Photography courtesy of Anheuser-Busch InBev
Fredbird and former Cardinals pitchers Brad Thompson and Danny Cox will be on hand to welcome fans to Opening Day at Grant’s Farm this Saturday.
“We’re excited to open the gates for the 62nd time to host guests for another great season," says Andy Elmore, general manager of Grant’s Farm for Anheuser-Busch. "We love being a part of St. Louisans' lives through the memories created at Grant’s Farm.”
And there are plenty of memory-making opportunities. Swan-shaped paddle boats are available for rent at Mirror Lake, located near the tram-loading station where most visitors begin their day at the farm. Guests ride a tram through a deer park and past Grant’s Cabin, the cabin built by the farm's presidential namesake, before arriving at the Tier Garten. There, they'll find a petting zoo, carousel, animal exhibits, and a candy shop. Catch live animal shows, featuring elephants and trained birds, throughout the day. Then see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. For an extra fee, you can take behind-the-scenes tours to learn how these gentle giants are trained or see the Busch family estate. Many parents' favorite stop is the Bauernhof, a courtyard and stable converted into a beer garden. Guests over age 21 can sample complimentary Anheuser-Busch products; there's also food available for purchase.
New this year is a $225 membership option, which includes a parking pass, five Bring-a-Friend parking passes, 50 tickets for the carousel or feeding the goats, and unlimited paddle-boat rides on Mirror Lake. The membership also includes a 10 percent discount at all gift shops and concession stands, as well as for tour tickets. The farm also plans to host several food truck nights this summer; stay tuned for dates as they become available.
The ancestral home of the beer-brewing Busch family, the site began as a country estate for August A. Busch, Sr. At the time, it took the family all day while traveling by horse and buggy to get from Soulard to Grant’s Farm. In 1954, promotions wizard Gussie Busch decided to open the grounds to the public. In recent years, there's been some debate about the park's future. Nonetheless, it’s remained a family favorite for generations.
Grant’s Farm is free and open to the public, but there is a $12 parking fee. It's open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Beginning April 26, the farm will be open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit grantsfarm.com or call 314-843-1700.
