Chicago Reptile House, Orland Park

Based in Orland Park, Illinois, Chicago Reptile House acts as a Midwest herpetocultural outpost. Owners Jeff Lodico and Brian Potter started the store in 1993 after meeting in the Marines and working together at one of the first reptile shops in the US in the '80s. Before long, they expanded their business operations to include Chicago Bird House—dedicated to exotic species—and, later, Chicago Fish and Coral Company, devoted to fish, invertebrates, and corals.

As an integral part of the scene committed to the cultivation of exotic animals, Chicago Reptile House takes part in organizing the quarterly North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show in Tinley Park, Illinois, and Arlington, Texas. Here, visitors can familiarize themselves with everything from rare reptiles to species ideal for new pet owners. They can also chat with top breeders and might even meet some familiar faces from their favorite shows on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.