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Visitors Guide to Grant's Farm in St. Louis

Dave G. Houser/Getty Images

Grant's Farm is one of the most popular free attractions in St. Louis . The 281-acre farm is the former home of the beer industry's famous Busch family. It's named for President Ulysses S. Grant who farmed part of the land in the 1800s. Grant's Farm is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. It's also the place to go to see the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Location and Hours

Grant's Farm is located at 10501 Gravois Road in St. Louis County. It's open every day except Monday in the summer, and on weekends only in the spring and fall. Summer weekend mornings are the busiest time to visit. For shorter lines and smaller crowds, plan your trip on a weekday afternoon.

The entrance to the farm opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 3:30 p.m. The farm itself remains open for 90 more minutes after the entrance closes. There are typically extended hours on Fridays until 10 p.m. from May 25 to August 24 and special hours for their Halloween event.

You can expect to spend at least two to three hours there, with all of the fun attractions to see.

Admission is free, but expect to pay $15 for parking. There are no other parking lots nearby, so if you don't want to pay for parking your only options are biking or walking to the farm.

Taking the Tram

Once you arrive at Grant's Farm, you'll follow the path from the parking lot, across a covered bridge, to the Tram Station. Everyone rides the tram to get to the heart of the farm. The narrated ride takes about 15 minutes and passes by many of the animal habitats. Along the way, you'll see deer, bison, zebra, and more. The tram drops off near the gift shop. When you are ready to leave, the tram pick-up location is outside the Bauernhof (farmstead in German), by the farm's beautiful German-style courtyard.

Seeing the Animals

Grant's Farm has more than 900 exotic animals. After leaving the tram, many visitors head over to feed and pet the baby goats. From there, it's an easy walk to see the elephants, kangaroos, lemurs, and other animals on your way to the Bauernhof.

You may also want to stop and take in one of the elephant education shows or other animal encounters. The animal shows are free, but you should bring some change for animal food to give to the camels, goats, and parakeets. If you bring kids with you, consider getting a pass that includes one carousel ride, a snow cone, and two goat feeding bottles.

The Beer Garden

The beer garden at the Bauernhof is where to go when you want a drink, snack, or meal. There is a large outdoor courtyard with tables and umbrellas as well as several food stands serving casual meals like brats, pizza, and salads. The Anheuser-Busch hospitality room also offers visitors ages 21 and older two free glasses of AB beer samples.

The Clydesdale Stables

During your visit to Grant's Farm, don't miss the chance to see the famed Budweiser Clydesdales. The Clydesdale Stable is located on the opposite side of the parking lot from the main entrance. It's easiest to see the Clydesdales first thing when you arrive, before heading to the main gate, or as the final stop when you are leaving. There are about 25 Clydesdales who live at Grant's Farm. There's also a Clydesdale gift shop, and you can even get your picture taken with one of the horses.

Additional Things to Do

While admission to the farm is free, there are extra things to do for an additional charge.

You can take behind-the-scenes tours, such as the Clydesdale tour for $25 per person. Carousel and camel rides cost a few dollars. You may want to purchase a Fun Pass which includes a carousel ride, a snow cone, and two goat feeding bottles for $7. Some of the shows cost a few dollars each as well.

Special Events

Each year, the farm hosts a big Halloween bash . Many costumed visitors show up on weekend nights in October to see the farm decked out in its Halloween finest. The decorations are spooky, but not too scary for most children, and there's plenty of music, food, and dancing to stay entertained.

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Grant’s Farm: 15+ Tips for an Awesome Visit

updated 202 2

Grant’s Farm Opening Day is April 30, 2022! Spring Break (Clydesdale) Sneak Peek: March 12-April 24

Our favorite St. Louis farm is ready for visitors!! This year they’re offering a special “sneak peek” of the Clydesdale Stables during spring break.

Last year the staff put the FARM back in Grant’s Farm, with more cows, more chickens, more turtles… wait, are turtles even farm animals?? They added a special barn for the parakeets, a new dairy cow exhibit and upgraded the Bauernhof.

Grant’s Farm is Now Cashless

Big update for 2022: Grant’s Farm is now plastic only! The move is to speed up lines so customers can just swipe when they make a purchase. (I’m checking to see if they’re still doing cash for animal feed.)

Spring Break Sneak Peek

Starting March 12 and running to April 24, Grant’s Farm will be open PARTIALLY open on weekends, plus the week of March 20-26 when many school kids are on Spring Break.

