Gator Country

I have driven along this stretch of I-​10 a few times and I always see the giant gator statue out front, scream «WE NEED TO STOP AND SEE THE GATORS,» and then realize that I’m not five and there are places to go and people to see. Except this time it was different. This time I was going to get at those gators. So we swerved off at the exit, parked in what was essentially a mud pit, and made our way inside.
Fifteen dollars a person? Seriously? That almost made me turn back but I had come this far, and they probably use that money for gator conservation or something, right? Right. The girls at the cash registers were unbelievably rude. I really have no idea why.
The inside contains a number of tanks and cages with various creatures inside. I got to touch a snake. So now I know what nightmares feel like.
We headed outside to walk around before the «Big Al» show began. They do have a LOT of alligators on the property. Some of them will pop their heads up above water and track you as you move around their pond. Most likely because they think you are going to feed them, but it’s still kind of creepy. They also have what I refer to as the «Lily Pad Pond of Horrors.» We walked by what appeared to be a pond covered with lily pads, flowers, and other aquatic flora and fauna. It appeared to be empty. Then things started to move. And we realized the the entire thing was FILLED with alligators. It was cool and disgusting at the same at time.
The Big Al show was fun, except for the fact that the bag of animal intestines used to lure Big Al out of his pond was placed in the hot sun directly in front of where I was seated. Things got quite fragrant. The show basically consists of the handlers badgering Al out of the comfort of his pond, which is essentially a giant mud puddle, prompting him to hiss and snap at them. I kinda felt bad for the guy. He’s 84 for pete’s sake (seriously. this was reiterated a lot). But he is very large and mean and when you see a man stick his arm in an alligator’s mouth, you feel like you’ve gotten what you’ve come for.
I’m glad I finally got to experience Gator Country, even though the price is a little ridiculous and it does border on tourist trap. One of the stars is for Big Al, who really should have some nicer digs considering what they’re charging and that he is the main attraction.
I will say that places in this region of the country really, REALLY want to lure you in using baby alligators. They are promoted everywhere from gas stations to restaurants (where they are hopefully not on the menu). At least at Gator Country I felt like I was able to gawk at these animals in an ethical manner, even if I grumbled about the price.

Had a delightful time at Gator Country. Fed the alligators and watched Big Al being fed. A good show! Not extremely expensive for us, two seniors and a grandson. Will return with more grandchildren later in the summer!

Fun and educational experience! A lot of great photo opportunities. Staff is very knowledgeable and cares about the animals. Even though there were about 30 people at the park the staff still managed to spend one on one time with each family and take snakes or lizards out of the cages for us to hold.

This place is really random, but ok! We drove about 2 ½ hours to get out there, but random fun adventures is my style so we didn’t mind. We were not really sure what to expect, so we went with an open mind. This place is pretty big, they have a TON of gators in all kinds of different «fenced» areas. They also have some inside in their own little sections. They also have turtle and bleck snakes… and a few other random reptiles. You basically walk around a small farm and look at the gators yourself. Each fenced area has different amounts of gators either swimming, eating, or sunbathing. The place is very informative when it comes to learning about gators and the people who work there really care about them. You have to take the initiative to talk to the people who work there though to get information out of them. They are of course working, so they have other things to do, but will give you info if you ask questions. Definitely stop by and take a look at Big Al! They also have shows at 12, 2 and I think 4. Unfortunately we went when it wasn’t supper busy so they didn’t do a show, which was kind of disappointing because they don’t really offer all that much. It would have been nice to see a little more action. I would plan on spending no more than an hour here, especially if they don’t put on a show. You can literally walk around and look at everything yourself in about 15 minutes. We stayed a little longer, fed the gators and did a few laps because we drove so long to get there. Is it awesome fun and entertaining, no not really, can you do extra things yes, feed the gators and go on a lake tour (all cost extra) is it random and informative and something different to do, yes! Wont go out of my way to go back, but glad I went, random thing to check off my list!

This was an okay experience but it was not worth the hour drive unless you do the adventure package, which is 22.00 per person. 15.00/adult and 12.00/for kids just gets you admission and the «show» which is NOT for younger kids. My 5 year old was bored after 5 minutes. Big Al was the highlight and otherwise I would have given them only 1 star. The handler was okay. The Big Al part of the show latest about 10 minutes and then we walked around feeding the alligators food, which is extra. I had a Groupon for this so it cost me about 20.00 for admission for 3 and the food, not bad but if we ever decided to go back we would plan on spending the extra to do the adventure package, which is only wading with baby alligators, they have there mouths taped shut, and a picture with a medium sized gator, which has its mouth taped shut as well…

Great place to get off the road and enjoy a gator show. Very memorable and lots of opportunities for great photos– definitely the kind of place that the kids will remember visiting.
We stopped on our way through on a road trip, but I would also stop here as a destination. Definitely worth the trip. The focus of the show is on conservation and education, so it was just as enjoyable for us adults as it was for the kids. Lots of great info– the guy giving the presentation has been featured on animal planet, myth busters, etc and really knows how to charm a crowd. As another reviewer mentioned, they do have a couple places in their skit where they jump scare the kids sitting up front– once with a stuffed alligator and then again with a fake snake at the end of the skit. So if that’s not your thing, don’t sit front and center. Personally, I felt like it kept the energy high and entertaining.
They bring out several different kinds/​sizes of alligators and a crocodile, explained the difference between the two, and passed around a skull so that the kids could all feel how sharp the teeth are. It was a very engaging presentation, and lasted about 30 minutes or so. Then there was a 15 minute break where you can pick up a tshirt or gator trinket, followed by a 15 minute presentation at Big Al’s pond. Big Al is an 84 year old gator who clocks in at over 13 feet. One of the guys climbed in and engaged Big Al, feeding him and getting him to swim around. The sound of the jaws chomping down is like nothing else! Amazing.
They also have a playground, which my kids really enjoyed. The equipment is oversized, more adult size than kid size, so my toddler struggled a little and needed a boost, but my infant loved the infant swing and my tween had a blast on the extra steep slides.
Apparently, they just started offering private guided tours on their boats, as well. When we come back next time, we will definitely be doing the boat ride. It sounds like the boat tour fills up fast– I’m not sure if they take reservations for the boat tour, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to call ahead and see if you could book the tour.
We will definitely be coming back, and I’m also going to suggest it as a field trip for my son’s school.

