Deutschheim State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Missouri History — Preserves the German heritage of Hermann, Missouri — founded in 1836 by the Deutsche Ansiedlungs-Gesellschaft as a “German Athens.” Hermann became the center of Missouri wine country with 60+ wineries!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Deutschheim
Deutschheim State Historic Site in Hermann preserves the German heritage of Missouri’s wine country. Hermann was founded in 1837 by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia to create a “German Athens” in the New World. By the 1850s, Hermann’s vineyards produced more wine than any other region in America — Missouri was the leading wine state before Prohibition destroyed the industry. The site includes restored German homes and gardens.
Things to Do
Touring the Pommer-Gentner House and Strehly House, exploring German frontier architecture, visiting Hermann’s wineries, attending the annual Oktoberfest and Maifest, and learning about Missouri’s pre-Prohibition wine heritage.
Visiting Today
The restored Pommer-Gentner and Strehly houses showcase German immigrant life in 1840s-1860s Missouri. Hermann’s Main Street is lined with wineries producing Norton, Vignoles, and Chardonel wines. The town hosts Maifest, Octoberfest, and Wurstfest throughout the year. An excellent day trip from St. Louis (90 minutes west).
Getting There
Located on West Second Street in Hermann, Gasconade County — 90 minutes west of St. Louis via I-70 and Highway 19. Hermann’s numerous wineries along the Katy Trail make this an ideal weekend trip. The MKT (Katy) Trail — America’s longest rail trail at 240 miles — passes directly through town.
Insider Tips
German heritage: Deutschheim preserves the German immigrant heritage of Hermann, Missouri — a town founded in 1836 specifically as a German cultural colony. Pro tip: Hermann’s founders wanted to create a “German Athens” in the American West — preserving German language, customs, and wine-making traditions. Missouri wine: Hermann was once the second-largest wine-producing region in the US — until Prohibition destroyed the industry.
Best Time to Visit
October: Oktoberfest celebrations. Fall: Grape harvest and wine festivals. Spring: Maifest celebrations. Year-round: Historic house tours and wineries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Missouri a major wine region?
Before Prohibition (1920-1933), Missouri was the second-largest wine-producing state in the US. Hermann’s German settlers brought winemaking expertise — Stone Hill Winery (1847) was the third-largest winery in the world. Prohibition destroyed the industry — wineries closed, vines were ripped out. Missouri wine has slowly recovered — today 130+ wineries operate, though the state never regained its pre-Prohibition prominence.
