5 Unique Day Trip Ideas near Hermann, MO

Updated for 2024 — Here are 5 popular day trip ideas near Hermann Hill that offer adventure and fun—a true escape from your day-to-day routine.

Our luxury boutique hotel in Hermann, MO, provides the perfect home base for exploring the area. First, book your stay in one of our Vineyard Inn Suites or River Bluff Cottages, and then head out for a day of sightseeing, adventure, and shopping.

From downtown Hermann to lush wine country to sweet St. Louis, check out our list of unique day trips near Hermann, MO.

Just north of Hermann, MO lies the pretty town of New Florence. Spend a day exploring the Danville Conservation Area and sipping craft bourbon.

Open daily 4am - 10pm
Phone: 573-815-7900
Area Brochure and Area Map
Hunting season: mid-Sep to mid-Jan

After a delicious breakfast at Hermann Hill, head north, about 35 minutes, to the Danville Conservation Area. Here, you’ll discover 3,136 acres of primarily wooded land reminiscent of the Ozarks farther south, including:

• Several narrow ridges
• Gurgling creeks
• Limestone glades and woodlands
• A sandstone woodland

In season, you’ll see delicate coneflowers, prairie clovers, and Indian paintbrush. If you’re a nature enthusiast, hiker, or birdwatcher, you will thoroughly enjoy walking through this protected native land.

Spend as much time as you like exploring until your legs tire. Grab a snack from your Gourmand Tray, or head to one of Hermann’s eateries for a quick lunch.

Before heading back to Hermann, venture further north to Wood Hat Spirits, this locally owned and operated craft distillery uses locally grown grains, fruit and nuts to create award-winning Bourbons, Corn Whiskeys and Cordials.

Gary Hinegardner, owner and distiller, has carved hats, bowls, and more out of wood as a hobby. When making his spirits, he uses the same principle in carving: he simply cuts away what isn’t his goal—a wooden shape, a finely distilled bottle of whiskey, or bourbon.

After a full day of exploring and taste testing, you've undoubtedly developed a good appetite. Hermann offers several options, or you can enjoy one of our options in the privacy of your suite.

Choose from one of our grilling options or a slow cooker meal and relax on your own private patio or balcony. A little R&R is good for the soul—enjoy the night sounds and reflect on your day’s adventures.

St. Louis is about 80 miles from Hermann, meaning you can take a day trip to this city on just one gas tank.

After breakfast at Hermann Hill, head east for about 1.5 hours. St. Louis is a major city with lots to do, but here are a few must-see and adventurous attractions that will make for a fun and eventful day trip.

The iconic arch is immediately recognizable with its impressive, sleek metal design. At 630 feet, it’s also the tallest monument in the United States. The views at the top are the finest around, so be sure to take the tram ride up.

While you’re up there, a fascinating museum traces 200 years of Missouri’s history, including Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels—all of whom made America possible.

Why visit a train station? The St. Louis Train Station was once one of the world's largest and busiest train station terminals. Today, you’ll quickly find a day’s worth of fun things to do, such as:

• St. Louis Aquarium: This engaging and interactive aquarium features over 13,000 creatures and over 250,000 gallons of water. It will take you into Missouri's local streams and rivers and down to the depths of the oceans without ever getting wet. You’ll encounter prehistoric paddlefish, Zebra sharks, Doctor fish, rays, sharks, gators, turtles, jellyfish, and much more.
• The St. Louis Wheel: Soaring 200 feet into the sky, this over-the-top Ferris wheel features 42 fully-enclosed and climate-controlled gondolas for visitors to enjoy while rotating 3 to 4 times. You’ll witness stunning views of the St. Louis skyline that you’ll never forget.
• Mini Golf: Try your hand at 18 holes of fun and, at times, challenging miniature golf with the beautiful St. Louis Wheel in the background.
• Mirror Maze: This iconic 1904 World Fair attraction is not just for kids. Try navigating through the maze surrounded by nothing but mirrors and reflections. Check out this video to catch a glimpse of what to expect.
• Rope Course: Not for the faint of heart, this ropes course will test your agility and strength with more than 90,000 cubic feet of climbing space and 30 obstacles to challenge you every step of the way. They also offer the SkyRailTM, a 100-foot-long zip line that glides 50 feet above the Union Station lobby. What’s more, you control where to go and what to do.

The Train Station offers several restaurants where you can satisfy your appetite and thirst after these adventurous activities. Stay late and take in the Grand Hall Light Show. Each day from 5-10 pm, a laser light dance show on the station’s 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling is not to be missed!

