Grant's Farm is one of the great St. Louis family days out, and one of the cheapest, because general admission is free and you pay only for parking and any extras. The grounds lie on the south side of the county, on land with a long history: Colonel Frederic Dent bought the property in 1820, his daughter Julia married Ulysses S. Grant, and the couple built the log cabin known as Hardscrabble there in 1855. August A. Busch Sr. acquired the estate in 1903, built the German-style stable and courtyard complex known as the Bauernhof in 1910, and his son opened the farm to the public in 1954. Today it is home to more than 900 animals. A tram carries you through Deer Park, where antelope, deer, bison, water buffalo, yaks and cattle roam freely, and at the tram stop you can feed baby goats, watch a short animal show or ride a camel. Near the entrance the Budweiser Clydesdales live in the stables with classic carriages and cars, and the horses have been a symbol of the brand since 1933. Adults over 21 can claim a complimentary Anheuser-Busch beer tasting in the Bauernhof courtyard, and snacks and meals are on sale. It is a seasonal attraction: general admission runs from mid-March to the first weekend of November, with ticketed seasonal events such as Oktoberfest, fall events and December lights on select dates.
How to visit
Grant's Farm is at 10501 Gravois Road in south St. Louis County, about a twenty-minute drive from downtown, and it is easiest by car. Entry is free, but you pay for parking, which is cheaper bought online in advance; recent guidance suggests morning, afternoon or evening passes.
The farm's own site publishes an operating calendar and some days are tour-only, with the tram and much of the park closed, so always check the calendar for your date. In the colder months the farm is generally open only for private tours and special tours such as the Clydesdale close-up.
What to expect
After crossing the covered bridge you reach the tram, which loops through Deer Park; staff will help load strollers. Allow time for the animal shows at the amphitheater, the goat bottle-feeding and the parakeet and llama feeding areas, then finish at the Clydesdale barn, which is close to the entrance so you can see the horses before you board or on your way out.
The historic cabin and the Busch family buildings are viewed on guided tours rather than freely, so decide in advance whether you want one. Extras such as animal encounters carry a separate charge.
Making the most of it
Go early or on a weekday in spring and summer, when crowds are smaller and the animals are livelier, and bring sun protection because there is a lot of open walking. It is best for children under about twelve, though history fans enjoy the Grant connection and the Busch estate.
If you are also visiting the Anheuser-Busch brewery in the city, the two make a good pairing for a beer-and-horses theme, with the brewery tour in the city and the farm for the animals. Check the season carefully, since the main gates are closed from November to March.
What to expect
The experience
A free-admission animal park with a tram through Deer Park, animal shows, goat feeding, the Clydesdale barn and Grant family history.
Best time
Spring to early November, early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
How long
Three to five hours is a comfortable family visit.
Tips
Check the operating calendar for tour-only days, buy parking online in advance and bring sun protection.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children, animal lovers and anyone curious about Grant and the Busch family.
- Families
- One of the best family days in the region, with free admission and plenty of animals to feed and watch.
- Couples
- Pleasant for a relaxed day out; adults over 21 can claim a complimentary beer tasting.
- Pair with
- The Anheuser-Busch brewery tour in the city, or the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site nearby.
- Time needed
- Allow three to five hours.
Good questions
Is Grant's Farm really free?+
General admission is free. You pay for parking, which is cheaper when bought online in advance, and for extras such as special tours and animal encounters.
When is Grant's Farm open?+
General admission runs from mid-March through the first weekend of November, with ticketed events on select dates. Check the operating calendar on the farm's own site for your date.
Can I see the Budweiser Clydesdales?+
Yes. The Clydesdales live in the stables near the main entrance, so you can see them before boarding the tram or on your way out.
What is the Grant connection?+
The land was bought by Colonel Frederic Dent in 1820, and Ulysses S. Grant and Julia Dent Grant built the log cabin known as Hardscrabble there in 1855. The Busch family later acquired the estate.
Can adults drink beer there?+
Guests over 21 can claim a complimentary Anheuser-Busch tasting at the Bauernhof courtyard, and drinks and snacks are sold around the farm.
