer for anyone at least ten years old. During a special guided tour, you will experience the facility in the dark, see their glowing red eyes, and have some laughs.

The tour starts at 9:30 PM and lasts until 11:30 PM, but don’t be late because they lock the door once it starts. Tickets are $20, and reservations are required by calling ahead or purchasing them on their website.

Spring Release

Before the Sanctuary opens for the season, you can help the staff as they carry the alligators from their winter enclosures into their summer habitat.

Watch their Facebook page for details, but this special event happens every year at the end of April. You don’t need a reservation to help, but you must pay admission for this wild encounter.

Your kids can get in on the action and carry an alligator because all ages are welcome. Your fingers will be safe because their mouths are taped, but your child will earn some bragging rights for their help, along with an unforgettable experience.

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