Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the home where the family lived before the Civil War. Start your trip in the visitor center and museum to learn about the area. Then, head out to the farm to explore the grounds and check out the house. The site is tucked into the center of a busy urban area, so you'll find plenty of activities, dining options, and stores within a quick drive.

Hiking Trails

• Walking Tour Trail

  If you're exploring the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site on your own, take the Walking Tour Trail around the property. It starts at the visitor center, travels through the trees, around the main house and the outbuildings, and returns back to the visitor center. The trail is wide and paved, so it's easy to navigate with kids, strollers, and wheelchairs.

  Location

  Visitor center

  Length

  0.25 miles round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Grant's Trail

  Walk out to the entrance of the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site to find Grant's Trail. This paved path stretches for 10 miles through the greater St. Louis metro area. Walk in either direction; for a nice, short hike, head northwest and walk about 1 mile to Whitecliff Park. Here, a network of trails offers plenty of shade and space for kids to run.

  Location

  Visitor center

  Length

  10 miles one way

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• White Haven

  White Haven was the childhood home of Julia Dent, who grew up to marry Ulysses S. Grant in 1848. The Grants lived at White Haven for five years along with their families and enslaved people. After Grant became famous for his service in the Civil War and, eventually, the president of the United States, he and his wife returned there for visits. The house looks much as it did in the 1860s, down to the bright Paris Green paint. If you're on a self-guided tour of the park, you can check out the exterior of the building; to go inside, sign up for a ranger-led tour.

  Location

  Visitor center, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

• White Haven Outbuildings

  After you see the main house, walk over to the White Haven outbuildings. In the summer kitchen, you'll see where enslaved people cooked and washed laundry to avoid heating up the main house. The stone building was used until the Civil War. Then, head over to the ice house and the chicken coop; they're the best-preserved of the outbuildings, offering a peek into life on a farm in the mid-1800s.

  Location

  Visitor center, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

• Grant's Farm

  Grant's Farm was once a part of the Grant family land; today, it sits adjacent to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. The 280-acre grounds have been transformed into a wildlife park by the Anheuser-Busch InBev company. Visit with your little ones to take a tour of the Deer Park, see animals such as a water buffalo and a watusi, and feed the farm animals. While you're there, keep an eye out for the Hardscrabble Cabin, which Grant himself built.

  Location

  10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

Museums

• Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site Museum

  The Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site Museum is located inside a historic horse stable that was built by Grant himself in 1872. Explore the six different exhibits to follow Grant's life as a soldier, husband, farmer, and president. The space is small but beautifully laid out, making it a pleasant spot to learn about Grant before exploring his former home.

  Location

  Stable at White Haven, 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

• Missouri Civil War Museum

  Find out more about Missouri's role in the fight between North and South at the Missouri Civil War Museum. Located in the Jefferson Barracks 1905 Post Exchange building, this museum is part of the Jefferson Barracks historic site. A series of exhibits discuss the war and tells the stories of the local men who served. Nearby, the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery holds more than 16,000 soldiers who died in the war.

  Location

  222 Worth Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Novel Neighbor

  Find a new book to read during your camping trip at The Novel Neighbor. This small independent bookstore has an expertly curated selection of books for kids and adults and a fun collection of gifts.

  Location

  7905 Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63119

• Seeds of Happiness

  It's impossible not to smile when you walk into Seeds of Happiness — this friendly gift shop is known for its colorful selection of mugs, ornaments, T-shirts, and other small keepsakes.

  Location

  150 Prospect Ave, Kirkwood, MO 63122

• Sunset Cyclery

  Get all of the accessories and parts you need for your bike at Sunset Cyclery. The store also offers repairs, and the staff is always happy to recommend a spot to ride.

  Location

  10748 Sunset Hills Plz #1207, St. Louis, MO 63127

• Sam's Steakhouse

  With its dark-wood interior and elegant menu, Sam's Steakhouse is a lovely spot for a special night out. Start with a shrimp cocktail or a lobster bisque, and leave room for a fantastic filet mignon or bone-in ribeye.

  Location

  10205 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

• Yolklore

  Fuel up for a day of exploring at Yolklore. This small, cheerful spot specializes in breakfast foods, so you can get everything from breakfast sandwiches to frittatas and French toast.

  Location

  8958 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119

• Fuzzy's Taco Shop

  Sip an ice-cold margarita while you wait for your tacos at Fuzzy's Taco Shop. In addition to tacos, this casual joint offers quesadillas, nachos, burritos, and more.

  Location

  8073 Watson Rd, Webster Groves, MO 63119

How To Get To Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is located in St. Louis, Missouri. From Kansas City or Indianapolis, take I-70 into the city; from Springfield, Illinois, or southern Missouri, take I-55. Coming from Louisville, head west on I-64. If you're traveling in from Springfield, Missouri, take I-44. Once you're in the St. Louis metro area, hop on the I-255 ring road and take MO-30 toward Affton. When you reach Grant Road, turn northwest, and follow the signs for the park.

Address

7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site provides more than a glimpse at farm life in the 1800s — it demonstrates how one of the United States' most famous abolitionists ended up owning a slave. While you're visiting the site and the St. Louis area, an RV is a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors.