Hermann: Missouri's German Town

In the center of the Show-Me State, the small city of Hermann, Missouri is a slice of German culture in America's heartland. Hermann is home to several wineries, multiple bed and breakfast inns, restaurants that offer German cuisine, and beautiful European style architecture.

Hermann is located midway between Missouri's two major cities, Kansas City and St. Louis. Amtrack trains pass through daily and passenger service is available so that visitors can - and do -arrive by train. It is also near the Katy Trail, a well-known trail that crosses Missouri for hikers and bikers on the former roadbed of the Katy railroad.

Hermann is also located a short distance from Missouri's state capitol in Jefferson City.

German immigrants were drawn to Hermann after they found the city life in Philadelphia too confining. Founded by farmers who had grown vineyards in their native land and made wine from the grapes, Hermann was found to lie in an ideal spot for wine making. In 1836, the first settlers arrived in what is now Hermann along the banks of the Missouri River.

Since that time, Hermann has gained a reputation as a wine-making town. During the years of Prohibition are the only period of time since founding that many of the area residents were not involved in the wine making process.

Several wineries call the Hermann area home but within the city limits, two wineries offer daily tours and tastings. Stone Hill Winery looks down over the European style architecture from one of Hermann's high hills. Their wines are known throughout the United States and the onsite restaurant - The Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill - serves fine cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere.

Located at the eastern end of Hermann's main street - First Street - and overlooking the waters of the Missouri, Hermannhof is the oldest winery in town. Daily wine tours are given and Hermannhof sells all the delightful wines made on site. A small restaurant also offers up mouth watering brats and other German style cuisine.

Bed-and-breakfast inns are found in almost every vintage building in town. Visitors can choose from rooms overlooking First Street to garden garrets and plush apartments. There are also two standard motels for those who prefer more modern lodging.

Restaurants abound offering German cuisine, everything from Rouladen to Sauerbraten. The other main street is Market Street and there are several restaurants located along Market. There is also a bakery that offers both German and American confections - the aromas that waft through town are infectious!

Near the river's edge, Simon's On The Waterfront offers everything from steaks to traditional German dishes in a very pleasant atmosphere.

Visitors who want to experience the German heritage of Hermann and the surrounding region will make The Deutscheim State Historic Site their first stop. Deutscheim has two buildings, the Pommer-Gentner House and the Strehly House.

Old World style artists and craftsman can be found in the old Deustche School, now the German School of Arts and Crafts at 4th and Schiller Streets.

A local museum offers additional insight into the town and its' culture. Be sure to visit the Gasconade County Courthouse, a gothic structure high above the Missouri River complete with a lighting rod on top!

Many residents today still speak "Hermann German", a local variety of German that has evolved since the days of the first settlers.

In the summer months, the city blooms with beautiful gardens that make the Old World style architecture even more attractive.

German festivals in May and October draw visitors from around the country to join in traditional German celebrations. Stone Hill offers an annual grape stomping event that is fun for the entire family.

A drive through the surrounding hills offers breaktaking vistas of the many vineyards and rugged hills above the wide Missouri River.

Across the river, a short drive leads to Starkenberg, a shrine to Our Lady with two large Catholic Churches and an outdoor Stations of The Cross. Each August, a pilgrimage is made from the shrine to Hermann.

Tourists who can't afford the price of a ticket to visit Germany can experience the flavor, the culture, and the heritage with a visit to Hermann, Missouri's German City.

Local residents are waiting to welcome guests with a big "Wilkommen" and a glass of home made vintage wine!