Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Grant’s Farm is a rare gem that blends history, nature, and family fun into one unforgettable (and free!) experience. Located just outside the city on a historic 281-acre estate once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame, Grant’s Farm is now a beloved local treasure. It offers a little bit of everything – from a tram ride through a wildlife park and goat feeding to camel rides, majestic Budweiser Clydesdales, and even two complimentary beers for adults. Whether you’re traveling with kids, catching up with friends, or just looking for a unique day out, there’s something for everyone at this iconic destination. It’s also a perfect off-day stop for Cardinals fans looking to connect with the Anheuser-Busch legacy beyond Busch Stadium. Here’s are some tips and highlights from our many visits to Grant’s Farm.
💡 Grant’s Farm Tips for the Best Experience
- 🚃 Sit on the right side of the trolley for the best view of Hardscrabble, the log cabin built by Ulysses S. Grant.
- ⏰ Arrive early for the trolley ride to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
- 🚴♂️ Arrive by bike or foot via Grant’s Trail to skip parking fees and bypass long parking lot lines on busy weekends.
- 🔒 Bring a bike lock if biking in (racks are available).
- 🍼 Buy your goat-feeding bottle early at the Tiergarten, as they often sell out later in the day.
- 🦙 Visit the Tiergarten early or late in the day when animals are more active and the area is less crowded.
- 🧼 Use the provided hand sanitizer after animal encounters like goat, llama, and parakeet feedings.
- 🐴 Visit the Clydesdale stables early or near closing to avoid crowds and get better photo ops.
- 🍻 Adults 21+ can enjoy two complimentary beers in the Bauernhof Courtyard – don’t miss this free perk!
- 🥤 Outside food and drink are not allowed, but there are plenty of food and snack options inside the farm.
- 🥨 Visit during their festive Maifest/Oktoberfest weekends and enjoy seasonal brews, live music, and German food (check the schedule for the live music, which often starts later in the day).
- 📅 Check the Grant’s Farm website for seasonal events like Maifest, Oktoberfest, Fall Fest, Halloween nights, and holiday celebrations to plan your visit around extra festivities.
🚃 Main Entrance and Trolley Ride
Your Grant’s Farm adventure begins with a scenic trolley ride through the lush Deer Park, a wildlife preserve filled with an incredible variety of animals. As you wind past grassy fields and shaded groves, you’ll spot free-roaming creatures such as Scottish Highland cows, elk, llamas, Canada geese, zedonks, water buffalo, red deer, ostriches, and blackbuck antelope – a peaceful and awe-inspiring way to kick off your visit. The journey starts at Mirror Lake and it’s beautiful fountains, and then passes the iconic iron gates made from Civil War rifle barrels. One of the highlights along the route is “Hardscrabble,” the historic log cabin hand-built by Ulysses S. Grant in 1856, offering a rare look into the early life of the future president. Near Hardscrabble, you’ll also spot Civil War–era cannons, a Gatling gun, and a 38-star American flag, representing the era in which Grant lived. Look closely and you may catch a glimpse of the Busch family estate, tucked among the trees in the distance. Don’t forget to watch for the bear and peacock carvings, cleverly shaped from fallen or damaged trees along the path. The narrated ride adds to the experience with fun facts and stories about the Busch family, the estate, and the land’s rich legacy.
💡 Tip: Sit on the right side of the trolley for the best views of both Hardscrabble and the animals! We also like to sit in the back so we can interact with the guide.
🐐 Tiergarten and Petting Zoo
The Tiergarten is a family favorite and an especially magical spot for younger guests. This lively area offers an interactive, hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals from around the world. With plenty of shaded paths and fun educational signs scattered along the way, the Tiergarten perfectly blends learning with entertainment, making it a can’t-miss stop during your visit.
💀 Entrance
Grant’s Farm changes up the Tiergarten entrance decor, including adding skeletons for Halloween. They recently hosted a mural contest for the facade, with the winning design being painted on the entryway and displayed for years to come.
🦙 Feeding Goats and Llamas
One of the biggest highlights is bottle-feeding adorable baby goats – a must-do activity that’s guaranteed to spark giggles and capture some unforgettable photo ops. If you run out of milk or want a more calm experience, you can also brush the goats for free. Visitors can also hand-feed llamas from an ice cream cone. The llamas can bite and the goats also like to nibble your clothes and even your hair.
🐫 Riding Camels
You can also ride camels!
