If you’re looking for a fantastic fall getaway, look no further. Our boutique hotel located on the mighty Missouri River Bluff offers the perfect launching and landing pad for the best fall things to do in Hermann, MO. Just imagine the sound of leaves gently falling from the trees and crunching beneath your feet; the kaleidoscope of muted colors ranging from gold and pumpkin to burgundy and eggplant; the scent of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes; nibbling on fresh baked apple or pumpkin pie; savoring tastings of delicious wines; sipping hot cocoa in front of a toasty warm fire… book your fall getaway at Hermann Hill and enjoy it all!
Scenic Drives
Take the scenic route this fall from Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri. You’ll enjoy every second as you make your way to Hermann Hill.
If you’re driving to Hermann from Kansas City, consider leaving I-70 at Columbia for Highway 63 South to Jefferson City, and then taking Highway 94 to Hermann. This will allow you to view the beautiful fall foliage on the great hardwood trees along the Missouri River bluffs with the sun behind you. Then take Highway 19 to I-70 for your return trip.
The most common trees along the Missouri River are willow, cottonwood, elm, and oak, all of which turn to shades of yellow and gold during the fall. With the autumn sunlight as a backdrop, the river banks seem to glow.
Highway 94 toward Hermann features beautiful leaf canopies and is dotted with picturesque vineyards. Add a few stops to some of the wineries for a delightful tasting.
Wine Tasting Tours
Combine the gorgeous fall foliage with fine wine tasting by traveling the Hermann Wine Trail. You will not be disappointed. Featuring seven family-owned wineries that are open year-round, you can enjoy wine tastings, special events (six each year), or wine and food pairings. The wineries are in close proximity with one another, which means you can easily visit them all in one day, but we recommend spreading your visits over two or three days, perfect for a long weekend or midweek getaway. Since Hermann was founded by German immigrants, you’ll also experience a taste of Germany’s traditions and flavors along the trail. Here are the seven wineries that make up the Hermann Wine Trail.
- Adam Puchta Winery
- Bias Winery and Microbrewery
- Curling Vine Winery
- Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room
- G. Husmann Wine Company
- Hermannhof Winery
- Röbller Vineyard
Nature Hikes
Enjoy a guided three-mile walk on a brisk morning as the fog rolls in off the Missouri River. You simply walk out the door of your River Bluff Cottage or Vineyard Inn Suite. This nature/city trail takes you past tall hardwood trees, through charming Hermann, and back again.
You may also opt for a bike ride on the scenic and popular Katy Trail. Simply park your car at the south end of the Missouri River Bridge, and we’ll shuttle you and your bikes over to the Trail (be sure to reserve the shuttle ahead of time). The Katy Trail is the largest rails to trail project in the United States. Thousands of people enjoy biking, running, walking and horseback riding on it throughout the year. During the fall, you’ll be up close and personal with the beautiful fall foliage and crisp autumn air.
Grand Bluffs Conservation Area, located off the Katy Trail just 10 miles northwest of Hermann, encompasses 236 acres of natural scenic beauty. You’ll love the awe-inspiring stretch of dolomite bluffs, two miles of which are 300’ high. Hike to the top of the bluff where you’ll be rewarded with amazing Missouri River views. You may also stumble upon two fishless ponds, a remnant hill prairie, and a bubbling creek.
Cozy Accommodations
After a day of sightseeing in the fall, return to your River Bluff Cottage or Vineyard Inn Suite for some R&R. Sip a glass of newly found wine on your private deck as the sun sets behind the bluff. Relax in your hot tub, or cozy up to your loved one in front of the fire. Rejuvenate, relax, reconnect and return to reality refreshed! Reserve your idyllic Hermann Hill getaway today.