The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In St. Louis

There's nothing like happy memories to keep you warm through the winter, and no place in St. Louis is quite as nostalgic as this one incredibly charming farm. Full of history, educational activities, and super cute animals from all over the world, this farm provides a day trip getaway that delights locals and visitors of all ages. Has a familiar destination popped into your mind? This winter chill probably has you daydreaming of warm summer days on the former Busch Family Estate:

In 1848, Julia Boggs Dent married Ulysses S. Grant at her home in St. Louis.

As a wedding present from her parents, she and the president-to-be were gifted a farm in Grantwood Village. The 80-acre plot was once a part of the White Haven Plantation, where Dent had grown up. The cabin (pictured above) was constructed by Grant in 1855 and relocated to its current location in 1907.

After seeing the historic site on display at the World's Fair, August A. Busch Sr. purchased the property as a rural retreat.

Adolphus Busch, August's father and the man that made Anheuser-Busch a household name, constructed the Busch family mansion on the site in 1913.

The Busch family maintained a fascinating array of animals, and just one year after purchasing the St. Louis Cardinals, they opened their family farm up to the public.

The story goes that after the Busch family invited the Cardinals and their families over for a party, one attendee suggested that the public would enjoy visiting the farm and experiencing all it has to offer. Even after it opened to the public, it was not unusual to spot August A. Busch Jr. out in the pasture.

This charming park offers loads of family fun and admission is free!

Parking does cost $12, but that's not much if you're taking the whole family along.

You can also book a behind-the-scenes look in Grant’s Cabin, the Busch Family estate grounds, and the Clydesdale barn.

The farm attracts more than half a million visitors each season.

There is something here for everyone, from free beer to the adorable animals!

Locals return year after year, enchanted by the critters and history that make this site so iconic.

Though it doesn't open until April 14, 2018, we're already dreaming of a visit.

Though not all attractions are free, this historic farm makes for an affordable day trip nevertheless.

After a visit, your little ones will be talking about the adventure well into next winter!

From feeding baby goats to rides on the carousel, they'll be delighted by all that this farm has to offer. Your inner child may even come out, too!

And you'll be longing to plan another staycation!

There is so much history in this one enchanting site, and it's so uniquely St. Louis.

Located at 10501 Gravois Road, this charming park is just a few months away from opening. What are you most looking forward to? Tell us about the best attractions in the comments!

In the meantime, you should definitely take a road trip to these Greater St. Louis destinations.