Stopped by during off season, got a personal tour and held so many animals. The tour guide was very knowledgable, and answered all our silly questions:” What to do if a crocodile is chasing you?” «Don’t climb up a tree. Don’t zigzag. But do throw your friend at him!»

Great place to take visitors when wanting to see local culture but BEWARE.
They have 2 idiots that get their kicks by scaring little kids. During the lecture they show live aligators/​snakes close up. When they have you concerned they open a door and throw a stuffed 4 ft gator into the audience. The little kids got so scared that a little boy cried and shook violently. NOT FUNNY…
Their next little sicko trick is when you sit on a live gator to get your picture taken. As you get ready to sit they grab you scaring the little ones to where some of them cry and want to leave. Again, NOT FUNNY.
Come on guys. GROW UP. Our kids wouldn’t go back for all the tea in China. The experience is educational and adventurous enough without idiots getting their kicks at the expense of little children.
GROW UP!!!

Wow Great Microwaving! This place is pathetic! It had potential to be great but lack of talent and money got in the way! The owner is an arrogant prison guard who thinks he’s a celebrity! He screws over his employees and is a joke to the community! The food is over priced and nothing special! If you want real Cajun food go to AL-T’s in Winnie. Avoid this Alligator torture exhibit!

We see this place every time we drive through Beaumont and this time we decided to stop. Its cool that you do not have to pay to get in. Loved seeing the gators, and the tortoise. They have tiny baby alligators and huge gators. They were out of alligator feed which was disappointing because I wanted to see the gators come more out of the water to eat.
The food was Okay. it was hot and fresh– I inquired before eating about what kind of fish the fried fish was and I was told it was catfish. The fish was alright but certainly did not taste like catfish. It was also very thick which I do not care for.
Everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. We did not get a chance to see the show. A neat place to stop and visit!

Free entertainment when eating a delicious dinner! Food taste like authentic new orleans style food and you can feed the gators what you don’t eat. No wasting food here! Right off I10 so super easy to get to.

I took my mother in law and my wife’s cousin here while they were visiting from SLC, UT. They were very surprised to learn that Texas really does have everything including alligators.
Gator Country has over 300 living alligators hanging out for your viewing pleasure. The guys who run the place also have a show on CMT called Gator 9 – 11. They rescue gators from all over Texas and West Louisiana. I missed a good chunk of the show they have but came in just in time to hear one of the guys mention that the owner has only killed one alligator in his entire life, and it was because he needed to get his thumb back after the gator bit it off and swallowed it.
They have a restaraunt on site but I did not have time to stay and eat so can’t help much in that department.
These guys put on a good show, they even let you feed the gators and hold baby gators. I very much enjoyed my visit and it sure beats a normal zoo becuase you actually see the gators and in Texas tradition the place is home to the largest gator in captivity in the USA (Everything is bigger in Texas).

On our recent family road trip from San Antonio to New Orleans we stopped here to check out the gators and have lunch. We were all completely enthralled with the critters that the gator girl showed us – baby gators, a medium sized gator, and a snake were walked around for everyone to examine and touch. The hilight of the show was «Big Al,» a near 14-​foot alligator who was beckoned to the banks. Hearing that giant gator chomp his jaws shut was one of the most impressive feats of nature I have ever observed. The kids loved holding baby gators at the end of the show – wonderful photo ops! We enjoyed the restaurant – fried gator bites, burgers, catfish, and chicken strips fueled us up for our long drive to The Big Easy. This is a great stop along I-​10 to get you in the mood for the bayou.

«Y’all jus missed tha gator wrasslin» has got to be the best restaurant greeting I’ve ever heard.
Want to feed alligators while dining on their unfortunate brother or cousin? Then Gator Country is your place! We first discovered Gator Country thanks to the big signs on I10, about an hour out of Houston. Who could resist their bright yellow cheer: «Pet baby alligators!» «Eat their Father for dinner!» (well, it wasn’t quite so detailed)
You can buy hot dogs at the gift shop to either throw to the gators or attach to wires to dangle off the sides of the pier leading to the restaurant. For $ 10 (Thursday — Sunday) you can watch demonstrations with alligators and crocodiles and explore more of the park not seen on the way to the restaurant. At the restaurant, you can eat outside on the covered porch and listen to the gators rumble and bellow or take a break inside. The ordering process was unusual. The waitress comes to your table, hands you an order pad, instructs you to review the menu, write down your order and bring it to the front where you also pay. (?)
The food was simple and good. My date assured me that the fried alligator was delish. I chowed on the chicken quesadillas, still recovering from the relief that the cute gator babies in the aquarium at the entrance were not on display so that I could «pick my own» like the lobster tank at a seafood restaurant.
* Gator wrestling is a once a year event where (stupid) people can sign a release that states that you will not sue when you get bitten while proving your manhood by wrestling a 5 foot alligator.
* The alligators (over 130 of them!) at the park are not eaten at the restaurant. The eatin’ gators come from a farm in Anahuac.