Europe in America: Hermann, Missouri

German Heritage in Missouri’s First Wine Region

Hermann has been voted the most beautiful town in the state of Missouri, which can be partly attributed to the preservation of 110 buildings that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city was founded by a Germanic society with the idea of establishing a colony built around farming, commerce, and industry in the middle of America. It would be impossible to explore picturesque Hermann without recognizing the rich traditions that were started by immigrants and continue to blossom in families with deep roots in the area.

To experience authentic Hermann, we recommend planning your trip around one of its major festivals. Wurstfest takes place in March and celebrates the German tradition of sausage making. The third weekend of May is the annual Maifest, an old-fashioned celebration of spring with German music, dancing, food, parades, Maypole dancers, children’s games, and beer gardens. Visit during the popular Wine & Jazz Festival in August or Oktoberfest in early Autumn to taste local food and drink accompanied by live entertainment.

Did You Know? Hermann claims to be the sausage-making capital of Missouri. Decide for yourself after stopping by Hermann Wurst Haus or Swiss Meat & Sausage Co. while exploring the shops downtown. If you are just passing through, have lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants that specializes in German cuisine.

Outdoor Recreation

– Nestled along the Missouri River with half a dozen great local parks, Hermann has plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors while in town. Katy Trail State Park is easily accessible and a great place to walk, run, or bike. The trail is the longest recreational rail trail in the United States! It runs 240 miles, predominately along the banks of the Missouri River. Rent a bike from one of the shops in town to begin your outdoor adventure.

– During your visit, find the statue of “Hermann the German” in the Hermann Platz, a local park located near the Hermann Welcome Center on Market Street. The statue is of Hermann der Cherusker, a Germanic leader whose army defeated the Romans. It’s a great photo opportunity!!

Museums & Attractions

– Take of tour of the Deutschheim State Historic Site, managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The guided tour begins in the garden before entering the Pommer-Gentner and Strehly House, both dating back to the 19th century and lived in by German immigrant families. This is a popular attraction and the tour groups are small, making this a great first stop of the day.

– The Hermann Farm Museum, located on 200 acres of rolling hills in the Missouri River Valley, is another must-visit museum while in town. The farm showcases the life of the early settlers in the mid-1800s German settlement. Self-guided and guided tours are available that include the farm’s restored historic buildings. For wine enthusiasts, George Husmann lived here. Husmann is considered the 19th century expert on America’s grapes and wine and influenced the development of both the Missouri and California grape industry.

Photo: Courtesy of VisitMO.com

Brew, Distill & Ferment

– Numerous wineries in and around Hermann offer tasting and tours. The Hermann Wine Trail is a group of seven family-owned wineries located in the area. Two of the most popular wineries to visit are Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhoff Winery. Stone Hill is one of the oldest wineries in the country with a tour that includes a walk through an enormous arched underground cellar before tasting their award-winning wines. Hermanoff Winery is the only winery in the downtown area and has ten impressive stone cellars that are now used for wine production.

Downtown

– Tourism is Hermann’s number one industry, and people flock here by car, bus, and the nearby Amtrak Station. For shopping, the downtown area has at least a dozen unique antique shops, most of which also sell home décor items. You will find restaurants, lodging, shops, galleries, and museums in and around the historic buildings. While you’re downtown, we recommend a coffee from Espresso Laine, lunch at Fernweh Distilling Co., and if you have a sweet tooth, a treat from Ricky’s Chocolate Box.

Feature image: Courtesy of VisitMO.com