Taking a Clydesdale Tour at Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis

I remember seeing the Clydesdale horses majestically take over the television during the Super Bowl. These huge, beautiful animals captivated me, and I wasn’t even a huge fan of horses. I always wanted to see them up close so when Spencer and I got to spend some time in St. Louis, I knew we had to make a stop at their home. If you’re headed to St. Louis and wondering where you can see a Clydesdale up close, this article is for you. 

The Clydesdale VIP Experience at Anheuser-Busch is part history lesson, part behind-the-scenes access, and part ethical animal encounter. It’s the easiest and most central spot to get up close and personal with one of the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales.

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Booking the Clydesdale VIP Experience

Before you go, you’ll want to lock in your tickets online through Budweiser Tours as spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.

The Clydesdale VIP Experience costs $30 per adult, $10 for kids ages 5–20, and it’s free for children 4 and under. There’s also a 10% discount for military members and first responders. 

This is a shorter, family-friendly St. Louis tour designed to keep things moving and engaging. Everyone is welcome, and it never feels long or lecture-heavy. 

If you’re 21+, your ticket includes a Budweiser beverage during the experience, which, for whatever reason, tastes better when you’re standing steps away from where it all happens.

Arrival at the Brewery

Getting to the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is pretty easy whether you’re driving or using public transportation. The #40 Metro bus (“the Budweiser line” stops right outside the Brewery. If you’re driving, the brewery is right off highway 44.

Aim to get to the brewery 30 minutes before your allotted time. This allows for ID and security checks (and also time to get lost or deal with traffic if needed). The brewery is more than just beer and horses. They have photo spots, a souvenir shop, and even some games to play while you wait.

You can’t miss the giant “Cheers” on the outside of the brewery – a friendly hello!

Near the start of your tour time, someone will make an announcement of where the group should meet, so keep an ear out so you don’t miss it! Once the whole group is together, the tour will begin.

Stepping Inside the Original 1885 Stable

The moment you walk into the original Clydesdale stable, you’ll be awestruck. Built in 1885, it was designed to resemble a railroad roundhouse.  Adjusted for today’s dollars, it cost about $900,000 to build.

Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, casting rainbows across the floors like you’re standing in a cathedral. There’s a massive chandelier hanging overhead, originally from the French Pavilion at the 1904 World’s Fair, made of solid brass and weighing more than 650 pounds.  This is exactly the kind of treasure that doesn’t belong in a horse stable, and yet here it is.

The antique wagons on display are evidence that the Clydesdales have been part of the brand’s identity for nearly a century.

The Tack Room

Next, you’ll step into the tack (equipment) room. 

Every single piece of equipment, harnesses, bridles, and blinders, is custom-made for each individual horse and stays with that horse throughout its career.  They are not interchangeable; they’re tailored down to the smallest detail, costing about $150,000 for an eight-horse hitch.

The reins weigh around 40 pounds on their own, and when the drivers are handling the team, they’re maintaining roughly 75 pounds of pressure in their hands the entire time. It’s such a physical job that there are always two drivers, passing the reins back and forth to avoid fatigue.

It’s incredible what goes into those perfectly choreographed parade appearances.

Meeting a Budweiser Clydesdale Up Close

After exploring the stable, you’ll head outside for the moment you booked this tour for.

You’ll meet one of the Clydesdales up close. You can pet them, take photos, and ask questions while a handler walks you through their daily care and routines.

Each horse stands at least six feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 1,800 to 2,300 pounds. They’re incredibly calm and gentle, which makes the whole experience feel approachable, even for younger kids who might otherwise feel timid.

This is also where you get a closer look into what makes them so iconic: the signature white blaze, the perfectly matched stockings, and the glossy coat. Only a small percentage of Clydesdales have all the qualities required to become a Budweiser Clydesdale.

Clydesdale Care and Training

One of the most interesting parts of the experience is hearing how these horses are raised and trained.

They begin at Warm Springs Ranch, the official breeding center. When a foal is born, its name starts with the same letter as its mother’s; a small, clever way to track lineage.

At around six months old, they move to Grant’s Farm, where they get used to being handled, groomed, and seen by the public. By age three, they return to Warm Springs Ranch for more advanced training, where they learn how to work as part of a hitch alongside experienced horses.

