This state offers daytrippers plenty of fun-packed options, but no town is as picturesque and so very Missouri as Hermann. Located just east of the center of the state, this hamlet was founded in 1842 by German immigrants looking to carve out their own version of the Rhineland in the U.S.. The best part: Not only did the Germans bring over their quaint architecture, but it also just so happens that Hermann’s rocky, steep land is good for only one thing (and it’s the best thing): grape-growing.
- Get your wine on.
Steve Thompson/Flickr.com The Hermann American Viticultural Area, designated in 1983, was the first in the U.S. Be sure to sample a smattering of the town’s seven wineries, including Stone Hill Winery, the largest in the state. Don’t miss Adam Puchta Winery, the oldest family-owned winery in the entire country (since 1855).
- Grab a beer.
Danny Armstrong/Flickr.com If beer is more your style, visit Tin Mill Brewing Company.
- Attend a festival.
Timber Tank/Flickr.com Hermann holds a number of seasonal festivals each year: there’s Wurstfest in March, Maifest in May, Oktoberfest every weekend in October (a must-do!), the Rhythm & Brews Festival in June, a Fourth of July celebration and Christmastine in Hermann in December.
- Enjoy a sausage.
Hermann Wurst Haus/Facebook.com Hermann considers itself the sausage-making capital of Missouri. Sample the delectable wursts at Hermann Wurst Haus.
- Ride a bike.
N/Flickr.com The Katy Trail passes through the area. Rent a bike at Hermann Ride, Rest & Go or Bike Hermann and take a spin on the converted railroad track.
- Book a B&B.
Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn/Facebook.com With all that wine drinking, you might want to consider spending the night. Hermann, luckily, has plenty of adorable B&B options, including the highly rated Captain Wohlt Inn and the Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Spa.
- Take in some history.
Deutschheimm State Historic Site/Facebook.com Visit the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which gives visitors a peek at what life was like for German settlers during the 1840s and 1850s. Explore restored 19th-century buildings, learn about how the settlers began the Missouri wine industry and tour the Stehly House, site of a printing business that produced the first German newspaper west of the Mississippi.
- Go antiquing.
Back Home Again/Facebook.com Hermann has plenty of antique and gift shops, perfect for browsing.
- Indulge your sweet tooth.
Teresa Stanton/Flickr.com Check out Sugar Momma’s in downtown Hermann for candy and homemade pies or Battocletti’s Bake Shoppe for doughnuts, pastries and more.
- Zip away.
Eco Zipline Tours/Facebook.com Thrill-seekers will love Eco Zipline Tours, which offers multiple courses over more than a mile of cables.
- Spend a night under the stars.
Matt Huff/Flickr.com Camping is available right in the City of Hermann. For a more rustic experience, check out Daniel Boone Conservation Area.
- Score a hole in one.
Loutre Shore Country Club/Facebook.com Loutre Shore Country Club is just a few miles away from Hermann.
- Indulge gourmet-style.
Alpenhorn Gasthaus/Facebook.com The Alpenhorn Gasthaus offers four-course wine country dinners using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Wine pairings available, of course.
- Go out on the town.
Dave Thompson/Flickr.com Visit the Concert Hall and Barrel in downtown Hermann. Built in the 1870s, it’s the oldest continually running tavern west of the Big Muddy.
- Catch a show.
Bunny & Norm Lenburg/Flickr.com The Showboat Community Theatre, built in 1934, offers up a variety of family-friendly entertainment.
- Get a taste of the farm life.
Hermann Farm/Facebook.com Hermann Farm shows visits what farm life was like in the 1800s. The 160-acre working farm also includes a living history center.
- Enjoy the scenery.
MIssouri Division of Tourism/Flickr.com It’s a beautiful town!
Have you been to Hermann? What do you think? What other Missouri spots make a great day trip destination?
Steve Thompson/Flickr.com
The Hermann American Viticultural Area, designated in 1983, was the first in the U.S. Be sure to sample a smattering of the town’s seven wineries, including Stone Hill Winery, the largest in the state. Don’t miss Adam Puchta Winery, the oldest family-owned winery in the entire country (since 1855).
Danny Armstrong/Flickr.com
If beer is more your style, visit Tin Mill Brewing Company.
Timber Tank/Flickr.com
Hermann holds a number of seasonal festivals each year: there’s Wurstfest in March, Maifest in May, Oktoberfest every weekend in October (a must-do!), the Rhythm & Brews Festival in June, a Fourth of July celebration and Christmastine in Hermann in December.
Hermann Wurst Haus/Facebook.com
Hermann considers itself the sausage-making capital of Missouri. Sample the delectable wursts at Hermann Wurst Haus.
N/Flickr.com
The Katy Trail passes through the area. Rent a bike at Hermann Ride, Rest & Go or Bike Hermann and take a spin on the converted railroad track.
Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn/Facebook.com
With all that wine drinking, you might want to consider spending the night. Hermann, luckily, has plenty of adorable B&B options, including the highly rated Captain Wohlt Inn and the Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Spa.
Deutschheimm State Historic Site/Facebook.com
Visit the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which gives visitors a peek at what life was like for German settlers during the 1840s and 1850s. Explore restored 19th-century buildings, learn about how the settlers began the Missouri wine industry and tour the Stehly House, site of a printing business that produced the first German newspaper west of the Mississippi.
Back Home Again/Facebook.com
Hermann has plenty of antique and gift shops, perfect for browsing.
Teresa Stanton/Flickr.com
Check out Sugar Momma’s in downtown Hermann for candy and homemade pies or Battocletti’s Bake Shoppe for doughnuts, pastries and more.
Eco Zipline Tours/Facebook.com
Thrill-seekers will love Eco Zipline Tours, which offers multiple courses over more than a mile of cables.
Matt Huff/Flickr.com
Camping is available right in the City of Hermann. For a more rustic experience, check out Daniel Boone Conservation Area.
Loutre Shore Country Club/Facebook.com
Loutre Shore Country Club is just a few miles away from Hermann.
Alpenhorn Gasthaus/Facebook.com
The Alpenhorn Gasthaus offers four-course wine country dinners using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Wine pairings available, of course.
Dave Thompson/Flickr.com
Visit the Concert Hall and Barrel in downtown Hermann. Built in the 1870s, it’s the oldest continually running tavern west of the Big Muddy.
Bunny & Norm Lenburg/Flickr.com
The Showboat Community Theatre, built in 1934, offers up a variety of family-friendly entertainment.
Hermann Farm/Facebook.com
Hermann Farm shows visits what farm life was like in the 1800s. The 160-acre working farm also includes a living history center.
MIssouri Division of Tourism/Flickr.com
It’s a beautiful town!
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