Anyone who grew up in or around St. Louis has most likely visited Grant’s Farm at least once, especially if your grade school sponsored a field trip to this sprawling wildlife preserve and entertainment complex. In late Fall, Grant’s Farm ceases normal operations and prepares for the “Magic of the Holidays,” an event that features over one million twinkling lights, some of which are visible from outside the facility.
“Magic of the Holidays” is More Than Just a Light Show
Like the “Wild Lights” that appear at the St. Louis Zoo each year, the holiday celebration at Grant’s Farm is more interactive than most light displays, with caroling in the courtyard surrounding the Bauernhof, a building whose name in German means “farmstead.” Food, drink and places to get warm are available inside the Bauernhof as well as free Anheuser-Busch products for guests who are of age.
During the holiday celebration, Grant’s Farm will stage “A Christmas Carol” and “Countdown to Christmas,” a children’s show. Santa is on hand for photo opportunities and penguins from Sea World will perform for guests.
Grant’s Farm is named in Honor of President Ulysses S. Grant
In the mid-19th Century, Ulysses S. Grant built a cabin on 80 acres of land that he and his wife Julia received as a wedding gift from her family. Grant turned the land into a farm that he called “Hardscrabble.”
In 1907, August Bush, Sr., the patriarch of the famous beer-brewing family, bought the cabin, which had changed hands and locations over the years. Today, the cabin sits approximately one mile from where it was originally built on the 281 acres owned by the Busch family and is featured on the official tour through the complex.
Grant’s Farm also is home to Bison, Black Buck Antelope, Red Deer and other animals that roam free in the Deer Park section. A motorized tram takes guests through Deer Park so they can see and photograph the animals.
Grant’s Farm Also is Home to the Clydesdales
Clydesdales, the beautiful horses with white tufts on their legs and feet, are as much a part of St. Louis as Busch beer and Cardinal’s baseball. In addition to its historic value, Grant’s Farm has a stable which is home to approximately 35 Clydesdales and they will be dressed up for the “Magic of the Holidays” celebration.
Admission to “Magic of the Holidays” is Free, but Parking is not
While admission is free for everyone, visitors must pay a $20.00 parking fee for every car and $50.00 for every bus. Still, when you divide the fee by the number of people you can fit in a car or bus, it’s one of the best holiday bargains in the Midwest.
Dates and Times for “Magic of the Holidays”
Grant’s Farm celebrates “Magic of the Holidays” on December 6-8, 13-15, 18-23 and 26-30. The gates open at 5 p.m. and no one will be admitted after 9.p.m.
St. Louis weather tends to be unpredictable at this time of year, so make sure and plan ahead before heading to Grant’s Farm. Warmer nights will attract more guests, so if you can stand a bit of a chill, wait until a colder evening for your visit.
Source: http://www.grantsfarm.com
