Nestled in the Missouri River Valley, the small town of Hermann, Missouri, hides within its unassuming streets a rich and one-of-a-kind heritage.
Aside from being the seat of Gasconade County, the city is Missouri wine country’s designated heart and soul.
So there are many established wineries and vineyards scattered within the city limits.
It also has a vibrant German history, with its culture and architecture showing the influence of the immigrants who’ve made this scenic area their home.
Today, it remains a charming town with a tight-knit atmosphere and a welcoming community.
Plan your vacation to this historic destination, and you’re guaranteed an exciting and boozy experience.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Hermann, MO:
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Immerse yourself in the German history of Hermann by making a stop at the Deutschheim State Historic Site.
This state-owned property captures the culture of the immigrants who first arrived in the city, with the architecture and ambiance resembling a German village.
Within the property, there are historic structures like a winery and a barn used by the Germans in the 19th century.
These are open to visitors, allowing you to see the various implements and tools used by these people for winemaking and farming.
It’s a fascinating dive into life from centuries ago.
The galleries and exhibits also tell stories of the past with artifacts and photographs, but they are changed every now and then.
So you will see something new if you plan on returning to the location.
Home to an amazing collection detailing Hermann’s past, the Historic Hermann Museum is a must-add destination for those who want to dive deeper into the city’s history.
It is located in the 1871 German School Building, which in itself is already a significant site.
Displayed on the galleries of the facility are collections of artifacts, such as instruments, photographs, dolls and figurines, bells, antique furniture, and books.
With the details shared on the displays, you’ll learn the purpose and history of these items and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s past.
There’s a lot to see, so just take your time as the museum allows self-guided tours.
The next stop in the Hermann Wine Trail is the Adam Puchta Winery, a family-owned establishment and a local favorite.
It’s another one of the oldest wineries in the area, having been passed from generation to generation of the Puchta family.
Over the years, they have developed planting techniques, distilling methods, and innovative recipes that resulted in exquisite and award-winning wines.
Sampling is a unique experience here, as the wines are often paired with food to highlight how each complements the other.
And since the winery sits adjacent to beautiful Frene Creek, you’ll have a gorgeous view while sipping a lush and aromatic wine.
The scenic 445-acre park is one of the largest parks in the city, and there are many activities to try here with your family.
There are play structures where kids can have fun all day, picnic benches for afternoon snacks, and lots of verdant grounds for exploring.
For those who want more sporty activities, the park has a well-maintained swimming pool and volleyball courts.
It’s also a favorite of RV campers since the park has around 50 hookups and many modern amenities that make for a convenient stay.
The usually tranquil setting is sometimes disrupted by the city’s events, which are held in the park.
If you’re a fan of booming fireworks, bombastic concerts, and lots of people, then stop by at Hermann City Park during holidays and other special events.
Since the Tin Mill Brewing Co is a brewery, it’s not part of the Hermann Wine Trail.
Instead, you’ll find cool and refreshing beers made to perfection at the facility.
The company is focused on manufacturing authentic German beer, and they follow the ancient German Purity Law of 1516 for their beermaking process.
Even the barley they use is imported from Germany itself.
This results in premium beverages that are miles ahead of your regular canned beer.
Pair your drink with the delicious dishes they offer at the restaurant for an amazing dining experience.
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Another stop on the Hermann Wine Trail is Hermannhof Winery.
Its architecture, which includes ten stone cellars and a beautiful brick superstructure, earned it a title as one of the first 100 buildings in the city on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stepping into the winery feels like entering a small German town.
Being a small facility, the company is focused more on quality over quantity.
And this focuses on producing the finest wines is evident in the awards they’ve received, being the only two-time winner of the Brown Forman Trophy.
You’re guaranteed an aromatic, lush, and premium tasting experience when you try their products.
There are also locally-made German sausages manufactured in the facility, and they are as good as the wines they offer.
A true Hermann heritage, the Maifest is a festival that celebrates spring the way Germans do.
The streets are filled with dancing people, traditional food, and music, highlighting the charming, old-town feel of the city.
Kids will have fun with the many children’s games, and adults will enjoy the beer gardens in every corner.
The Maipole is one of the most notable features of the festival, with children in traditional German attire dancing around a pole decorated with ribbons and flowers.
