Journey Into the Odd: Oklahoma Rattlesnake & Venom Museum

Journey into the Odd:

Oklahoma Rattlesnake & Venom Museum

Oklahoma may be official home of the cowboy but lurking in its elevated plains and forested areas are over forty-six different species of snakes that also call this midwestern state home.   With so many slithering serpents its not a wonder that Oklahoma would be the only state outside of New Mexico to construct a herpetarium around some of the deadlier members of the species.  The Oklahoma City Rattlesnake & Venom Museum is a very modest collection of common to exotic venomous animals displayed in a flashy if not cramped
walk-through exhibit.  The collection of animals was impressive especially considering they are a tiny unaffiliated attraction that basically sums up to one man’s privet collection.  In addition to the rattlers the Museum advertises they also had a number of different snakes including a black mamba, Pit Viper and even a fully-grown King Cobra named Zeus.  The real surprise outside of the King Cobra was a massively big tortoise.  It was explained by the owner that the Tortoise had been a gift from the zoo he worked at and even offered to let the patrons scratch it’s neck like a puppy which brought great joy to both this reviewer and said tortoise.  The staff were very friendly, though sometimes a little “too” friendly as they could be a little pushy about making sure you saw “this” animal or “that” one and in a small confined place like the museum that could make some people a little uncomfortable or overwhelmed.  Some of the animal cages seemed rather small for the animal’s they were holding but none looked unhealthy at the time of the visit and since the owner is a former zoo employee, I can only assume that all the animals are well looked after.  What the Museum lacks in space It more then makes up in showmanship, all the animal cages are intricately designed to represent the animal’s natural habitat while also allowing museum attendees to be able to see the animal’s up close and personal.  The Rattlesnake & Venom Museum is not the reason you go to Oklahoma City but it is a nice detour if you happen to be in the area and are looking for something fun and inexpensive to do while in town.

Heads up before you head out:

. there is no official website just a Facebook page

.  the museum closes at 4 but is open every day of the week.

. there is merchandise for sale but no official gift shop and the merch do not have not prices labeled.

. admission is free, you can make a donation if you like but it is not required.

. Parking is very limited and being on a major road walking is a bit of a challenge too so if you go during a high tourist season just know that you might have to wait until a space at the museum opens up.