They are only opening up the Clydesdale Stables and paddock area, which includes a gift shop and snack area in the big barn.

As always, you only pay to park to visit Grant’s Farm. Parking is only $5 this spring — but only the horse barn area is open to the public.

There are TWO special tour packages you can buy during this special Spring access — a horse encounter and a VIP tour.

Clydesdale Close-Up A 75 minute guided tour of the stables, plus a chance to pet, feed and get a photo with a Clydesdale. Recommended for people over 7. Tickets are $25 and everyone on the tour must have a ticket.

Private Behind-the-Scenes Tour This special two hour tour is for a group of up to 12 people. You’ll ride in one of their safari vans and make 3 stops. New for 2022, the group will walk the grounds outside the Busch family estate home and learn the history behind the historic mansion, built in 1910 by August A. Busch. Then visit inside Grant’s Cabin, built by Ulysses S. Grant. Finally, you’ll get to drive through the Deer Park and hand-feed a variety of animals from the vehicle.

(Book a Tour & Parking Spot Here)

Do I have to Wear a Mask at Grant’s Farm in 2022?

Grant’s Farm is following St. Louis County guidance on masks and safety. Currently there is no mask mandate in St. Louis County.

RSVP Required to Visit

Admission is still free and parking is still $15 per car. BUT it looks like Grant’s Farm is still requiring visitors to reserve a time slot to visit. You can stay as long as you like once inside the park.

RSVP for Grant’s Farm Here

Grant’s Farm is the perfect place for a weekend family outing. The kids get to feed goats, lamas and parakeets, maybe ride a camel and eat lots of ice cream. Mom and dad get few free beers. What’s not to love?

So What is Grant’s Farm?

What do you get when you combine a small zoo, a historic place and a bit of corporate good citizenship? Well, if you’re in St. Louis…you’ve got Grant’s Farm! This is one of our favorite places to visit with the kids and I’m sure it will be yours too!

I have to admit, Grant’s Farm is an unusual tourist attraction! It’s basically a mini zoo run by Anheuser-Busch as a gesture of corporate goodwill. The farm is named after President Ulysses S. Grant, who’s family once owned the property.

In 1903 the land was acquired by the Busch family, who thought it would be a lovely retreat from their city home. Eventually Busch built a mansion, a German style barn and a deer park. In the 19th century it was trendy for the wealthy to play at being farmers–it’s pretty interesting stuff if you dig into it. I’m thinking he had some of the most pampered cows in town.

So how did this playground of the rich and famous become a beloved public attraction? In the 1950’s Anheuser-Busch was headed up by Gussie Busch, a real “man of the people.” He owned the St. Louis Cardinals, he built the first Busch Stadium and he was one heck of a promoter. He knew how much his friends loved visiting his animal collection, so he decided to open it to the public.

Grant’s Farm been open to the public for 67 years as of 2021. It’s changed a lot, but mostly for the better. 

History Lesson Over…Let’s get back to Grant’s Farm today!

— Here’s my Tips for the Best Visit EVER! —

Wear comfy walking shoes, a hat and sunblock.

(File this under “duh.”) The park 280 acres! There’s lots of shade trees and a tram to take you through the deer park pastures, but there’s still a good bit of walking.

And remember the Clydesdale’s barn is in the back of the parking lot. You’ll want to see them too!

Admission is FREE. Parking is not.

Parking is $15 a car. Right now we need to RSVP on line to reserve your time to visit . But once you in, you’re in! I’ve seen plenty of out-of-towners looking for a ticket booth that doesn’t exists.

You will need to pay for some of the extras like the carousel, camel rides and animal food.

If it’s a nice summer day, go a little later. *

* Currently — in 2022 — we need to RSVP for a timed ticket. This should eliminate long lines to get into the park on a nice day.

Grant’s Farm is busiest on summer weekends when the tourists are in town. We’ve noticed top crowds when you come early–but remember, the Farm stays open about 90 minutes AFTER the gate closes, so an afternoon visit could mean a shorter line to get in and fewer people in the beer garden.

Or plan a Late Friday Evening Visit!

Friday Nights at the Farm are back! Every Friday night the farm is until 10pm! Gates close at 8:30pm.

Every Friday night there will be live music in the beer garden and fun food & beer pairing for the grownups.

Please, leave your Giant Stroller or Wagon at Home!

You’ll need to ride a tram to get into the park– all strollers have to be folded up and stored in the first car. If they can’t fold it, it’s not going.