So if you want to celebrate the coming of spring and hope for a fruitful harvest, then join in the festivities and have fun.
Everyone is welcome to the event!
When fall comes, visitors from all over the world gather in anticipation of Hermann’s Oktoberfest!
Only a few other places in the US offer an authentic German celebration like this, so many people flock to Hermann to join the celebrations.
And Hermann sure does like to go all out when this festival comes.
With the Missouri fall colors serving as a unifying backdrop, several locations in the city host concerts, beer and wine tasting, and exhibitions of local products.
You’ll have your fill of German staples, such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerkraut, along with delicious alcoholic beverages.
The combination of a festive atmosphere, refreshing drinks, and exhilarating events make the Oktoberfest truly one memorable experience that you shouldn’t miss.
So plan your vacation around the four weekends of October if you want to join in the fun!
OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery is arguably the most scenic location in the Hermann Wine Trail.
Located on the bluffs overlooking the river valley, the winery offers panoramic views that enthrall visitors upon entry.
Within the building, you can take tours of their facility and sample some of their signature wines.
They have a choice of reds, whites, and roses that are all made from the lush grapevines growing on the property’s gentle slopes.
The outdoor patio and stage is the perfect location for dining and drinking while listening to live music—a unique feature of OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery.
You’ll be sipping wine while being serenaded by talented local bands and surrounded by magnificent views.
One of the best times to visit is during summer, as the live music events are ramped up during the season.
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After the wineries and the German heritage, Hermann’s next most significant feature is the Missouri River.
Aside from its economic value, this body of water adds to the overall beauty of the city with its serene waters and tree-lined banks.
There are tons of activities to try on the river, the chief of which is fishing.
You can book a charter that will take you upstream or downstream, or you can simply set up equipment at one of the banks and catch catfish, smallmouth bass, and crappies.
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For those who want more thrilling adventures, try kayaking and paddleboarding in the more turbulent areas.
When the weather is calm, and there is little chance of flash floods, riverfront camping is an excellent and relaxing outdoor activity to try.
While camping, you can try landscape photography, as the Christopher S. Bond Bridge that crosses the river is a great subject.
There’s nothing like a sausage fest to bring out the voracious eater in each of us.
Having a German heritage, Hermann doesn’t pass up the opportunity to show off their rich cuisine, especially their sausages!
You’ll be tempted to try everything as you explore the various locations where bratwurst is cooked on grills and pans.
The good thing is, no one is stopping you!
So go ahead and try the delicious, freshly made sausages on buns and with sauerkraut.
You can even stuff yourself with as many bratwursts as you can by joining the amateur eating competition.
If you’re too full for that, then there’s always live music and dancing to entertain everyone.
Indeed, if not for the bratwursts, the Wurstfest should be called best-fest.
Golfing enthusiasts will have a great time playing a few rounds at Loutre Shore Country Club.
It is a nine-hole, semi-private course with verdant rolling hills, lush fairways, and challenging water hazards.
Professionals will enjoy amazing gameplay at the course, but beginners are welcome too!
Aside from the well-maintained grounds, there are many amenities within the location for a convenient game.
The pro shop offers quality equipment, like clubs and balls, while the clubhouse serves delicious dishes and a selection of wines from Hermann’s finest wineries.
With these features and the friendly and professional staff, Loutre Shore Country Club offer some of the best-golfing experiences in the area.
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Hermann has a Wine Trail that takes you to various wineries in the city, allowing you to sample the offerings of the established companies.
Stone Hill Winery is one of these stops, and it’s one of the most famous and long-standing wineries in the city and even the whole country.
Since 1847, this Hermann institution has gained a reputation as one of the sources of premium-quality wines.
For its excellent bottles, it has even won many awards, such as the coveted Missouri Governor’s Cup.
During your visit, you can tour the ancient cellars, the verdant vinery, and other scenic areas in the facility.
The tasting room is a favorite by many, and here, you can take a sip of Norton, Hermannsberger, Missouri Champagne, Steinberg White, Steinberg Red, and many other delicious wines.
They also have a restaurant, which serves German dishes paired with the perfect bottle.
Through tours, lectures, and cultural activities, Hermann Farm involves the general public in the narrative of Hermann’s rich history.
The purpose of Hermann Farm is to foster excellence in local farming and food production while also involving and educating the public about the value of Missouri’s cultural, agricultural, and winemaking legacy.
