Hermann, MO

Address:Hermann, Missouri

How often can you visit a place and get a taste of what life was like and how life still is more than 200 years later? The quaint village of Hermann, Missouri, on the banks of the Mississippi River, is just that sort of place. Founded by German settlers in the early 1800s, this village is still very German. Hermann is well known for its wineries, German breweries and for being the sausage-making capital of Missouri. You can tour all these places as well as Hermann's historic district with more than 150 historic buildings. Quaint inns and B&B's make for a comfortable nights sleep so you can enjoy your day's activities. Food and festivals are a big part of this German village, so you definitely won't go home hungry or empty handed. Hermann's rolling hills are a great place to see the fall leaves change colors.

Seven award-winning wineries are within a 15-mile radius of Hermann. The most famous wine comes from the historic Stone Hill Winery. You can tour the winery and vineyards and enjoy tastings at the end of your tour. Beer fans will love touring the Bauernhof Brewery, which produces strictly German beers, pilsners and lagers. After you've had your beer and wine, head over to a smokehaus to watch how sausages are made. If you aren't too full from your beer tastings, go ahead and taste some great Bratwurst.

Now that your belly's full, head downtown to do some serious walking and shopping. Downtown Hermann is an antique shopper's delight. There are enough antique shops to last you a lifetime. In fact, the shops hand out a map to help you navigate them all. Hungry after all that walking? You're in the right place! Hermann has more than 10 restaurants to choose from, and you'll want to sample several. Food ranges from classic German and great Mexican food, to fine Continental food.

Ready to walk off all that yummy food? Visit the German School Museum on Schiller Street. Built in 1871, the building was Hermann's elementary school until 1955. The town clock (located on the steeple) has been operating since 1890. The school has several interesting rooms to see: The German Heritage Room with wine making exhibits and memorabilia, a pre-Civil War loom, newspapers, handmade printing blocks, and Hermann pottery from about 1860. The River Room has an excellent collection of boat models, Missouri River history, a replica of the Pin Oak steamboat, historic steamboat pictures, and recorded memoirs of some of Hermann's residents. The Kinder Room is a German school classroom filled with dolls, toys and furniture from the late 1800s, along with many memories from children years ago. The Needlework Corner includes a display of what the proper lady did in her spare time, with several examples of artwork made by local residents and some of the needles and tools that the ladies used. Lastly, the Els Room features hand carved furniture by Louis Els, a famous local furniture maker.

Almost every weekend during the summer and throughout the year, Hermann has a number of German festivals, the biggest of which are Maifest and Oktoberfest. Aside from wine, traditional German dancing, bratwurst, beer and Maypole dancing, Oktoberfest, held the first four weekends in October, is focused on celebrating the region's German heritage.

Hermann Airport is located 3 miles west of Hermann on road 94. Hermann is only about 70 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri.