Deutschheim State Historic Site
Missouri Historic Site

Deutschheim State Historic Site

Drake School Road, Missouri
Available Activities
  • Sightseeing

🌤 Weather at Deutschheim State Historic Site by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
30–75 °F60–87 °F30–79 °F18–45 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rosebud, 5 mi away, elevation 730 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🏆 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

DetailInformation
LocationMissouri
Entry FeeFree 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.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site (a short drive away) and Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site (within about an hour’s drive).

🏛️ Visit Deutschheim State Historic Site

Missouri’s rich history awaits!

📍 MO State Parks

Wildlife & Nature

Deutschheim SHS — in Hermann — preserves 19th-century German immigrant homes in Missouri’s premier wine country. The park’s restored buildings, gardens, and Missouri River bluffs support white-tailed deer, songbirds, and butterflies. Eastern bluebirds nest in the orchard.

Nearby Attractions

Hermann — adjacent — has over a dozen wineries and the Oktoberfest. Missouri River — adjacent. Katy Trail SP — traverses Hermann. Jefferson City — 30 miles west.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Deutschheim State Historic Site

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash not longer than 10 feet required at all times; portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy the requirement.
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are not allowed in public swimming areas or on beaches.
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
The 'Cabins for Canines' program opens about 30% of lodging units to dogs (max two dogs per unit) at roughly 15 participating parks including Lake of the Ozarks, Bennett Spring, Echo Bluff and Roaring River; per-dog per-night fee varies by unit type.
Pet fees statewide rule
No day-use pet fee; Cabins for Canines charges a per-dog, per-night lodging fee (varies by unit).
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Maximum two dogs per campsite; pets not allowed inside any park building.

Are dogs allowed at Deutschheim State Historic Site?
Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome in Missouri state parks and historic sites, with pets leashed and under control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via mostateparks.com. More: Missouri state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 13, 2026

Park Location

Drake School Road, Missouri