Visitors may hear about the contributions of Charles Teubner, George Husmann, and Charles Manwaring and experience what it was like to work on a farm in Hermann in the middle of the eighteenth century.
First Settlement Village, a collection of historical structures representing the town’s roots and the labor of the hardworking Germans who named this village along the Big Muddy home, welcomes visitors as they arrive at Hermann Farm.
The 1847 Teubner-Husmann house, the 12,000 square-foot stone barn, and the 19th-century Rasche farm are all visited on tours.
Possibly next to the engine, the caboose is one of the train’s most well-known and admired parts.
The Caboose Museum is a little yet powerful museum housed within an actual caboose and will appeal to history buffs, families, couples, and train enthusiasts.
The genuine and engaging displays and exhibits share a piece of history with inquisitive minds and have recently undergone renovation.
In the 1800s, the caboose was a crucial component of steam railroads and served as their place of residence.
While other engaging exhibits recount Hermann’s railroad history, a particular exhibit remembers The Great Railroad Bridge Collapse of 1855.
There is a lot to explore, complete with pictures and souvenirs.
Well-known and adored for its delicious and indulgent small-batch artisan chocolates and sweets, Ricky’s Chocolate Box’s products are the ideal luxurious present for family and friends or the best way to delight yourself.
Ricky’s Chocolate Box was established in the Hermann Historic District in 2004.
The shop utilizes only the greatest ingredients it can find, and each of its 200 different kinds of sweets is delicately handcrafted with love, attention, dedication, and accuracy.
Customers at Ricky’s Chocolate Box can enjoy a variety of chocolates, caramels, jellies, marshmallows, and taffies among the numerous hand-made confections on offer.
Peanut Butter Truffles, Butter Pecan Toffee, Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles, and Milk Chocolate Salted Caramels are some of Ricky’s top sellers that new customers are advised to sample.
The Concert Hall and Barrel is the oldest continuously running pub west of the Mississippi, built-in 1878.
In Hermann, Missouri, they are happy to carry on a long-standing heritage of wonderful cuisine and fun.
They provide lunch and supper with a large range of appetizers, sandwiches, steaks, pizzas, and seafood.
Customers may snack and drink from a large range of local wines, craft beers, spirits, and specialty drinks at their sports bar while socializing and watching the newest sporting events on our various television screens.
For rehearsal meals, birthday events, anniversary celebrations, business meetings, and charities, the wide second-floor Concert Hall can hold a sizable crowd, much as in the past.
Smaller events may be reserved on the first level in a private banquet space.
Experience a great day of vineyard hopping with Hermann Trolleys, a transport service.
By purchasing an all-day trolley pass, you will have the chance to visit three distilleries and seven vineyards.
Hermann Trolleys provides services for singles, groups, parties, weddings, out-of-town events, and even customized special trips.
Prepare to have a great time on the Hermann Trolleys by bringing friends, family, or even traveling alone.
Discover a new and innovative method of getting to Hermann’s numerous vineyards.
Once you’ve had your fill of history and wine from Hermann, why not visit these other excellent destinations nearby?
A short 13-minute drive from Hermann will bring you to this exhilarating New Florence attraction.
The Eco Adventure Zipline is one the longest and highest ziplines in the state, with more than one mile of ziplines for the whole family.
By using the area’s natural contours, the ziplines are environmentally friendly and use little energy, making the facility a sustainable attraction.
Once you’re safely harnessed into one of the lines, you’ll be released into the open air and over the marvelous views of the forests and hills all around.
It’s an exhilarating experience that can help remove any traces of hangover from the wines of Hermann.
Daniel Boone Conservation Area is a large area of forests, grasslands, and hills located just 15 minutes away from Hermann.
Named after the great American pioneer, this destination is perfect for those who want more natural scenery and wild encounters.
Hikers and backcountry campers frequent the area to explore the thick woods and deep valleys nestled between the hills.
You’ll have a true self-sufficient camping experience here, as there are few amenities available.
Be ready to get far away from civilization when visiting this isolated, peaceful, and beautiful location.
As the premier destination in Missouri’s wine country, there is no shortage of activities, destinations, and drinks in Hermann.
So when you’re planning your next vacation to this charming city, reference this list for the top places to be.
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