🦜 Birds (Parakeets, Peacocks, Macaw, Live Show)
Grant’s Farm is home to a vibrant variety of birds, adding color and charm to your visit. One of the most delightful experiences is feeding the playful parakeets, who happily perch on your seed stick, phone, head or sweaty neck – Scott is quite the chick magnet! Keep an eye out for majestic peacocks strutting freely through the park, flashing their iridescent feathers, and stop by the enclosures to see brilliantly colored macaws. Don’t miss the live bird show, where you’ll get a closer look at some of these fascinating species in action including the macaws solving math problems and showing their strength.
🐢 Other Animal Encounters and Carousel
You’ll find animal enclosures featuring lemurs, tortoises, rabbits, wallabies, and more – offering plenty of opportunities to get an up-close look at exotic species from around the world. Between animal encounters, kids can enjoy extra fun with classic attractions like the carousel, face painting, and caricature drawings, adding a playful and colorful touch to the experience.
🍺 Bauernhof Courtyard and Free Beers
After exploring the animals, make your way to the Bauernhof Courtyard – a picturesque, German-inspired beer garden built in 1913. Designed to resemble a traditional Bavarian farmstead, the courtyard is the heart of Grant’s Farm’s hospitality. Here, adults (21 and over) can enjoy two complimentary Anheuser-Busch beers while relaxing under shaded tables and soaking in the lively atmosphere, often accompanied by live music. In both May and October, the courtyard becomes even more festive with Maifest & Oktoberfest celebrations, featuring seasonal brews, German fare, and extra entertainment that brings a true taste of Bavaria to St. Louis. The courtyard also features snacks, souvenirs, and a peaceful vibe, making it an ideal mid-visit break or spot to unwind before heading out.
🐴 Clydesdales
No trip to Grant’s Farm would be complete without visiting the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales. You can pet a Clydesdale at the Clydesdale Meet & Greet within the Bauernhof Courtyard. They generally have Clydedales or other horses/ponies in the stables connected to Bauernhof, which you can also pet. Housed in the immaculate red barn, these massive horses are known for their strength, elegance, and signature feathered hooves. Guests can stroll through the barn, observe grooming routines, and learn about the important role the Clydesdales have played in American advertising and Anheuser-Busch history.
For an even more in-depth experience, consider booking the Clydesdale Close-up Tour. This 75-minute tour takes you beyond the main barn to explore the stallion barn, the mare barn (including the giant scale used to weigh the horses), and the lush pastures where the Clydesdales graze. You’ll also tour the Horse & Handler area, where you can pet, groom, and take photos with these gentle giants. The tour wraps up with a complimentary beverage with one of the expert handlers – and you’ll even receive a 10% discount to use at the Clydesdale Corner gift shop.
🛞 Historic Carriages
One of the often-overlooked gems at Grant’s Farm is the impressive collection of historic coaches and carriages on display. Located by the Bauernhof Courtyard, this collection showcases beautifully restored 19th- and early 20th-century coaches, many of which were used for parades, exhibitions, and special events by the Busch family and Anheuser-Busch. The craftsmanship is truly incredible – each coach features intricate woodwork, polished brass fittings, and elegant leather detailing that reflect a bygone era of transportation. From grand parade wagons to sleek carriages once used to promote Budweiser across the country, the collection gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into both equestrian history and American advertising heritage. It’s a must-see for history buffs, horse lovers, and anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship.
🚴♂️ Grant’s Trail
For those looking to add a little activity to their visit, Grant’s Trail is a fantastic option. This 10-mile paved greenway runs alongside the farm and connects directly to the property, offering a scenic and active way to arrive. Bike racks are available near the entrance, making it easy to lock up your ride and explore the farm on foot. Even better – arriving via Grant’s Trail allows you to enter Grant’s Farm without having to pay for parking and skip the long car lines that can back up into the parking lot on busy weekends. We typically park at the Grant’s Trail Mile 10 trailhead and bike the ~3 miles to Grant’s Farm. Note you will have to carry your bike down a short set of stairs off of Grant’s Trail to the bike rack. The trail itself winds through wooded areas, parks, and residential neighborhoods, making it perfect for a morning ride, leisurely walk, or even a rollerblade session before or after your visit.
Check out this timelapse of the Grant’s Trail.
🎃 Fall Fest
Celebrate autumn in classic St. Louis style at Fall Fest at Grant’s Farm, where vibrant scenery and seasonal fun take over the farm every weekend in October and early November. This family-friendly event features seasonal treats, themed photo ops, and fall-inspired activities for all ages. Head to the Clydesdale Barn for the Fall Fest Marketplace, browse local food vendors, and let the kids explore a corn maze & pit right next to the Clydesdale pastures. And of course, don’t miss your chance to meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales! Whether you’re there for the pumpkins, the animals, or the beer, Fall Fest adds a festive twist to the Grant’s Farm experience.
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