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This destination on the Missouri River named one of America’s ‘most beautiful small towns’

Market Street in Hermann, Missouri
Market Street in Hermann, Missouri Davekeiser // Wikimedia Commons

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Hidden gems of Kansas & Missouri

If you’re thinking about a trip into the Sunflower or Show Me states, consider these unexpected attractions: New businesses putting small towns on the map, hidden gems recommended by locals or entire towns that make for delightful getaways.

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National magazine Travel and Leisure posted its 2023 list of “20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.,” and a Missouri town made the cut.

Hermann, Missouri, just three hours east of Kansas City, is one of the towns included. Travel and Leisure said the small town with a population of 2,200 is on the list for its scenic views and local wineries.

In the article, writer Carrie Dennis said that Hermann sits amid rolling hills along the Missouri River, surrounded by wineries. According to Visit Hermann, the town’s wineries sell over 200,000 gallons of wine yearly, making up a third of the state’s total wine sales.

The town benefits from its location in the Missouri River Valley. The local wine draws in enthusiasts who travel to sample the flavors, and they stay because of the scenery.

A route from Kansas City to Hermann, Missouri. Travel and Leisure magazine’s included Hermann in its list of “20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.”
A route from Kansas City to Hermann, Missouri. Travel and Leisure magazine’s included Hermann in its list of “20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.” Google Maps

Hermann is also often referred to as Missouri’s Rhineland because of the area’s German heritage. The town was founded by German immigrants in the 19th century.

If you’re visiting because of the wine, also visit the Deutschheim State Historic Site. It’s a museum that showcases the town’s German history.

“When we talk about beautiful small towns in Missouri, there are many options to consider, and one that’s always part of the conversation is Hermann,” Stephen Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, said to Travel and Leisure in the article.

The article features towns from coast to coast in the United States, all with populations under 20,000. The list includes towns such as Sedona, Arizona, Joseph, Oregon and Avalon, California.

This story was originally published February 23, 2023 at 10:49 AM.

Joseph Hernandez
The Kansas City Star
Joseph Hernandez joined The Kansas City Star’s service journalism team in 2021. A Cristo Rey Kansas City High School and Mizzou graduate, he now covers trending topics and finds things for readers to do around the metro.
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Hidden gems of Kansas & Missouri

If you’re thinking about a trip into the Sunflower or Show Me states, consider these unexpected attractions: New businesses putting small towns on the map, hidden gems recommended by locals or entire towns that make for delightful getaways.