They do rent strollers once you get to the Tier Garten, but the walk part of the park really isn’t that big. If you can do without your giant SUV style stroller, you’ll be a happy camper. And so will the rest of us waiting in line behind you as you unpack your stroller to fold it up.

No Outside Food!

If your in serious need of a picnic, visit nearby Whitecliff Park . Otherwise, just grab a bite to eat at the Farm . After all, Grant’s Farm offers two free adult beverages to everyone over 21, so it balances out whatever you’re buying for the kids.

Conquer the Bauernhof!

Lunch crowds can be big at the main beer garden, so it’s better when you have at least two adults in your group. Have one stake out a table with the kids while the other tracks down snacks/lunch/daddy’s free beer.

Or hit Tier Garden Treats for lunch

If the Brat Haus line at the main beer garden looks too long, remember that you can get brats, pizza, hot dogs and ice cream at the food stand next to the amphitheater. This area is rarely crowded…probably because there’s no free beer here.

They ONLY take plastic!

For the longest time the Brat Haus and Tier Garden Treats only took cash . They’ve gotten all modern now, so leave your cash in your pocket. They’re hoping that keeping purchases down to a swipe of the card will speed up lines. ( I told you, I’ve been going here a loooooooong time. )

Feed the Animals!

Grant’s Farm can be a pretty cheap outing, but don’t miss the chance to feed some adorable animals!

(Note: I haven’t received updated 2022 info on how we’re feeding all the cute animals yet. Hopefully prices will stay the same.)

You can feed camels, lamas, sheep & mini cattle –feed them for 50 cents and they’ll love you forever.

Take a spin on the carousel for $3 –adults are free if you need to help a smaller child.

Feed the Parakeets for $3 .

Camel rides are $10. You can grab your own photo, or let the pros do it for $5.

Want a photo with a Clydesdale? That’s $10–and they’ll let you pet him too.

Yes, there’s Free Beer.

Look for the Hospitality Bar in the Beer Garden for your 2 samples of free Anheuser Busch products. Everyone needs to step up and get their own beer, and they do check IDs if you look young. No, they won’t let you get a beer for your wife, husband or grandma who’s watching eight kids.

You’re only getting two samples at the hospitality bar. Really .

You might think with all of those people stopping by for a free beer that maybe the bartenders give out an occasional extra. Nope. I’ve seen these folks in action and they remember. Every. Visitor. They often hand you a second beer with a cheery, “see you next week!”

Do you want in free? Ride your bike.

Bike racks are located right off Grant’s Trail, an eight mile paved path that runs from Kirkwood to Lemay . The closest trail heads are at Applebee’s on Watson and next to Norrenbern’s Lumber on Tesshire Road. You’ll save some cash and burn some calories, it’s a win-win.

See the rest of General Grant’s estate at the National Historic Site next door.

Don’t even think about parking there and walking to Grant’s Farm, the Park Rangers patrol their parking lot looking for cheapskates. The Historical site has a museum and offer tours of White Haven, Julia Grant’s family homestead. Grant’s Farm, on the other hand has no problem if you leave your car in their lot at walk to the National Park. Look for the steps to Grant’s Trail over by the front gate, it’s just a few hundred feet between Grant’s Farm and the historical site.

This is part of our Summer Bucket List! >>> Click here for More Fun Ideas! <<<

Off The Beaten Page Travel

Getting Cozy With Clydesdales in St. Louis

On April 7, 1933 brothers August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III decided to surprise their father, August A. Busch, Sr., with a six-horse Clydesdale team pulling a bright red beer wagon to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition. They couldn’t have known at the time that they were setting in motion one of the world’s most recognizable corporate icons. Now, the “gentle giants” are beloved and recognized well beyond the beer brand they represent.

Children and adults can cozy up to these big guys at the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St.

Louis, Mo. which offers family friendly tours. Check out St. Louis Mom for her take on the tour. The horses also frolic in the fields at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, the Clydesdale “prep school.” Grant Farm’s behind-the-scenes “Clydesdale Experience” tour provides an in-depth look at what it takes for a young Clyde to become an official Budweiser Clydesdale.  Guests tour the stables while gaining an inside look into the operations, the training process, and daily horse maintenance. Heaven for horse-loving kids. Reserve ahead! Warm Springs Ranch ,  the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo., also offers tours.

