Best Attractions in Affton, Missouri

Located in South St. Louis County, Affton is a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. Downtown St. Louis is just 10 minutes away; however there are plenty of interesting attractions to visit and things to do right in the Affton area. Affton is accessible from Interstate 55 exit #199, Reavis Barracks Road and exit #201A, Bayless Road. If you are traveling in this area, make it a point to visit these best attractions in Affton.

The Oakland House

The Oakland House is a restored limestone mansion that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This home was built in 1853 by the architect George I. Barnett for Louis A. Benoist, a St. Louis banker. The mansion is located at 7801 Genesta and is open to visitors in April through September from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month. The mansion is also available for private parties, weddings, business parties and luncheons. Call 314-352-5654 for more information.

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

While in Affton, be sure and visit The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. This estate, called White Haven, was once owned by the 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant and his wife Julia. The house has been restored to its 1875 condition and much of the stone, glass and wood in the house is original. Several outbuildings including the chicken coop, icehouse and slave quarters can also be viewed. The estate is open for touring every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on major holidays. The address of the estate is 7400 Grant Road and you can call 314-842-3298 for more information.

Grant’s Farm

One of the most popular attractions in Affton is Grant’s Farm. This wildlife preserve has been open to the public since 1954. Over 900 animals, including exotics, live in this 281 acre site that is operated by Anheuser-Busch. Some of the animals you will see at Grant’s Farm include elephants, bald eagles, pygmy goats, kangaroos, camels, cattle, deer, ostriches, donkeys and horses. There is no admission charge to enter the farm, see the shows or ride the trams; however guests are required to pay a parking fee. Visit Grant’s Farm at 10501 Gravois Road or call 314-843-1700 for more information.

Grant’s Trail

This 8 mile long bike trail encompasses 75 acres and runs south and southwest of St. Louis County. The trail is 100 foot wide and is the former Missouri Pacific Railroad right of way. Bicycling, running, walking, inline skating and cross-country skiing are a few of the activities that can be done at the trail. Restroom and water stops are scattered along the trail as well as many Affton attractions. While on the trail you can visit The Lodge at Grant’s Trail, a bed and breakfast, the St. Louis off-road BMX Bike Park, the Grant Historic Site, Grant’s Farm, the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales stables and pastures, two historic cemeteries, Sappington House, which is the oldest brick house in St. Louis County and Whitecliff Park. Visitors can also stop in at the playground, convenience stores and the Applebee’s Restaurant that is along the trail route. The trail opens 1/2 hour before sunrise and closes 1/2 hour after sunset. The address of the trail is 4398 Hoffmeister Ave., but you can park at one of the many different parking lots along the trail.

Sources

http://www.afftonchamber.com/tourism.htm

http://www.afftonoaklandhouse.com/

http://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm

http://www.grantsfarm.com/

http://www.bikegrantstrail.com/


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