After falling in love with the Budweiser Clydesdales at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, our girls were excited to visit Grant's Farm in St. Louis. One of the most popular attractions in St. Louis for sixty years, Grant's Farm is a great family destination enjoyed by generations. I remember visiting Grant's Farm as a girl, and it was a joy to share this great place with my family.
This year, St. Louis is celebrating their 250th Birthday with Grant's Farm celebrating their 60th (#GrantsFarm60). Grant's Farm boasts that it has been a St. Louis institution longer than the Gateway Arch, Science Center, and City Museum!
The 281-acre farm is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 100 different species. The attraction is a favorite for animal lovers and history buffs alike. In the 1850s, the farm was founded by Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The cabin he built, one of only two homes remaining to have been built by and lived in by a U.S. President is scene on the tram tour of the park.
Upon arriving at Grant's Farm, we first visited the Clydesdales. The girls were excited to see more of the beautiful horses in their stables and pastures.
Next, we boarded a tram and rode through Deer Park. Deer Park is home to a variety of deer, bison, and elk. The guide shared the history of Grant's Farm from Ulysses S. Grant to the Bush Family, as well as educational information about the animals who lived there. We enjoyed watching the animals eat, play, rest, and "swim" in the stream and there were many great photo ops!
After our tram ride, we entered the main park. The park is part zoo, part petting zoo, and part amusement park. We enjoyed watching kangaroos, wallaby, lemurs, iguanas, tortoises, zebras, bald eagles, and more. Some of the animals are "interactive" with educational experiences to enjoy: we fed parakeets (they fly a lot in the cage and this did require a bit of reassuring for our four-year-old, but our older girls LOVED every moment), we bottle fed goats, road a carousel, and watched camel rides (we were out of time to enjoy this).
Feeding Parakeets
The Zebra... just one of many great animals at Grant's Farm!
Our favorite part of the day would have to be the shows! The Animal Encounters show was extremely fun and educational. At several points, they solicit volunteers for the audience and we enjoyed watching as children linked arms while rats raced across their "human race track," birds performed magic tricks, and a porcupine attempted to pop a balloon. This show was the favorite for three of my four girls. Our fourth daughter, however, votes for the Elephant Education show - most likely because she was chosen as a volunteer for one of the demonstrations. During this show, we learned about elephants, conservation, and the many attributes of the mighty animals (did you know elephants can walk across a balance beam?).
The Bald Eagle at the Animal Encounters Show
Finale at Animal Encounters Show
Elephant Show
Our daughter feeding the elephant
For lunch, we enjoyed the shaded picnic area of the Bauernhof where we ate brats and sandwiches. As the attraction is operated by Anheuser-Busch, guests 21 and over are given two free samples of Budweiser beer. We also walked through the stables, saw the collection of historic carriages and sleighs, and many horses and donkeys (including the one of Super Bowl Commercial Fame).
Throughout the park there are three gift shops with stuffed animals, t-shirts, postcards, and toys.
We loved our day at Grant's Farm and recommend it whole-heartedly for families vacationing in St. Louis. In the fall, be sure to check out their Halloween Event when guests enjoy costumed trick-or-treat fun!
In Honor of St. Louis' 250th!
Grant's Farm Information:
- Admission is FREE including a tram tour of the park and shows. Parking is $12/car, $30/bus.
- Visit the Grant's Farm website for general information and hours.
- Driving Directions
- There is a fee for: Carousel Rides, Parakeet Feeding, Goat Feeding, Camel Rides, Food, and Souvenirs.
- Outside food and drink is not permitted.
Tips:
- Bring a camera! There are many wonderful animals to enjoy.
- You will be walking quite a bit, wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring money (cash or credit) for food. They serve hot dogs, brats, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
- Feeding the parakeets and the baby goats is a wonderful experience for children, plan to spend $1/each to enjoy this.
- Be sure to watch the Animal Encounters and Elephant Education Shows - they are terrific!
- After visiting Grant's Farm, we headed across the street to the Free Ulysses S. Grant National Park where we toured his "White Haven" home and visitor's center. The girls completed the free Jr. Ranger program learning a lot about the President and his time in Missouri.
- Plan a great St. Louis weekend getaway! Some of our other favorite area attractions include: City Museum, The Gateway Arch, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, the St. Louis Science Center, Magic House, and the St. Louis Zoo.