Gasconade MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gasconade, Missouri.
1. Church Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Church Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows is a significant religious site in Gasconade that attracts visitors for its spiritual importance. This well-preserved shrine offers a glimpse into the religious heritage of the region. Visitors often note its peaceful atmosphere and architectural details that make it a standout destination.
2. Adam Puchta Winery
HISTORIC FAMILY WINERY
Adam Puchta Winery stands as one of the notable wineries in the Gasconade region. The winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in a charming setting. Its historical significance adds to the experience for wine enthusiasts and tourists alike.
3. Gasconade County Historical Society Museum
RESTORED RAILROAD HOTEL
The Gasconade County Historical Society Museum is housed in a restored circa 1910 railroad hotel that preserves the area's rich history. Each room in the museum features a different facet of Gasconade County History, including military, business, religion, and medical exhibits. The museum regularly offers special annual and seasonal exhibits that provide deeper insights into local heritage.
4. Gasconade River
HISTORIC WATERWAY
The Gasconade River is a historic waterway that gave the town its name and played a crucial role in its development. Historically, the river was used for transportation, ice harvesting, and floating logs to local mills. Today, it offers recreational opportunities while remaining a scenic landmark with significant historical importance to the community.
5. Hermann Farm
LIVING HISTORY SITE
Hermann Farm offers visitors an immersive experience of the region's agricultural heritage and German immigrant history. The farm preserves traditional buildings, farming practices, and cultural elements that shaped the area. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the daily life of early settlers in the Missouri River Valley.
6. Hermannhof Winery
HISTORIC STONE CELLARS
Hermannhof Winery is a renowned establishment featuring historic stone cellars that date back to the early German settlement of the area. The winery continues the tradition of producing fine wines using methods brought by European immigrants. Visitors can tour the facility, enjoy tastings, and experience the cultural heritage that made the region famous for winemaking.
7. Stone Hill Winery
AWARD-WINNING WINE EXPERIENCE
Stone Hill Winery stands as one of Missouri's oldest and most celebrated wineries with a rich history dating back to the 1800s. The winery features historic underground cellars, a restaurant, and regular tours that showcase the winemaking process. Its picturesque setting and award-winning wines make it a must-visit destination in the region near Gasconade.
8. Historic Hermann Museum
GERMAN SCHOOL HERITAGE
The Historic Hermann Museum at the German School preserves the educational and cultural heritage of the region's German immigrants. Located at the intersection of Fourth and Schiller streets, this museum displays artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of Hermann's unique development. The building itself is historically significant as one of the original German schools established in the community.
9. Deutschheim State Historic Site
GERMAN CULTURAL HERITAGE
Deutschheim State Historic Site showcases the German immigrant experience through preserved homes and gardens from the mid-19th century. Visitors can explore authentic period furnishings, tools, and cultural items that demonstrate the daily lives of early settlers. The site offers guided tours that provide context about the German influence on Missouri's development and culture.
10. Graham Cave State Park
PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Graham Cave State Park features a significant archaeological site where Native Americans lived more than 10,000 years ago. The cave and surrounding park offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational displays about the prehistoric inhabitants. Visitors can camp at the park's campground while exploring this important piece of Missouri's ancient history.
11. Ye Olde Fire Company
VINTAGE FIRE EQUIPMENT
Ye Olde Fire Company at Antiques Unlimited houses a collection of vintage firefighting equipment and memorabilia from the region's past. This unique attraction combines historical artifacts with the charm of an antique shop setting. Visitors can view early fire engines, equipment, and learn about the evolution of firefighting in rural Missouri.
12. Gasconade County Archives and Records Center
HISTORICAL DOCUMENT REPOSITORY
The Gasconade County Archives and Records Center preserves important historical documents, photographs, and records related to the county's development. Located at 315 Schiller Street, the center serves as a valuable resource for genealogical research and local history studies. Visitors interested in family history or the development of Gasconade County can access a wealth of primary source materials.
13. Washington Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Washington Historical Society Museum showcases the history and development of Washington and the surrounding areas including parts of Gasconade County. Located at Fourth and Market streets, the museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the region's growth and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore displays that connect the interrelated histories of communities along the Missouri River corridor.
14. Historic Gasconade Ice House Site
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The Historic Gasconade Ice House Site marks the location of one of the largest ice houses that operated from approximately 1877 until 1912. This industrial site was crucial to the local economy, with ice cut from the Gasconade River during winter months and stored under sawdust for summer use or shipping. Visitors can learn about this fascinating aspect of pre-refrigeration commerce and the engineering used to harvest natural ice.
15. Jett Tie Mill Historic Location
RAILROAD INDUSTRY HERITAGE
The Jett Tie Mill Historic Location commemorates the important railroad tie production facility operated by William Jett and his son Bufford in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Logs were floated down the Gasconade River to this site where they were processed into railroad ties that helped build America's expanding railway system. The location highlights the connection between Gasconade's river access, natural resources, and the development of national transportation infrastructure.