Spring into Adventure in Hermann, MO
As the first blooms of Spring begin dotting the landscape, there’s no better time to get outside and explore Hermann! Take in the natural beauty on a camping trip, discover the exciting new local businesses, or enjoy the nearby trails. The days are getting longer, the air is delightfully crisp and refreshing, and the town is buzzing with an energy only Spring can bring! So, pack your bags and get to Hermann for some fantastic Springtime adventures.
Hermann City Park – RV & Tent Camping features 51 RV campsites with full hook-ups (water, sewer, and electric) available. With campsites stretched out across three scenic areas within the park, you’ll have plenty of open space between you and your neighbors to enjoy the outdoors—whether you’re making s’mores, gathering around a campfire, or stargazing under Hermann’s beautiful night sky. Reservations are required for RV sites for weekends, and you can use the online reservation tool to book your stay.
Campers have a full range of amenities, including access to the Bath House showers and restrooms. Enjoy hours of entertainment on the Hermann City Park Tennis & Pickleball Courts (bring your own pickleball racquet!), baseball fields, basketball court, and swimming pool.
Reservations are not required at Herman City Parks Tent Camping sites and are on a first-come, first-served basis. And for those who really want to disconnect from the world, pitch your tent at Hermann Riverfront Park Primitive Camping area. The campground is ADA-compliant and has accessible restrooms, one small park pavilion, and a barbeque pit within the park.
Hermann boasts a history brimming with wine-making, freedom fighting and German heritage—not to mention, this Missouri River Valley town was also an essential hub for over-water transportation. Upon visiting Hermann, a perfect spot to stop is the Paddle Wheel at the Riverfront Park.
Visit the Paddle Wheel at Hermann Riverfront Park
What Is a Paddle Wheel? A paddle wheel is a large steel framework wheel that is turned by an engine onboard a ship. The wheel serves to move a riverboat against or along with the current. A paddle wheel contains numerous, regularly-spaced blades that act as paddles. The bottom quarter of the wheel travels underwater and creates an enormous amount of propulsion that provides forward or backward motion.
The Riverfront Park itself is designed with visitors in mind—with benches, historical markers and scenic views of the river. The park ties together the pedestrian crossing of the Bond Bridge to the Katy Trail, shares parking with the Deutschheim State Historic Site and acts as a ‘welcome sign’ upon entering town.
If you haven’t already spent a few hours watching the vast waters flow by or searching for the eagles performing mid-air acrobatics, plan to include a visit to the Riverfront Park on your next trip to town. Take a close look at the paddle wheel on display there and consider a time when riverboat innovations, like the paddle wheel, were up and coming.
This paddle wheel structure pays homage to the steamboat industry. Steamboats frequented this stretch of the Missouri River and a prominent steamboat manufacturing company resided in Hermann. Local architect, Ross Henson machined this paddle wheel and the Hermann Jaycees felt that it was necessary to honor this piece of area history. City street crews poured the concrete and a company from Gasconade laid the brick. Construction was completed on this project in 2002.
Appreciating the Past in Hermann
The Hermann Paddle Wheel paints a strong picture of a different time along the river. Today we enjoy the fruits of that labor as we prop our feet up on heavy timbers (that arrived by ship) while sipping on beverages (that made their way out of the Missouri Rhineland by ship).
Hermann City Park is within a mile of many restaurants, shops, and other attractions in downtown Hermann, making it conveniently close to explore our town and local sites but also secluded enough to truly feel like you are one with nature.
When you are ready to check out Hermann’s many attractions, reach out to one of our local transportation services to be picked up at the campgrounds and taken into town.
Step 10,000 Years Into the Past
If you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for an easy hike, Graham Cave State Park offers a look into the past with exhibits of the cultural and natural significance of the cave. Located 22 miles north of Hermann, the park also features a boat ramp with access to the Loutre River for boating and fishing.
Hike or Bike the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail State Park is a Missouri treasure. It’s the longest-developed rail-trail in the U.S. and offers travelers some of the most scenic views of central Missouri.
Accessing the Katy Trail from Hermann is simple, thanks to the protected eight-foot bike lane on the Missouri River Bridge. Just a mile north of town, the McKittrick Trailhead serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the trail. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a more challenging trek, the Katy Trail promises an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Just 10 miles west of Hermann and just north of the Katy Trail is Grand Bluffs Conservation Area with its 300-foot-high bluffs – some of the highest along the Missouri River. The Conservation area is open year-round to visitors.
Not a Hiker? Not a Problem.
If hiking or biking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beauty of our town in the Spring just by walking through town. Admire the historic architecture, browse the local shops, and pause to admire the beautiful blooms in Hermann’s Parks & Public Gardens.
Fresh Faces in the Hermann Community!
Hermann’s business community is growing, and we are thrilled to introduce these new businesses:
- Chapter 3 Toys, Books, & Gifts, located at 208 Schiller Street in downtown Hermann, has toys for kids, games and puzzles for adults, new books for all ages, and so much more.
- Fugitive Bluff Brewery & Winery is perched on a breathtaking bluff overlooking the Missouri River just a short 15-minute drive east of Hermann. Relax and savor some of their handcrafted beers, wines, and mouth-watering food.
- Strehly Winery Exhibit at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, opened October 2024, commemorates the life and winemaking hobby of Carl Strehly, one of the original editors of Hermann’s earliest newspapers. See an over 100-year-old grape arbor and winemaking equipment.
Spring Events in Hermann
Hermann is always blooming with interesting activities and events, and this Spring is no exception.
- Interested in learning how to make a quilt? There are multiple opportunities available this Spring at Silver Owl Specialty Quilts & Fabrics and Quilting Bee Fabrics.
- The Missouri Masters Art exhibit at the Gallery at the Library, from March 7th to May 23rd, showcases artists that bring the essence of Missouri to life, showcasing Missouri landscapes, stories, and culture.
- Enjoy all things sausage and bratwurst at this year’s Wurstfest from March 21st-23rd! Root for your favorite pup in the Wiener Dog Derby, sample sausages at Stone Hill Winery and the Hermannhof Festhalle, take a Sauerkraut making class at Hermann Wurst Haus, and attend the Braunschweiger Ball at Tin Mill Brewery.
- Be among the first to sample some delicious older Norton vintages and feast on a three-course gourmet dinner at the 10 Year Vertical Norton Tastings & Dinner at Stone Hill on April 12.
- Attend the authentic Maifest celebrations in downtown Hermann the weekend of May 16-18. There will be live German music, scrumptious authentic German food, and beer from Munich. Other Maifest celebrations will take place at local wineries, distilleries, and breweries.
Check out our events calendar for a full list of can’t-miss events and activities to complete your visit to Hermann.
However you choose to enjoy Springtime, Visit Hermann to see, sip, and savor it all!
