Grant's Farm, Saint Louis (must see)

Grant's Farm is a historic farm and a popular tourist destination located in Grantwood Village. The property was originally owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later by the Dent family before it was purchased by the Busch family in 1903. Initially, it was a private deer park for the Busch family, but since 1954, it has been an animal reserve that is open to the public for free.

Visitors can see a variety of animals, including buffaloes, elephants, camels, kangaroos, donkeys, goats, peacocks, and the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, on a tram tour of the deer park region of the park. The Clydesdales are kept in their nearby barn and pastures, while the farm's cabin, "Hardscrabble," built by Ulysses S. Grant in 1856, is the only remaining structure that was hand-built by a U.S. president before assuming office.

Additionally, the farm contains the Busch family mansion known as the "Big House" and White Haven, the house where Ulysses S. Grant lived between the Mexican and Civil Wars, which is now a national historic site. Colonel Frederick Dent, Julia Grant's father, gave 80 acres of the farm to the couple as a wedding present on what is now Rock Hill Road, where Grant built his cabin.

In 2015, the Saint Louis Zoo agreed to purchase Grant's Farm from the Busch family for approximately $30 million, but the deal fell through due to a family dispute. However, in December 2017, five family members agreed to purchase the farm with the aim of keeping it free and open to the public.

Grant's Farm is a fascinating historical site and a unique animal reserve that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Why You Should Visit:
Animals, exhibits, tours, train rides, beer garden (with free beer!), carriage houses and one of the few places in the country where you can come face to face with any number of the world-famous Anheuser Busch Clydesdale Horses.