Autumn Adventures Await in Hermann

Hello Hermann Friends! Autumn does not officially begin for a couple of weeks, but that’s no reason to wait to enjoy a trip to Hermann! The cooler (or less humid) temperatures are ideal for guided or self-guided walking tours, winery outings, and visits to Hermann’s many museums. Here are just a few ideas to help you build your “tour-ific” itinerary.

Winery and Distillery Tours in Hermann, Mo

• Want a little adventure and a taste of history? Head for the hills! Stone Hill Winery, home to the largest series of arched, underground wine cellars in North America, offers daily guided tours where visitors can learn about this beautiful historic winery and taste their award-winning wines while taking in some of the best views in all of Hermann. Savor their award-winning wines, drink in breathtaking views of Hermann, and top it all off with a memorable meal at the charming Vintage 1847 Restaurant.
• Hermannhof Winery is steeped in German tradition, from its winemaking to the traditional German foods offered. The building itself is over 150 years old, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a wonderful place to start your Hermann adventures. Their dedication to quality wines is clear—they are America’s only two-time winner of the Brown Forman Trophy. Their self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own pace while you learn about the winemaking process and the winery’s history.

• Lionheart Whiskey Co. offers guided tours of their historic building as well as the 1920s carriage house, which is now home to the bottling room. Tours begin hourly on the half-hour mark and include a guided flight tasting and a hands-on cocktail-making lesson. Call ahead for groups of 12 or more.
• Our vineyards are not the only thing with deep roots in Hermann. Just a short walk from Hermannhof is Tin Mill Brewery. Located in a historic grain processing plant, Tin Mill continues to create authentic German-style craft beers, many in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516. Come in and take a self-guided tour, stay for a tasting and delicious pub food, like Bavarian pretzels, locally made bratwurst, and freshly made pizza.
• Copper Mule Distillery offers a guided tour to learn how bourbon is made. The tour consists of their rack house where barrels are stored & production facility with state-of-the-art equipment. Afterwards, you can sample unique bourbons and savor a chocolate pairing.

Walking Tours That Bring Hermann’s History to Life

With its complex history, charming landmarks, and postcard-worthy autumn scenery, Hermann is perfect for exploring on foot. GuidiGo Walking Tours allow you to explore Hermann’s many historic sites and places of interest at your own pace using your smartphone. GuidiGo tours are narrated by interviews with local experts and historians. History buffs will want to start with the Bayer Walking Tour. Beginning at Hermannhof Winery, this tour takes you on a stroll down Gutenberg Street as you learn about George Bayer, one of the founders of Hermann. Or hear about the first settlers from Philadelphia on the City Park Walking Tour, and how they were determined to form a prosperous German colony in the New World.

One of the convenient things about the GuidiGo walking tours is that you can press pause as many times as you like, allowing you to stop and enjoy a view, talk with your walking buddy, or stop for some delicious food or drink. The Hermann Riverfront Walking Tour combines places of interest along with several places to stop for a light snack, hearty meal, dessert, or refreshing beverages from coffee to wine and spirits. And if you share a love of all things holidays, movies, and more, you’ll really get a kick out of “A Christmas Vintage” Walking Tour. This tour is based on the full-length Christmas movie filmed right here in Hermann, MO! (The movie is available on Amazon Prime.) The tour guides you through the movie locations and includes interviews with the cast, crew, and some of the locals who acted and helped with the movie. This behind-the-scenes tour is wonderful any time of year but is especially charming leading up to the Christmas Holidays.

Guided Tours, Ghost Stories, and More

Leave the audio behind and take a guided tour into Hermann’s history at the Deutschheim State Historic Site and Deutschheim Living Gardens. These restored German-settler homes, printing press, and artifacts show the daily life of local German immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century. Experience living history as you see Hermann through the eyes of its first settlers.

For a truly spooky tour this fall, schedule your trip to include the Hermann Trolley Dark History Tour on the Hermann Trolley. Discover Hermann’s most haunted spots and hear about local legends & unsolved mysteries. For a walking tour of haunted Hermann, Hermann’s History & Haunts offers tours around the downtown historic district and offers narrated stories of local attractions and their spirited past.

Located just a few minutes’ drive northwest of Hermann is the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows. This 40-acre site is on the National Register of Historic Places and welcomes visitors from all backgrounds to take a self-guided tour through its tranquil grounds, beautiful grottoes, and outdoor Stations of the Cross. History comes alive at the Historic Hermann Museum (the former German School), telling the “why and how” talented and fearless settlers immigrated to Hermann. Our town is teeming with museums that appeal to many interests, including art (at Hermann’s Scenic Regional Library), firetrucks, railroads, and more. Browse the full list of Hermann’s Museums & Historical Places to discover the can’t-miss places when you visit.

If you’re planning to visit Hermann the first Saturday of December, there’s another tour we have to mention: The Hermann Holiday House Tour! Take a family-friendly tour of historic homes decorated for the Christmas season. The Holiday House Tour will occur Saturday, December 6th. Tickets for the event will go on sale November 1st.

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Visit Hermann

Hermann is a travel destination for many from far and wide, and autumn is particularly inviting with its crisp air and colorful scenery. Beyond these tours, you can take a walk or bike ride along the Katy Trail, browse through Hermann’s unique shops, or savor a delicious meal at one of our local eateries. Whether you’re here for a day trip or a week-long stay, you’ll find countless ways to explore and create lasting memories. And with Hermann’s easy accessibility — including a convenient Amtrak stop right in town — planning your visit has never been simpler. With so many experiences to choose from, there has never been a better time to plan your visit. Come see what makes this season so special when you Visit Hermann.