Your Guide to Outdoor Adventure in Hermann, Missouri

Situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming and picturesque German village that offers a variety of outdoor fun.

It also boasts a great location: less than 80 miles from both St. Louis and Columbia.

So it gives you the feeling that you’re getting away, but without the annoyingly long car ride.

Here are your must-do activities while you’re there.

 

PARTY ON
Hermann celebrates a lot, so whenever you decide to visit, there’s likely to be a festival happening. That said, fall is an ideal time to go.

The Wine & Jazz Festival (pictured; September 13) pairs Missouri’s rich jazz culture with the region’s finest wines for a one-day jamboree. SmokeFest (September 20) features a barbecue competition, whiskey tastings, live music, and bunches of cigars.

And during Oktoberfest (every weekend in October), Hermann comes alive with oompah bands, authentic German brats and beers, stein-hoisting contests, and traditional Bavarian music and dancing. Don’t forget your lederhosen! 

 

SPOKE AROUND
Hermann has options to satisfy every type of biker, from casual to hardcore. Bring your wheels and take the bike-friendly bridge over the river to the McKittrick Trailhead, where you’ll find easy access to the Katy Trail.

If you’d rather not haul your own rig, Pedego Electric Bikes Hermann offers e-bike rentals by the hour, making it a nice option for laid-back tours of the Katy and downtown.

Gravel biking more your speed? Save the date for the Tour of Hermann Gravel Challenge (May 3-4), a two-day race that features 11,700 feet of climbing and over 200 miles of riding.

 

HIKE IT
Enjoy a good hike? Then you’ll like Hermann. In addition to the Katy Trail, GuidiGo Walking Tours offers a tour of Hermann history at your own pace.

Day trippers should also check out nearby Graham Cave State Park, with opportunities for both recreation and education.

And the 236-acre Grand Bluffs Conservation Area (pictured) features a stretch of 300-foot dolomite bluffs along the Missouri River, as well as fishless ponds and a remnant hill prairie along the ridge.

 

CAMP OUT
Whether you prefer a tent, RV, or something in between, Hermann has your camping needs covered.

City Park Campgrounds offers sites for tent camping and 51 RV campsites with full water, electric, and sewer hookups. (Reservations during festival season fill quickly, so book in advance.)

Riverfront Park (pictured) is a favorite spot for catching a sunset, picnicking, or taking a leisurely stroll. Boat ramps are available for paddling and fishing on the Missouri River, and primitive camping areas are available without reservations.

 

SIP AND SAVOR
Ready to bend an elbow after all that outdoor activity? Good, because Hermann is the heart and soul of Missouri wine country.

The Hermann Wine Trail comprises six family-owned wineries, where you can pair food and wine in settings that range from quaint country farms to historic wine cellars. (For more on the wine trail, see this helpful article.)

If brews and bourbon are more your thing, stop by Tin Mill Brewing Company (pictured) to try suds in a historic grain-processing plant, or visit Copper Mule Distillery for a tour and bourbon tasting.

 

REST AND RECOVER
After a long day of adventures, you’ll want to rest your body (and possibly nurse a slight hangover) somewhere comfy. From cozy cottages to luxury suites, Hermann has a lodging choice for every taste and budget.

For something unique, book your own treehouse at The Cottage (pictured). Or rent Retrohaus, a quirky guest home within walking distance of Hermann’s downtown.

For something a bit more upscale, head to Old Vine Bed & Breakfast or Hermann Hill, both of which offer add-on “enhancements” to elevate your stay.

Pampering just feels better near grapes.

Author: Neima Shahdadi is a contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Visit Hermann.