Eventually, the best of the best make it onto one of the traveling teams.

Eight-Horse Hitch

The two horses closest to the wagon are the “wheel horses.” They’re the biggest and strongest, doing most of the heavy pulling. Next come the body horses, then the swing horses (who help steer), and finally the lead horses out front, chosen for their high step and responsiveness.

The wagon itself weighs around 7,500 pounds, and those wheel horses can pull roughly twice their body weight.

The Grooming Routine  

These horses are groomed daily, meaning they are scrubbed, brushed, vacuumed, and carefully maintained from head to hoof.

On event days, their manes are braided with red ribbons, and decorative touches like roses are added for special appearances.

Their horseshoes are replaced every 45 days, and with around 175 Clydesdales in the program, that’s a constant, full-time job for the farrier.

The History That Made Them Famous

The story behind the Clydesdales: In 1933, after the repeal of Prohibition, Anheuser-Busch marked the moment by loading a wagon with Budweiser, hitching it to a team of Clydesdales, and sending it to New York.

The horses had already traveled there by train. From Newark Airport, the beer was loaded onto the wagon, escorted through the Holland Tunnel by police, and delivered straight to Governor Al Smith in front of the Empire State Building. President Franklin D. Roosevelt received the second case.

This statement cemented the Clydesdales as a symbol of celebration, resilience, and a new era.

Where Else to See Clydesdales

Today, there are three traveling teams of Clydesdales. One is based in the East, one in the West, and one right here in St. Louis. Together, they’re on the road about 300 days a year, and you can find their appearance schedule online. 

You might catch them at parades, major events, or opening day for the St. Louis Cardinals. And of course, they still make appearances in Super Bowl commercials.

Why This Tour is Great for Families

This Clydesdale tour is intentionally designed to be concise, interactive, and engaging for all ages. 

You’re moving through different spaces, seeing real artifacts, hearing captivating stories, and ending with an unforgettable animal encounter.

FAQ for Visiting the Clydesdales

What else is there to do at Anheuser-Busch?

The whole brewery is quite large! There are a few holes of mini golf, a lot of photo opps with the variety of brands of beers, and even a souvenir shop with plenty of swag.

How long should I plan for a Clydesdale Tour?

It depends on which tour you’re doing, but I always add 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the tour length. This allows you time to wander, shop, and not feel rushed. Spencer and I decided to hang out at the outdoor beer garden after our tour to just reflect on everything we learned and enjoy a fresh pint. The beer garden is only for adults 21+ but there are other places that are kid-friendly to hang out and even get some snacks.

What else is there to do near the Brewery?

If you’ve already made it to this area, you can easily spend more time exploring the historic Soulard neighborhood. Only one block away, you’ll find the famous Soulard Market, open Wednesday-Saturday. It’s a feast for the senses – bright local produce, vibrant live music, freshly made bread baking, and homemade chocolate treats! If you prefer to sit down and enjoy a butter cake, head to Russell’s, known as one of the best butter cakes in the city. Architecture buffs can get a map at the Soulard Market office and take a self-guided walking tour through the neighborhood to see red-brick alleyways and 1860’s French row houses. The route takes about 45 minutes and is mostly flat. The City Museum is about five minutes away and you can walk through a 10-story repurposed shoe factory.

Final Thoughts on the Budweiser Clydesdale Tour

If you’re in St. Louis, and want an easy opportunity to see a Clydesdale, this is the place. 

Grant’s Farm is another rewarding place to interact with Clydesdales, however, it is located outside of the city and deserves at least 3 hours, which may not be feasible on a short visit to St. Louis.  

The Anheuser-Busch brewery is less than 4 miles from Gateway Arch National Park so it’s easy to slide this experience into your St. Louis itinerary.

Save “Taking a Clydesdale Tour in St. Louis, Missouri” for Later 

About the Author

This is a guest post by Catherine of Postcard Narrative, with some editing and additions from my personal experience visiting the Clydesdales.

Catherine is a US-based travel writer helping families pull off extraordinary adventures without blowing the budget. As a mom to two energetic, elementary-aged boys, she tests every itinerary and kid-friendly travel hack. 

On her travel blog, Postcard Narrative, and social channels, Catherine shares guides that help parents plan trips that feel magical and manageable; from national parks to big-city weekends to once-in-a-lifetime international escapes.