Hermann: History, Wine, and the Missouri

Hermann combines German settlement history with historic buildings, museums, and wine experiences. The German Settlement Society of Philadelphia founded the town. Today, you can explore this history at several locations—from preserved buildings to collections about immigration. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: cultural history, wine, or activities on the Missouri River.

German History in Buildings and Collections

The Deutschheim State Historic Site preserves several buildings dating from 1840 to 1890. They reflect the period when German settlers first settled the Missouri Valley. Built in 1840, the Pommer-Gentner House is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Hermann. Deutschheim thus brings together a broader historical context and a specific early building.

The Historic Hermann Museum is housed in the German School building, built in 1871. Its collections cover the history and heritage of the Hermann area, as well as the immigration of settlers to Hermann—from the 1830s through the early 20th century. The museum also offers a look at the mechanism of the tower clock, which has been in continuous operation since 1890.

The Hermann Fire Company Museum adds the history of firefighting to this perspective. Exhibits include the hand-pumper fire engines Consequence and Washington, a 1935 Chevrolet Quad truck—the fire department’s first motorized vehicle—as well as uniforms, trumpets, and working drums dating from 1865.

Wineries, Tours, and Historic Farmsteads

Stone Hill Winery offers free daily tours of North America’s largest contiguous wine cellar complex. The winery combines a wine experience with a glimpse of an exceptionally large cellar complex.

At Hermann Farm, you can choose between guided tours and self-guided walks. Guided tours are available by appointment and include the 1847 Teubner-Husmann House, the 12,000-square-foot German-style stone barn, and the 19th-century Rasche Homestead. Self-guided walks are available at First Settlement Village. They lead to sites including Schuetzenhalle, the 1790s Trading Post, the Trades Barn, and the 4-Square Garden. The two formats also differ in focus: a guided tour covers specific historic buildings, while the walk connects several stops in the Village.

A tour of the Hermann Farm Distillery can be booked; tastings and cocktails are available on the outdoor terrace. The Hermann Wine Trail includes six family-owned wineries in the Hermann area. Daily wine tastings are offered year-round, and six wine-and-food pairing events take place over the course of the year. Hermannhof Winery has a tasting room for Hermann wines and offers views of cellars and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since operating details may change, check the latest information before your visit.

River, Katy Trail, and Walks

Hermann Riverfront Park is downtown on the Missouri River. The River Memorial interactively commemorates the history of life along the river and features informational panels as well as views of the water. The park and memorial offer different ways to engage with the river: spending time along the waterfront and learning about the history of life by the river.

For cyclists, a protected bicycle lane about 8 feet wide on the Missouri River Bridge provides safe access to the Katy Trail. The self-guided walks also differ in their routes: the Bayer Walking Tour starts at Hermannhof Winery and follows a straight uphill route along Gutenberg Street. Another walk through a park and the surrounding neighborhood is described as easy and includes the octagonal Rotunda Building. You can choose between an uphill route along a street and an easy walk with a park and neighborhood feel.

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