Categories: Entertainment and Attractions
Purina Farms
Author: Elizabeth A. Ortmann
All it takes is a short, scenic drive down Interstate 44 to find one of St. Louis's best-hidden treasures. A popular site for school field trips, Purina Farms is also a great day trip for the family. Pet lovers of all ages will find something to excite them with many hands-on exhibits and demonstrations, each emphasizing the relationship between pets and their owners. The area also offers many family friendly dining choices—perfect for stopping on the way to see one of the many local and national dog competitions happening throughout the year.
Purina Farms Attractions
Visitors Center
At Purina Farms ( 200 Checkerboard Dr., Gray Summit, Missouri, 314-982-3232) actively learn about the best diet for a pet and how the food is made through video presentations, hands-on exhibits, and demonstrations. Just outside The Visitors Center, daily animal shows (with some audience participation) let the animals strut their stuff and play around, all for the audience's enjoyment.
Barn and Play Area
Venture into the barn where the domestic animals are housed, and experience a small portion of farm life. This area has many hands-on opportunities, including a kid-friendly petting circle and hay loft/play area, as well as cow milking demonstrations.
Pet Center
Where dog and cat lovers unite, The Pet Center dedicates an equal amount of space and time to all the dozens of dogs and cats housed at Purina Farms. Daily grooming demonstrations, more hands-on exhibits, and a 20-feet-tall cat house give pet owners all the information needed to become the best pet owner possible.
Purina Farms Dining
The area surrounding Purina Farms offers many dining selections, from an established St. Louis favorite to a lesser-known treasure. But just remember not to bring any to the animals.
Hawthorne Inn
123 Front St., Labadie, Missouri, 636-451-0004
Only a few miles from Purina Farms in downtown Labadie, The Hawthorne Inn makes “ St. Louis style” thin crust pizzas, fresh salads, or gourmet burgers even tastier with a welcoming atmosphere created by stylish dark wood, high ceilings, and a warm fireplace.
Joe Boccardi's
128 Boccardi Lane, Eureka, Missouri, 636-938-6100
Established in 1971, the family-owned Joe Boccardi's offers authentic Italian dishes. Stop in for the St. Louis favorite toasted raviolis or substantial portions of traditional pastas at reasonable prices.
Website: www.joeboccardis.com
Great Pacific Coffee Company
220 South First St., Pacific, Missouri, 636-257-9911
It could be Mike's Beef Brisket (an original) or the fresh daily soups that keep bringing the customers back, or maybe it's the caramel and almond treat dubbed The Turtle. It is hard to tell, because the outdoor patio and weekly live music also draw a crowd. Don't let the name fool you, it is not just coffee at the Great Pacific Coffee Company.
Website: www.greatpacificcoffee.com
Miller's Grill
2301 Highway A, Washington, Missouri, 636-390-0167
Serving up the traditional sports bar and grill fare with a little extra, parents and children alike are bound to find something to enjoy. Come in to watch the game after a day at Purina Farms and stay to have one of the great seafood dishes, including the Southern Fried Catfish Sandwich or the Mahi Mahi with wild rice.
Website: www.millers-grill.com
Purina Farms Events
Incredible Dog Challenge
Come see how incredible these dogs really are while they each compete in five core events such as dog diving, hurdle racing, and pole weaving. It can be seen on TV, but much better to witness it in person, as the talented canines sure appreciate the support.
National Specialty Dog Shows
It may not be the Westminster Dog Show, but Purina Farms puts on quite a spectacle. Any time of the year it is possible to catch the drama and elegance of owners showing their pets in national all-breed shows. Shows for specialty breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, and German Shepherds are favorites.
Canine Competition Center
In this 10-acre competition arena, Purina Farms is able to host many field events accommodating thousands of dogs and their owners each year. Whippet racing and lure coursing for sighthounds are examples of some of the many events that take place in one of two lighted courses. Herding trials allow dogs such as Border Collies to display their traditional use, herding the more than 100 sheep Purina Farms provides for this annual competition.
Check out places of interest near Purina Farms:
Great Pacific Coffee Company
220 South First St.,
Pacific, MO 63069
It could be Mike's Beef Brisket (an original) or the fresh daily soups that keep bringing the customers back, or maybe it's the caramel and almond treat dubbed The Turtle. It is hard to tell, because the outdoor patio and weekly live music also draw a crowd. Don't let the name fool you, it is not just coffee at the Great Pacific Coffee Company.
Hawthorne Inn
123 Front St,
Labadie, MO 63055
Only a few miles from Purina Farms in downtown Labadie, The Hawthorne Inn makes “ St. Louis style” thin crust pizzas, fresh salads, or gourmet burgers even tastier with a welcoming atmosphere created by stylish dark wood, high ceilings, and a warm fireplace.
Joe Boccardi's Restaurante
128 Boccardi Lane,
Eureka, MO
Established in 1971, the family-owned Joe Boccardi's offers authentic Italian dishes. Stop in for the St. Louis favorite toasted raviolis or substantial portions of traditional pastas at reasonable prices.
Miller's Grill
2301 Highway A,
Washington, MO 63090
Serving up the traditional sports bar and grill fare with a little extra, parents and children alike are bound to find something to enjoy. Come in to watch the game after a day at Purina Farms and stay to have one of the great seafood dishes, including the Southern Fried Catfish Sandwich or the Mahi Mahi with wild rice.
SanSai Japanese Grill
20 Allen Avenue,
St. Louis, MO 63119
Enjoy Japanese food that is fresh and fast. Grilled options and child menus available.
Canine Competition Center
200 Checkerboard Dr,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
In this 10-acre competition arena, Purina Farms is able to host many field events accommodating thousands of dogs and their owners each year. Whippet racing and lure coursing for sighthounds are examples of some of the many events that take place in one of two lighted courses. Herding trials allow dogs such as Border Collies to display their traditional use, herding the more than 100 sheep Purina Farms provides for this annual competition.
Incredible Dog Challenge
200 Checkerboard Dr,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
Come see how incredible these dogs really are while they each compete in five core events such as dog diving, hurdle racing, and pole weaving. It can be seen on TV, but much better to witness it in person, as the talented canines sure appreciate the support.
National Specialty Dog Shows
200 Checkerboard Dr,
Gray Summit, MO
It may not be the Westminster Dog Show, but Purina Farms puts on quite a spectacle. Any time of the year it is possible to catch the drama and elegance of owners showing their pets in national all-breed shows. Shows for specialty breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, and German Shepherds are favorites.
Purina Farms
200 Checkerboard Dr,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
Purina Farms is a great stop for pet-lover and companion alike, with obedience classes, rustic farm activities, and a canine competition center.
Purina Farms: Barn and Play Area
200 Checkerboard Dr.,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
A section of the Purina Farms compound, the Barn and Play Area emphasizes the simple elements of daily living on a farm.
Purina Farms: Pet Center
200 Checkerboard Dr.,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
An area within the Purina Farms complex, the Pet Center provides an inside look at Purina's true owners--the dogs and cats that call the facility home.
Purina Farms: Visitors Center
200 Checkerboard Dr.,
Gray Summit, MO 63039
All the information about Purina Farms that a dog (or cat) lover could desire.
Saint Louis Science Center: Omnimax Theater
5050 Oakland Ave.,
St. Louis, MO 63110
Attached to the St. Louis Science Center, The Omnimax Theatre offers amazing nature documentaries and films showcasing the beauty of life.
The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
1721 S. Mason Rd.,
St. Louis, MO 63131
Celebrate centuries of canine companionship through the art at the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog.
