See exotic animals at Grant's Farm

This week's trip is to Grant's Farm in St. Louis. Grant's Farm is owned by the Anheuser-Busch Inc., and it is a public service of that company. When you get to the farm, you will board a motor tram and be driven through the park.

Grant's Farm is a 281-acre wildlife preserve and historical site located just south of St. Louis. The farm is home to hundreds of exotic animals from around the world. The farm takes its name from our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant.

In the 1850s, Grant farmed a portion of the 281 acres. The land, which later became the ancestral home of the Busch family, today is preserved as a living symbol of the family's love for animals and Anheuser-Busch's commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation.

Visitors can wind through 160 acres of Deer Park and then exit the tram to see the Tier Garten and Bauernhof, home to an extensive carriage collection.

When the tram trip is finished and you get off the car, there are three shows you can watch in the Tier Garten: an elephant show, a predatory bird show and a monkey show. There are also many other animals in cages in that area that you can see. Some in the "Walk with the animals" program will greet visitors.

There are also places to eat at the farm. As you leave the park you may want to walk across the street to take a look at the world-famous Clydesdale horses. They are in stalls with the name of each horse on the door. Grant's Farm is one of two breeding and training places in the U.S. for the Clydesdales. It is the only one open to the public.

"This season's events at Grant's Farm are sure to offer families a great time and a unique educational experience," said Andy Elmore, general manager of Grant's Farm. "Our activities are designed in such a way that young and old alike will enjoy a visit to the farm."

There is no admission charge for visiting Grant's Farm. Parking is $5 per car. The farm is open April 9 to November 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Send your suggestions or ideas to Bill Coomer at P.O. Box 699; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63702-0699 or e-mail him at bcoomer@semissourian.com.