GROW

Trace the steps of your food from the farm to the table – and everywhere in between. This award-winning indoor area features exhibits, educational programs and planned events that explore farming and its vital role in today’s complex local and global economies. Visit our seed display, view a stunning display of soil monoliths from every state in the United States, and check out the amazing glulam beams used to build the Pavilion.

Explore nine different towers to discover the plant parts that are rarely seen. See which roots grow the deepest and find out if roots can grow longer than you are tall. Each tower has its own story to tell as you explore what lies underneath.

Learn more about the Root Towers

The adventure begins at home. Dig into the agricultural products and processes of Missouri and Illinois and learn where your food comes from.

Water plays a vital role in agriculture, as well as our lives. While the kids play in this interactive water area, check out the nearby rain gardens and permeable pavement. Learn how we use this very important resource in farming and in our everyday lives.

Open weather permitting. Closing mid-October for winterization. 

Explore the inner workings of plants and discover how they harvest the Sun’s energy to grow and support all life on Earth. Check out the native plantings and learn how plants spread and grow.

Plants aren’t the only source of food you can find on farms. Take a tour through the Animal Corral and simulated milking, understand the digestive processes of livestock, and learn how farmers manage feed conversion. On select days, local farmers visit and bring animals to visit. Past animal visitors have included dairy cows, goats, sheep, rabbits, alpaca, ostrich and baby pigs.

Check out a real combine and learn how farmers use this machine to get their crops out of the field. Combine demonstrations are held nearly every weekend.

Agricultural growth isn’t always open fields and gigantic tractors. Many urban areas are demonstrating ways to grow specialty food crops like lettuce, kale and tomatoes indoors using aquaponic, hydroponic, and aeroponic systems. Visit our greenhouse to see examples of these systems.

Visit the GROW Grill (open seasonally) to purchase a delicious selection of freshly grilled items, including a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and sausages. To compliment these main dishes, we’ll also be offering a range of classic BBQ sides, such as potato and pasta salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.

OPENS Memorial Day Weekend, 2024 (and will be open on Memorial Day 11 AM – 3 PM)!

Grow Grill Hours (open seasonally):

Fridays – Sundays: 11 AM – 3 PM

Spend some time watching our chicken flock out in GROW or at our viewing window. Some of these breeds are the same breeds responsible for your morning eggs. Talk with our staff to discover how you can raise your own birds or learn how egg farmers do it differently.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Visit the homeGROWn area for ideas about how to start your own edible plot. See specialty food crops like beans, garlic, peppers, and squash up close and visit with our staff and volunteers for tips on growing. Visit our compost area and learn how to turn food scraps into fertilizer.