Not just any Clydesdales qualifies for one of the traveling teams or “hitches.” A Budweiser Clydesdale must be a gelding at least four years of age, stand 72 inches at the shoulder when fully mature, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, have a bay coat, four white legs, a white blaze (that big stripe on his nose), and a black mane and tail, so not all the horses make the team.

Ah, to be a Clydesdale! (aside from the gelding part.) The official home of the Budweiser Clydesdales is an ornate brick, stained-glass, and chandelier-festooned stable, built in 1885 on the historic 100-acre lAnheuser-Busch St. Louis brewery complex. The building is one of three located on the brewery grounds that are registered as historic landmarks by the federal government. It’s much nicer and cleaner than most people’s homes.

There, the horses are brushed, curried, trimmed and shod like movie stars. When relaxing they wear stunning red coats sporting an embroidered “A” monogram.  At work they wear hand-crafted patent leather and brass harnesses that weigh in at 130 pounds, a mere speck if you weigh 1800 pounds yourself, and fancy plumes on their heads.

The horses and the brewer have come a long way since the dark days of Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. Rather than close its doors, as more than half of the nation’s breweries did, Anheuser-Busch diversified and marketed more than 25 different non-alcohol products such as soft drinks, truck bodies and ice cream, among them Bevo, a non-alcohol cereal beverage. Yum. It’s no wonder the Busch family was as happy as Clydesdales in clover when the twenty-first amendment to the U.S. Constitution ended Prohibition.

But they wouldn’t have made it through Prohibition without ingenuity and savvy marketing skills and they soon realized the marketing potential of that horse-drawn beer wagon. So, the company also arranged to have a second six-horse Clydesdale hitch sent to New York on April to celebrate the event. The Clydesdales drew a crowd of thousands as they clattered down the streets of New York City to the Empire State Building. After a small ceremony, a case of Budweiser was presented to former Governor Alfred E. Smith in appreciation of his years of service in the fight against Prohibition.

Recognizing that they had a pretty good thing going with the Clydesdales the company extended their tour through New England and the Middle Atlantic States, drawing giant crowds along the way. That included a stop in Washington D.C. in to reenact the delivery of one of the first cases of Budweiser to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Still, the brewers couldn’t have imagined the horses they harnessed as a publicity stunt would turn into a brand icon and the annual stars of the Superbowl.

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Grant’s Farm – Home of the Budweiser Clydesdales

Apr 20, 2019

Grant’s Farm started off as an 1848 wedding present for the then newly married Ulysses S. Grant. The future general and President set about sawing logs to build the two-story cabin that can still found here.

Grant moved away from both farming and the farm in 1858. After years of renting the property out, the Grant family let it go in 1885. August Busch Sr. bought the property in 1907 and it’s remained in the Busch family ever since.

If the name “Busch” looks familiar to you, it should. It’s often seen in conjunction with the name “Anheuser,” as in “Anheuser-Busch,” brewers of Budweiser beer.

The Busch family has turned the farm into a wildlife preserve. 100’s of species of animals live here, including buffalo, antelope, elephants, kangaroos, ostriches, camels, and yes: Budweiser Clydesdales.

Visiting Grant’s Farm

Visitors to Grant’s Farm will find a wide variety of things to see and do.

History buffs will thrill at the tour of “Hardscrabble,” the two-story cabin President Grant built with his own hands. Be sure to check out the fence near the cabin that is made from 2,563 Civil War rifle barrels!

Animal lovers will enjoy up-close and personal animal experiences in the Tier Garten amphitheater. A tram ride through Deer Park will take you to even bigger and more exotic animals on the farm.

The famous Budweiser Clydesdale Stables are here, too, housing world’s largest herd of Clydesdales.

Hungry? The farm offers a variety of snacks, like bratwurst, pretzels, pizza, and chicken strips. Those over the age of 21 may also drop by the hospitality room for complimentary samples of Anheuser-Busch products.

Grant’s Farm

The farm is located at  10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123 . Admission to the farm is free but some of the attractions are not.

Grant’s Farm operates seasonally, May to October every year. Visit the Grant’s Farm  website  for more details. You can also follow the farm on  Facebook ,  Twitter , and  Instagram .

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No matter where  your Missouri adventures  take you, you’re going to need somewhere to call your home base. Luckily, there are locally owned Missouri inns and B&B’s all across the state, offering the very best in Missouri accommodations. Missouri B&B’s offer uncommonly comfortable amenities, nutritious breakfasts, and an insider’s knowledge of the area. Choose your  Missouri bed and breakfast  now!

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