Set in the heart of Missouri wine country, Hermann is a storybook village packed with Bavarian charm and unique adventures. From goat yoga and German cooking workshops to scenic bike rides and sunset cruises, here’s your go-to guide for an unforgettable getaway in Hermann, MO.
Underground Cellar Tour at Stone Hill Winery
Embark on a free tour of the 19th-century cellars beneath Stone Hill Winery to explore North America’s largest arched underground wine cellars. Learn stories of the German immigrants who dug them by hand. Discover Stone Hill’s role in the global wine industry and how its wines are made. Expect dim lighting, cool temps, and old-world vibes reminiscent of a European wine cave.
After your tour, stop by the museum room to see historic artifacts like wine-making tools and vintage bottles. Grab a seat in the tasting room to savor samples of estate wines like the Norton, an ode to Missouri’s signature grape. Enhance your visit with a private tasting that comes with wine-friendly snacks, a wine cocktail, and a souvenir wine glass.
Katy Trail Bluff Ride and Gourmet Picnic
Hop on two wheels and hit one of Missouri’s most scenic stretches: the Katy Trail. Start at the McKittrick trailhead and ride to Portland or Treloar and back for a flat, breezy 28- to 38-mile round-trip. Pedal past limestone bluffs with sweeping views of the Missouri River. Eagle sightings happen all the time, so keep your eyes peeled.
The trail follows the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, so you’ll see old rail depots along the way as you cruise back in time. Refuel under the cottonwoods at mile marker 100 with a Weekend Picnic Bundle from Hermann Wurst Haus. Snack on house-made sausages, local cheeses, crackers, and Missouri wine.
“Say Cheese” Wine Trail
Planning a winter visit? Snack and sip your way through one of Herman’s most festive events of the year on the “Say Cheese” Wine Trail. On the second Saturday of every December, local wineries roll out exclusive wine and cheese pairings for a one-day holiday tasting. Expect twinkly lights, crackling fireplaces, and plenty of selfie spots along the self-drive trail.
From bold reds with fire-roasted cheddar to crisp rosé with blueberry goat cheese, you’ll enjoy plenty of dreamy combinations you won’t find on the regular tasting menus. The trail lines up perfectly with Kristkindl Markt, so plan to stop by afterward. Head from one stall to the next to shop for handmade gifts and baked treats. Tickets go fast, so snag yours early if you can.
Goat Yoga and Wine at Adam Puchta Winery
If you’ve ever wondered what goat yoga was like, now’s your chance to find out. Between spring and fall, join a beginner-friendly session in the vineyards at Adam Puchta Winery. Don’t be alarmed if a curious baby goat hops on your back mid-child’s pose—they do that sometimes.
Afterward, reward yourself with a complimentary glass of Hunter’s Red or a frozen wine slushie from Missouri’s oldest family-owned winery. Sign up early, bring a yoga mat, and don’t forget a camera to capture those adorable goat snuggles on film.
Live-Music Sundowners at OakGlenn Winery
Planning a golden hour outing? Head to OakGlenn Winery to soak up the best sunset views in Hermann from 250 feet above the Missouri River. Every weekend from April through October, the patio turns into a community hub as local bands take the stage to perform everything from classic rock to bluegrass.
Kick off your shoes, sip a glass of chilled Vignoles, and dance barefoot in the grass. Bring a lawn chair or spread out a blanket to unwind in a warm, laid-back setting. Grab a bite from the winery food truck, or bring a cooler with your own snacks. The sunset over the vineyard rows makes for incredible photos, so don’t forget to say cheese during your visit.
Pub-to-Patio Crawl in Historic Downtown
Hermann’s compact and ultra-walkable downtown makes it easy to hop from one spot to the next. Whether you’re craving small-batch gin, local brews, or a solid bourbon, you can find it all here. Start at Tin Mill Brewing for German-style lagers in a restored century-old grain mill.
Next, sip botanical cocktails on the shaded patio at Black Shire Distillery—the gin is made with locally-grown grain and aged in white oak barrels. End your crawl with river views and a s’mores Old Fashioned at Fernweh Distilling. Pair your beverage with the strawberry-balsamic feta dip or a pretzel bun bratwurst.
Sausage-Making Class at Hermann Wurst Haus
Roll up your sleeves and step into the kitchen with Wurstmeister Mike Sloan at Hermann Wurst Haus. Learn the art of sausage making in a hands-on class where you’ll mix, grind, stuff, and smoke your own links the traditional way. During the 2- to 3-hour class, you’ll gain all the skills you need to make sausage and bacon back home like a pro.
Afterwards, dig into a hearty German meal with your fellow cooks. You’ll also get a personalized apron and goody bag to bring home, along with 2-3 pounds of your handmade sausage. If you’d rather kick it up a notch with the Whole Pig Butchery class, you can bring home 20 pounds of pork cuts—enough to stock your freezer for the season.
Hermann Architecture and Photo Walk
Grab your camera and walk through downtown Hermann, which is basically a real-life Pinterest board for old-world European charm. Marvel at the red-brick row houses, wrought-iron balconies, and cobblestone alleys. Don’t miss the vintage train depot, copper-domed Gasconade County Courthouse, or Gothic-Revival St. George Catholic Church.
Along the way, check out local shops like Topiaries and Sugar Momma’s—many of them decorate their storefronts for each season. Plan your self-guided walking tour in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. If you visit during Oktoberfest or Christmastime, expect dazzling lights and festive decor on every block.
Missouri River Sunset Cruise Aboard Miss Augusta
Up for a drive? Head 40 miles east to Augusta for a two-hour sunset cruise. Cruise down the Missouri River on the Miss Augusta—a yacht-style cruise boat with comfortable seats, a wine bar, and a rooftop deck perfect for soaking up the views.
Choose a traditional sightseeing cruise, or upgrade your experience by opting for the hors d’oeuvres cruise or seated dinner cruise. Admire the scenic bluffs and golden skies from the deck, or skip the wind and take in the views from the air-conditioned salon. Children aged 3-11 ride for a discounted rate, and kids 2 and under cruise for free.
Bonus: Twilight Lantern Ghost Walk with Hermann’s History & Haunts
Dive into Hermann’s spooky side on a twilight ghost walk. Stroll the town’s most historic (and haunted) streets, inns, cellars, and riverside parks on a two-hour tour lit only by flickering lanterns. Listen to eerie tales of Civil War spies, haunted wineries, and the legendary Spirit Hill Guest House.
Hear ghost stories of river pirates, mysterious disappearances, and German superstitions passed down through generations. You don’t have to be a believer to appreciate the beauty of Hermann’s historic architecture at night. Come with an open mind, and maybe a brave friend.
