8 Best Things to Do in Hermann, MO

January 9, 2020 - Updated

With a large German community, you’ll find German influences in everything in Hermann, MO. This is the seat of the Missouri wine country. The city was established in 1842, and since its inception, the city has grown nominally to about 2,500 people. The small-town feel in this city really leads to the beauty of the countryside and the authenticity of the culture. Wine enthusiasts have their pick on wineries to check out and would be wise to do so as they visit the local historical sites.

1.Hermann Farm

This museum was once the house owned by George Husmann, the expert in America’s wines. He emigrated from Germany in 1839 and was greatly impacted by the Civil War. He was an outspoken supporter of the Union army, and when the Confederates camped on his land, they destroyed his harvests and wine surplus. Since its building, the house and farm buildings have been restored to their original look, and Shire draft horses still live on the property. Tractor tours are available at this living museum, offering a chance for visitors to get a good look at the 200-acre lot.

526 East First Street, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-3276

2.Deutscheim State Historic Site

Hermann was home to many German settlers. To celebrate this heritage, the Deutscheim State Historic Site looks at the culture and heritage of these people. Three tours of the homes are held daily, though guests can view the area’s buildings on their own. Be sure to check out the Carl Strehly house. Built in 1842, this home was used as a printing press for a period, and still houses the original furnishings from the family. The local gardens plant authentic 19th-century plants to show what the gardens looked like back when the emigrants came. If you plan your visit around the holidays, be sure to check out all the special decorations and activities of the weihnachtsfest (German Christmas celebrations and traditions).

109 West Second Street, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-2200

3.Adam Putcha Winery

The Adam Putcha Winery is the oldest family-run winery in America. Unlike many wineries in the area, Adam Putcha Winery is unique because it offers lodging for guests wishing to stay on site. Along with the guest cabin, the original stone house home of John Henry Puchta is available for rent. For a small fee, there are three different wine tastings available at the Adam Putcha Winery: the featured wine tasting with eight pre-selected wines, the complete wine tasting, which looks at 16 wines, or the Vintner’s select tasting, which features samples of the premium brews, like the sparkling wine and mead.

1947 Frene Creek Road, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-5596

4.Martin Brothers Winery

One of the unique and new wineries in the area is Martin Brothers Winery. Opening in 2014, Martin Brothers specializes in mead, the oldest alcohol known. Mead is made from honey, and since there are so many varieties of honey available, the options for the mead flavors will be endless. As a newer winery, they currently offer five different meads: wildflower (dry or sweet), orange blossom, Lucerne blossom, and blueberry blossom. Stop by for a guided tasting in the tasting room. All meads are made with the freshest ingredients and no added spices or preservatives. All meads are gluten free as well.

1623 Old Iron Road, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-0236

5.Swiss Meat and Sausage Co.

Purchased in 1965, Swiss Meat and Sausage Co. has been selling meats and sausages since the new ownership. Bill Sloan began making his own sausage and hot dogs before building two smokehouses to go along with production. Visitors may recognize the Swiss Meat and Sausage Co. since it was featured on an episode of Food Network’s Road Tasted. Those visiting the retail store or deli can find a delicious mix of meats for sale, including bacon, jerky, snack mixes, summer sausage, bologna, and bratwurst, among other things. You can also purchase unique smoked meats, blood sausage, and head cheese.

2056 S. Highway 19, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-2086

6.Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern

Built in 1878, the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern has an old saloon on the first floor, while a hall on the second floor has been home to lectures, plays, and musical shows. Today, the concert hall is used by party-goers for events and live bands. Down in the tavern, the owners have moved further from the saloon-style menu to offer more food dishes on top of the alcoholic offerings. Like much of Hermann, German influences can be found in the food options, such as the bratwurst, Rueben, and schnitzel. The appetizers are where the Barrel Tavern really shines, with may delights to go along with your happy hour get together.

206 East First Street, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-5065

7.Stone Hill Winery

Founded by Jim and Betty Held, Stone Hill Winery has remained in the family for over 150 years. Today’s guests can visit the building that is now registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Along with an elegant and relaxing wine-tasting and tour of the facilities, be sure to check out the 165-year-old wine cellars (underground) and the on-site restaurant that features German food and Stone Hill Wines. Try the Kartoffelpuffer (which is as tasty to eat as it is to say), the spaetzle, sauerbraten, or schweineschnitzel. Stone Hill makes sure to include family fun by even selling grape juice made with the same grapes in their wines.

1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-2221

8.Hermannhof Winery

Another of the early Hermann buildings found on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hermannhof Winery was originally constructed in 1848. As a local establishment, Hermannhof made wine until it took a break during the Prohibition Era. Today, guests can sample wines of various flavors, including wine made from cherry juice. In the tasting room, guests will be able to try the different wines available, along with the house-made sausage, flatbreads (like the Grape flatbread), sandwiches, and a create-your-own charcuterie platter. If you want something a bit more German, try the giant pretzel with beer cheese.

330 East First Street, Hermann, MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-5959