A visit to many of the historic sites in Hermann, MO, provides a window into this town’s rich history and German heritage. The German School in Hermann, Missouri at the Historic Hermann Museum is just one of many landmarks that played an important role in shaping the town and the lives of families that have lived here for generations. Spend an afternoon at this historic site and you’ll learn about everything from the first German ancestors that settled here in the mid-1800s to the customs and language that are still alive today.
Hermann’s Historical Background
German immigrants began settling in the Hermann, Missouri, area in the mid-1800s to preserve the Old Country language and customs in their new homeland. Organized settlement committees from Pennsylvania sponsored immigration to the Midwest, but the hard work of the settlers made these new communities successful. Although the earliest settlers planned on farming, they found the geography of the region unsuited to the traditional farms they envisioned. Situated on a bluff overlooking a river, the choice was clear. They would plant vineyards like the ones along the Rhine River at home.
Economic Growth in the Settlement
As the settlement grew in economic strength, a middle class evolved who wanted an education for their children. In 1871, this German middle class established what is now known as The German School. In the early 1890s, a clock tower was added to the architecture that has made the school a Hermann landmark. The clock, still in operation, requires manual winding twice a week. Self-guided tours are available for the many exhibits at the old school with guides available to answer questions.
The German School in Hermann, Missouri
The German School is the precursor of the modern local schools: Hermann, MO High School, Hermann Middle School, and Hermann Elementary School. Together, these schools house approximately 1,000 students. The last students educated at the old school left in 1955 when the school was closed and students were transferred to the then “old high school.” There were no state tests and no national curriculum at that old school, but it served to educate the students of those families who settled there and for the generations who followed.
Preserving the Past
Now the old school building houses The Hermann, MO Museum. Residents of the area have been donating artifacts to the museum through the years to preserve the record of the life of those early settlers. The area is steeped in the history of the German immigrants and the growth of their community. Hermann is also home to the Deutschheim State Historical Site, a beautifully preserved historical site open April through October. The preserved architecture of this area is said to contribute to Hermann being called the most beautiful town in Missouri.
Enjoy the Area
After a pleasurable time exploring Hermann, take the time to visit a German restaurant and continue to enjoy the German culture. Hermann’s Wurst Haus boasts 4 stars from Yelp and numerous national and international awards for its wurst. Here you will find more than 40 varieties of delicious in-house made sausages and other nitrate-free meat prepared by the owners. They even offer a sausage-making class. The deli menu changes frequently to take advantage of the wide variety of meats and cheese available here.
Germany is famous not only for its wine, but also for its beer, and Hermann is no exception. The Tin Mill Brewery uses authentic German brewing methods and imports its hops and malts from Germany. Enjoy the German-style Pilsner with one of the German Club sandwiches, a bratwurst, or braunschweiger, or pizza!
What To Do in Hermann, MO
TripAdvisor has a list of 18 things to do in Hermann. Of course, visiting the Deutschheim Historical Site is at the top of the list. But consider going to Sugar Momma’s, a mecca for pies and custards, or seeing the sites on The Hermann Trolley. If you would like to take a trip down Memory Lane, stop by Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall and browse the many vendors there. If you are craving adventure, try out ZipZorb’s, a zip-line and aerial adventure park. Reviewers give this a thumb’s up for safety as well as fun. If you would like to stay a little closer to the ground, why not rent a bike and enjoy exercise and fresh air in the rolling hills of this area? The possibilities are limitless as you explore this beautiful town and its surrounding areas.
Plan Your Trip Now
High on your list of things to do in Hermann is to stay at the Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn and Spa. The property is delightful and features cottages on the river’s bluff. Contact us today to plan your stay in Hermann.
Photo Credit: FooTToo / Thinkstock
