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While the St. Louis metro area hosts a variety of Oktoberfest celebrations, Hermann, Missouri—just 67 miles west—celebrates its rich German heritage with its own popular rendition. Settled in the mid-1800s by the Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft zu Philadelphia (German Settlement Society of Philadelphia), the town was envisioned as becoming the "heart of German-America." Today, it still retains its German roots with brick homes that line the sidewalks in the historic center, as well as vineyards, which were originally planted to overcome the town’s “vertical acreage.” And while Hermann might be most associated with the resulting wine, beer is definitely on the menu this month. Each weekend, visitors can wash down their favorite German foods—pretzels, sauerkraut, and brats—with a large ale. Here's what to know before you go.
FESTIVITIES
- Deutschheim State Historic Site: The visitor’s center will offer tours during the festival; reservations can be made by calling 573-486-2200.
- Stein-Hoisting Contest: Every Saturday at 8 p.m. at Jaycees Biergarten in Sesquicentennial Park, there will be a contest to see who can hold up a stein of brew the longest.
- The Duck Dance: On Saturday afternoons in the Historic Festhalle at the Inn at Hermannhof, the Loehnig German Band will be playing polka and inviting attendees to do that familiar dance.
- Live Music: There will a smattering of concerts throughout the weekend, beginning on Friday evenings and concluding on Sunday afternoons. Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar, The Piano Bar, Tin Mill Brewery, Hermannhof Winery, and Adam Puchta Winery are just a few of the designated concert locations. There will also be a DJ every Saturday night at the Concert Hall and Barrel Tavern.
FOOD & DRINK
- Hermann Wurst Haus: Naturally, the downtown market will serve up brats made in-house.
- Swiss Meat & Sausage Co.: The butch shop will offer a range of meats, including blood sausage, liverwurst, and other German specialties.
- Tin Mill Restaurant: Besides its craft brews (made following the Germany Purity Law of 1515), the former three-story mill and attached ice house will serve soft pretzels and German chocolate cake.
- Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery: Enjoy a bottle of wine and the scenic view, alongside traditional German dishes and the restaurant's more contemporary cuisine.
GETTING AROUND
- Amtrak: Don’t feel like driving or finding a designated driver? Two trains travel along the Missouri River between St. Louis and Hermann each day.
- Katy Trail: Make the trip a weekend adventure by riding the scenic Katy Trail. Look for the McKittrek trailhead, near Hermann.
- Hermann Trolley: Once in town, hop on the historic trolleys to get to and from downtown and five area wineries.
