I’ve been a fan of going to Grant’s Farm as long as I can remember. Growing up, I always looked forward to field trips or when my Mom would take me there. When I became a parent, it was one of the first places we took my son when he was just a couple months old. If you’re not in St. Louis, Grant’s Farm is the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family {yes, Anhuser-Busch!}, and is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 100 different species. The Farm takes its name from Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. In the 1850s, Grant founded and farmed a portion of the 281 acres. This year, Grant’s Farm is celebrating their 60th anniversary and there’s tons of new stuff this year to explore!

We live very close to Grant’s Farm and are usually there a few times a year. For some reason, we JUST were able to visit last week but it was worth the wait. In addition to the family favorites of Clydesdale tours, baby goat feedings and camel rides, you’ll love the swan paddle boat rides on Mirror Lake and parakeet feedings that have been added this year.

When you arrive at Grant’s Farm, there’s now a few things you can do. You can head to the General Store {which we always save for last}, visit Mirror Lake for the swan paddle boat rides for $7 for 2 people or board the tram for a ride through the Deer Park.

The kids were anxious to see some animals, so we boarded the tram {you’ll have to take your kids out of the stroller, as they store the strollers separately on the tram. Also, no wagons allowed!} to ride through the Deer Park.

Deer Park

The Deer Park is home to a variety of exotic animal species from around the world, including Bison from North America , Black Buck Antelope from Europe, Red Deer from Asia and Europe, Zebra from Africa and more! There are also several beautiful lakes filled with fan-tailed goldfish and brilliant orange and white Japanese Koi. The Koi have been known to grow up to five feet in length and live to be 150 years old.

This is one of my favorite parts of a trip to Grant’s Farm. I love passing the home of President Grant and seeing all of the animals roaming around – sometimes so close to the tram!

Tier Garten and Animal Attractions

Once you exit the tram into the Tier Garten, there are a number of activities to enjoy!

Grant’s Farm Tip – Buy a Fun Pass for only $5! You’ll get 2 bottles of milk to feed the goats, a sno-cone and a carousel ride!

We always like to head to feed the goats first. You can buy bottles of milk to feed them. The best time is to feed them in the morning but you’ll find a hungry goat any time of day! We usually go in to feed them but Hayden opted to feed them from outside the fence today.

After the goats, we headed over for a carousel ride! It’s only $2.00 a person {but make sure you get the Fun Pass to save money!}. Hayden always has a blast and Evie also went on her first carousel ride! Olivia wasn’t too sure this time.

Then we set about exploring the rest of the Tier Garten! This is when you can get an up-close look to a ton of different animals like kangaroos, tortoises, colorful birds and more!

Grant’s Farm Tip: Bring some quarters so you can feed the camels!

Elephant Education – At Grant’s Farm, make sure to check out the Elephant Education Show. Guests will be introduced to members of the elephant herd and learn about their behavior and conservation in this interactive demonstration. Show Times: 11:15 am, 12:45 pm, 2:15 pm.

Animal Encounters – In the West Tier Garten Amphitheater, animals will entertain visitors with their athletic abilities in this close-up, interactive encounter. Show Times: 10:30 am, 12:00 pm,1:30 pm,3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

We loved visiting with the elephants and feeding the camels. While you’re here, don’t forget to feed the parakeets for only $1 {new this year!} and take a camel ride for $5.

The Bauernhof

All of that animal interaction can work up an appetite! There is no food or drink allowed inside Grant’s Farm, so this is the place to head for lunch or a snack. {There are various stands throughout the Tier Garten too}.

I love the history to explore here. The Bauernhof, German for “farmstead”, was built in 1913 and was the first building constructed on the Busch family estate. The Busch family’s world-renowned carriage collection and stables are housed here and I always love reading about them.

We love grabbing some food and then sitting in the beautiful courtyard. You’ll want to take a seat and look around at the gorgeous German architecture. We actually sat here for well over an hour the other day and it was very relaxing. Of course, I enjoyed a HUGE pretzel with cheese. There’s also a variety of sandwiches, hot dogs and brats, German potato salad and more!

Parents – I’ve saved the best for last! If you’re 21 years of age and older, head to the Hospitality Room to enjoy complimentary samples of Anheuser-Busch products. There’s a limit of 2 per adult. Right now, they are serving up the Grant’s Farm 60th Anniversary Beer – and it’s delicious! This was definitely my favorite and I hope they bottle it up soon!

Clydesdale Stables

Once you leave the farm and head back to the parking lot, don’t forget to venture down to the end to check out the Clyesdale Stables. Grant’s Farm is the official “prep” school of the Budweiser Clydesdales. The Budweiser Clydesdale Stables are home to over 50 head of Clydesdales that vary in age from weanlings at 6 months of age to retirees of fifteen or older.