Hermann Missouri German Village in USA
Prestigious Wine Country, Community Event, Bike and Hiking Trails
Apr 29, 2009
It is not uncommon to find USA towns with German influence. A tourist takes the train to visit Hermann, Missouri, located along river bluffs of this rolling hills countryside. It might be the geography, the famous wine trail, or the historic inns which is reminisce of staying in a village by the Rhine.
There are many attractions to keep active in this village. Germans love to celebrate with fun events, a tradition true to Hermann. The celebration event of spring is the Hermann Maifest, held on the third weekend every year (May 16 and 17, 2009). It is complete with a wine and bier garten, German entertainment, a parade, crafts and a quilt show. This is an event which people keep lasting memories their whole life.
The other popular event is Oktoberfest, which is active every weekend of October. Be sure to see the Wine Country Art and Talks held with local artists on the third weekend.
Missouri Wine Country
Hermann has one of the oldest wine trails in USA. In 1830, German settlers from Philadelphia grew grapevines on the rugged hills "out west" next to the river which were not good for any other crops. This was only the beginning of a long, prosperous wine history for this town.
Wine enthusiasts remember George Hussman, founding father of Napa Valley wine industry, grew up in Hermann and instrumental in getting the Missouri grape growers to provide phylloxera-resistant root stock to France at a critical period. Hussman created hybrids of vines that could tolerate the hot, humid summers and freezing winters of Missouri weather.
Berries and BarBQ Wine Trail is a fun wine event held the last weekend of July which participants enjoy the paring of all 3 of these Missouri favorites.
Favorite Wineries on the Trail
Three favorite wineries to keep on the list are the following.
- Stone Hill Winery (573) 486-2221 Winery and restaurant is one of the most visited attractions with tours, underground cellars, and fascinating gift shop.
- OakGlenn Winery (573) 486-5057 With exhilarating countryside views, OakGlenn was owned by George Hussman, German vintner and horticulturist. People enjoy live entertainment at George Husmann Wine Pavilion on Saturdays in summer and fall.
- Hermannhof Winery (573) 486-5959 The buildings and structures are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Winery currently is a two-time winner of Brown-Foreman Trophy for “Best New World White Wine.”
Bike Riding and Hiking Trails Near Hermann
The popular Katy Trail is a "rails to trails" project of 225 miles which follows Lewis and Clark’s path up the Missouri River. The trails are flat and scenic with organized bike rides which are kid friendly. Purchase the The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook for $18.95, from Pebble Publishing to review before vacation.
History, Antique Shopping, and Art in Hermann MO
- Deutschheim State Historic Site discovers history of German culture and tradition of those who first settled in the 1800's. (573) 486-2200
- Kunstlerhaus Art Gallery & Pottery exclusive of artists of Hermann Mo. (573) 486-2303
- Antique Shops like Pete’s Plunder Antiques and The Olde Shoppe Antiques to browse
- Showboat Community Theatre with Wine Country Follies on Wednesdays in 2009
- Buy German Sausages from the Swiss Meat Market
Places to Stay in Hermann
- Herman Hill Vineyard & Inn 711 Wein Street 711 Wein Street (573) 486-4466
- Hermann Motel 112 E 10th Street (573) 486-3131
Hermann is located 3 hours east of Kansas City, 1.5 hours west of St. Louis, with convenient access by Amtrak Railroad or car; or 4 hours northeast of Branson by car.
Wilkommen to Hermann, Missouri’s prestigious Rhine village with the oldest wine country trail in USA, biking and hiking trails, antique shopping and historic Bed and Breakfasts.
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