Huber Woods Reptile House In Middletown Reopens

MIDDLETOWN, NJ – From slithering snakes to hopping frogs, the Monmouth County Park System’s Reptile House, located in Huber Woods Park in Middletown, has re-opened.

The Reptile House was shut down for several months for extensive renovations. Originally built in 1927 as a garage to the Hans Huber House (now the Huber Woods Environmental Center), the Reptile House was cramped and outdated, the Monmouth County Park System said. Renovations included repairing the building’s exterior and redesigning its interior.

It officially re-opened for visitors this past Monday, December 9. Visitors will notice a new open floor plan with new and larger live animal exhibits, improved work areas behind the exhibits and better circulation flow for visitors.

The Reptile House is located in Huber Woods Park, at 25 Brown’s Dock Road in Middletown.

“The Huber Woods Park Reptile House has been a popular attraction for visitors since the 1990s,” said Freeholder and Park System Liaison Lillian Burry. “With the new renovation, the reptile exhibits will offer nature lovers of all ages an enriching educational experience.”

The Reptile House is a chance for park visitors to see reptiles and amphibians native to Monmouth County and this part of New Jersey, and learn about their role in our environment. Visitors can see and learn about a Natural Corn Snake (an endangered species), Northern Pine Snake (a threatened species in the state), Eastern King Snake, Northern Diamondback Terrapins, Spotted Turtles, Fowlers Toads, and Gray Tree Frogs among other creatures.

"The space looks so different and works well for visitors to come see our inhabitants," said Senior Park Naturalist Sam Skinner. “If our critters could talk, they’d say how nice it is to be in a more natural environment.”

One of the best features of the renovation is the new animal habitats: The Park System installed new animal habitats that feature environmental controls, lighting and scenery. These habitats are accompanied by lively graphics and signs that provide information on the animals and their environments.

The Reptile House is open daily, year round. Winter hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the warmer months, hours are extended to 5 p.m. on weekends. You can also stop into the Huber Woods Environmental Center.