Where to See the Magnificent Budweiser Clydesdales: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to witness the awe-inspiring Budweiser Clydesdales in person? You’ve come to the right place. Seeing these magnificent equines is more than just watching horses; it’s experiencing a piece of American heritage, a symbol of strength, and a testament to the meticulous care and dedication that Anheuser-Busch pours into these incredible animals. The answer to where you can see them isn’t a simple one-liner, it’s a multifaceted itinerary of planned appearances, permanent homes, and a little bit of luck. Let’s dive in!

Planned Appearances and Parades

The Most Reliable Method: Following the Schedule

The most straightforward way to catch the Budweiser Clydesdales is to track their planned appearances. Anheuser-Busch maintains a schedule (subject to change, of course) of events where the teams will be present. These events range from major parades like the Tournament of Roses Parade to local festivals and sporting events.

Checking the Official Website: Your primary resource is the official Anheuser-Busch website. Look for a section dedicated to the Clydesdales, often under “Our Heritage” or a similar heading. This will usually list upcoming appearances, including dates, locations, and times. Be aware that these schedules can change, so check frequently.
Following Social Media: Keep an eye on Anheuser-Busch’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, X). They often announce upcoming events and may even provide real-time updates if there are any last-minute adjustments to the schedule.
Local Event Listings: Check the websites of local events and festivals in your area or in areas you plan to visit. If the Budweiser Clydesdales are scheduled to appear, it will likely be prominently featured.

Factors Influencing the Schedule

Understanding the factors that influence the Clydesdales’ schedule can help you anticipate potential appearances.

Major Holidays: The Clydesdales are frequently featured in parades and events around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July.
Sporting Events: Anheuser-Busch sponsors many sporting events, and the Clydesdales often make appearances at baseball games, football games, and other major competitions.
Anniversary Celebrations: Anheuser-Busch sometimes uses the Clydesdales to celebrate company milestones or anniversaries.

Permanent Homes: Year-Round Viewing Opportunities

While catching a parade or event appearance is exciting, there are a few permanent locations where you can reliably see the Budweiser Clydesdales year-round. These offer a more structured and predictable viewing experience.

Grant’s Farm, St. Louis, Missouri

Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri, is a must-visit for any Clydesdale enthusiast. This historical landmark, once owned by the Busch family, houses a dedicated stable where you can see the Clydesdales up close.

Stable Tours: Grant’s Farm offers tours of the Clydesdale stables, giving you the opportunity to learn about the history of the breed and the meticulous care they receive.
Hitching Demonstrations: During certain times of the year, you can witness the Clydesdales being hitched to the famous Budweiser wagon. This is a truly impressive display of horsemanship.
Other Attractions: Grant’s Farm offers other family-friendly attractions, including animal encounters, rides, and historical exhibits. It’s a full day of fun!

Warm Springs Ranch, Boonville, Missouri

Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, is Anheuser-Busch’s official breeding facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. This state-of-the-art facility offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the breeding and training of these magnificent horses.

Guided Tours: Take a guided tour of the ranch and learn about the Clydesdales’ lineage, breeding process, and training regimen.
Foal Viewing: Depending on the time of year, you might get the chance to see newborn Clydesdale foals. These adorable creatures are a sight to behold!
Interactive Exhibits: The ranch features interactive exhibits that delve into the history of the Clydesdales and their significance to Anheuser-Busch.

Serendipitous Sightings: The Chance Encounter

While planned appearances and permanent homes offer the most reliable opportunities, there’s always a chance you might encounter the Budweiser Clydesdales unexpectedly.

Highway Transports

The Clydesdales travel between events and their home bases in custom-designed tractor-trailers. These transports are hard to miss! Keep an eye out on major highways, especially in the Midwest and during peak travel seasons. While you obviously can’t stop and interact with the horses during transport, simply catching a glimpse of the Clydesdale convoy is a memorable experience.

Local Deliveries

In some smaller towns, Anheuser-Busch still uses the Clydesdales for special deliveries, especially around the holidays. This is a rare but delightful sight. Keep an ear to the ground in smaller communities, and you might just be lucky enough to witness this tradition.

FAQs About Seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales

Are there any fees associated with seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm or Warm Springs Ranch? Yes, while admission to Grant’s Farm itself can be free (with parking fees), certain activities like special tours or animal feedings may have additional costs. Warm Springs Ranch always has a fee to enter and tour the facility. Check their respective websites for the most up-to-date pricing information.
How far in advance is the Budweiser Clydesdales appearance schedule released? It varies. Some events are announced months in advance, while others are released closer to the date. Check the official Anheuser-Busch website and social media channels regularly.
Are the Clydesdales affected by weather? Yes. Extreme weather conditions (high heat, severe storms, etc.) can impact the Clydesdales’ schedule and may lead to cancellations for their safety and well-being. Check weather forecasts and event updates before heading out.
What is the best time of year to see Clydesdale foals at Warm Springs Ranch? Spring is typically the best time to see foals. Breeding season usually occurs in the spring, so this is when you’re most likely to see newborn Clydesdales. However, check with Warm Springs Ranch directly for specific dates and availability.
Can I pet or interact with the Clydesdales? Generally, interaction is limited to ensure the safety of both the horses and the public. At Grant’s Farm and Warm Springs Ranch, there may be designated areas where you can get closer to the horses, but direct petting is usually not allowed. Follow the instructions of the staff.
How many Budweiser Clydesdales teams are there? There are typically several traveling hitch teams. Anheuser-Busch maintains multiple teams to cover various events across the country.
What are the requirements to become a Budweiser Clydesdale? Clydesdales must be at least three years old, stand 18 hands (six feet) high at the shoulder, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, be bay in color (a reddish-brown coat with a black mane and tail), and have four white legs and a white blaze. They must also have a gentle temperament.
How do I find out about the Budweiser Clydesdale’s schedule for a specific state or region? The best approach is to use the Anheuser-Busch official website and filter search results, if possible, and to monitor the social media channels of the regional Anheuser-Busch distributors in that area.
What is the role of the Dalmatian with the Budweiser Clydesdales? The Dalmatian serves as a companion for the Clydesdales, a tradition that dates back to the days when Dalmatians guarded the beer wagons. The dog helps to keep the horses calm and provides a touch of charm to the hitch.
Are the Budweiser Clydesdales insured? Yes, given their value and the extensive care they receive, the Budweiser Clydesdales are fully insured.
What happens to the Budweiser Clydesdales when they retire from the hitch team? Retired Clydesdales are typically given a comfortable retirement, often remaining at Warm Springs Ranch or being placed in loving homes where they can enjoy a relaxed life.
How can I book the Budweiser Clydesdales for a private event? Unfortunately, the Budweiser Clydesdales are not available for private event bookings. Their appearances are strictly managed by Anheuser-Busch for public events and promotional purposes.

Seeing the Budweiser Clydesdales is a truly unforgettable experience. By following the tips and information outlined in this guide, you’ll greatly increase your chances of witnessing these magnificent animals in person. Happy Clydesdale hunting!