Are you seeking some peaceful relaxation while breathing the fresh air and escaping the outdoors? Here are some options.

Another 1904 World Fair attraction, Forest Park, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, with over 1,300 acres (500 acres larger than New York City’s Central Park!). Forest Park offers 7.5 miles of scenic biking and walking trails and is also home to a zoo, an art and history museum, a science center, the Jewel Box greenhouse, and the Muny Theatre.

Another favorite outdoor space is the Missouri Botanical Garden, the oldest botanical garden in the United States. The garden has 79 acres of lush gardens, including a tropical rainforest and Japanese garden, as well as conservatories, greenhouses, and landscape architecture.

Hermann, MO, has enough shops to keep you busy all day, but if you want to see more of the area, there are also many excellent places to browse and shop from here to St. Louis—especially in St. Louis.

Beginning downtown, you’ll find ample places to peruse and purchase while helping support locally-owned shops and businesses. You're sure to find something fantastic no matter what you’re looking for. Art, leather, internationally acclaimed brats and sausages, home goods, souvenirs, sweets, clothing, jewelry and more are all readily available here in Hermann.

Located just 16.2 miles from Hermann in New Haven is Astral Glass Studio. Watch as they create gorgeous works of art or enjoy live glass blowing every Saturday and Sunday. Astral Glass creates more than just works of art. They also make jewelry and fused glass pieces.

Crane's Country Store is an easy 30-minute drive away in Williamsburg. It is a genuinely old-fashioned general store and one of the top-rated general stores in Missouri.

The Crane family opened its first store in 1898 at Mineola, MO, just east of Williamsburg. Over the years, there have been several name changes, from Harrison and Crane to Crane & Son and the current Crane’s Country Store, built in 1926. It has grown exponentially through hard work and word of mouth.

Merchandise includes Carhartt Clothing, groceries and produce, nuts and bolts, gadgets, shoes and boots, gas and ice, and anything else you’d expect to find in an old-time general store. While there, look at the unique items the family has collected through the years stashed in every nook and cranny.

Of course, you can quickly head to St. Louis for serious shopping. The challenge will not be where to shop but finding the time to see everything!

• Plaza Frontenac—for a bit of luxury shopping
• West County Center—for shops, eats, deals, and events
• The Delmar Loop—for an eclectic mix of shops, art, eateries, and more
• Central West End—for contemporary boutiques, upscale dining, cozy coffeehouses, and more
• Cherokee Antique Row—for extraordinary antiques and more
• St. Louis Premium Outlets—there’s a little something for everyone

We’re the gateway to Missouri wine country, so a day trip exploring the area’s vineyards and wineries is ideal. There are two ways to tour the wineries:

1. Follow the Hermann Wine Trail, or
2. Visit select wineries on your own.

We’ve highlighted a few worth visiting.

Take advantage of the picturesque countryside at Röbller Vineyard and Winery in New Haven, MO. The rich soil and gentle slopes provide excellent growing conditions and a spectacular view.

Röbleler wines focus on French hybrid varieties and European styling in blends. The tasting room offers gift items along with cheese and sausage. We encourage you to go out and try their incredible wines.

The White Mule is situated on a turn-of-the-century farmstead 28 miles south of Hermann and is a beautiful country drive for Hermann Hill guests. The Scholtachs bought the neighboring farm in 2004 from one of the oldest farming families, who continued to use White Mules to farm into the 1980s.

The vineyard winery still hosts the friendly, beautiful white mules and features classic Missouri wine, flavorful steak, and fried chicken dinners on Friday and Saturday Nights. Come out and wine and dine and enjoy the beautiful, peaceful White Mules that are still on the farm today.

The owners of Wenwood Farm Winery, 36 miles southwest of Hermann, have a long history in the winemaking business and an even longer history in the family farm. Tom and Kathy opened Wenwood Farm Winery in 2000 when they purchased Kathy's fourth-generation century farm. Tom has been interested in wine-making since he was 14 years old. Living in Wisconsin, he worked at a winery for many years.

The rustic country setting and gallery provide a perfect place for guests to unwind with a delicious glass of wine or join them for open-air events almost every Saturday.

Hermann Hill offers the perfect home base for day trips near Hermann, MO, with its serene setting and luxurious accommodations. Relax on your private balcony and reflect on the memories made as you overlook the rolling hills.

Indulge in a soothing spa treatment to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Whether savoring a glass of local wine by the fire pit or stargazing under the vast Missouri sky, Hermann Hill invites you to make the most of your getaway, creating cherished moments that will linger long after your journey home.

Check availability now and begin planning your escape to Missouri!

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