Grant's Farm: free, top-notch family fun
There are few places where past and present, history and ecology, education and entertainment meet more seamlessly than Grant’s Farm. Located south of St. Louis, this 281-acre ancestral home of Ulysses S. Grant contains more than 1,000 animals, rides, historical attractions and shows guaranteed to entertain visitors of all ages.
In 1848, 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant and his new bride received 80 acres as a wedding present and built a four-room cabin on the land as their first home. Nearly 40 years later, the property was purchased by August Busch Sr., who displayed the cabin at the 1904 World’s Fair.
Since then, the Anheuser-Busch company has restored the cabin and expanded the land to create one of the nation’s top family attractions, serving more than 24 million guests.
A visit to Grant’s Farm begins with a tram ride through Deer Park, home to exotic animals from around the world, including bison, red deer, zebra and antelope. Guests are kept on the look-out for animals near and far as they travel through the open plains, passing lakes stocked with goldfish and koi.
After the safari-like adventure, visitors are deposited at the Tier Garten where they can pet and feed pygmy goats, view kangaroos, birds and reptiles, and even catch a show involving birds of prey or the talents of Grant’s Farm’s highly trained elephants.
Next, visitors can explore the Bauernhof, modeled on a 19th century Bavarian farm with courtyard, stables, carriage house, and the Busch family’s renowned carriage collection. Guests 21 or older can sample Anheuser-Busch beverages in the hospitality room, and the courtyard is a perfect stop for lunch and snacks.
A tram is at the ready to return guests back to the main entrance, but visitors should definitely remember to stop by the Budweiser Clydesdale Stables at the rear of the parking lot. The stables are home to more than 30 of the majestic horses, which can grow 6 feet tall at the shoulder and more than 2,000 pounds.
With its entertaining activities, historical significance and undeniable charm, Grant’s Farm is guaranteed to leave a smile on every visitor’s face. And with free admission year-round, it truly is a not-to-be-missed destination.
- by D.J. Siegel, Saint Louis Reporter for HelloMetro
(Click to leave a message)
