Our Story
Carefully Preserving a Historic Katy Trail Landmark
About Us
The Mercantile on the Katy Trail is a small, independent lodging property located directly at the McKittrick Trailhead along Missouri’s Katy Trail, just across the bridge from Hermann. Built in 1897, the building has been carefully preserved to reflect its original role in McKittrick’s early commercial life while offering a quiet, comfortable stay for modern travelers.
We’re sisters—Monica and Olga—and stewards of this historic mercantile. We host intentionally and with a light touch, giving guests the privacy and independence to enjoy their stay at their own pace.
Whether you arrive early with a bicycle, return late from dinner in Hermann, or spend the day golfing at Loutre Shore Country Club, or exploring the wine region, our goal is to provide a calm, well-kept place to land.
Our Building & Preservation Approach
What began as a restoration project grew into a deep respect for McKittrick’s history, the local community, and a commitment to preserving one of its remaining historic commercial buildings.
The Mercantile is listed on the National and Missouri Registers of Historic Places. Preservation guides every decision we make, from maintaining original features to keeping the building’s character intact while supporting modern comfort.
Preservation guides every decision we make. Original features such as its wood floors, pressed-tin ceilings, and historic proportions remain. Modern updates were added carefully to support comfort without erasing character. The result is a stay that feels as authentic as possible.
Because of the building’s age and historic construction, sound carries more than in modern buildings—but not as much as it would have in 1897—something many guests appreciate as part of staying in a living piece of McKittrick’s past.
A Thoughtful Place to Stay
We believe a good stay offers space and the freedom to settle in—whether guests arrive by walking, bicycle, kayak, train, shuttle or car.
Staying here offers a peaceful alternative while remaining just minutes from Hermann’s wineries, restaurants, museums, and seasonal events.
You may occasionally see us—or local vendors—checking on the property, working quietly in the lobby, or maintaining the grounds. We’re hands-on where it matters and intentionally unobtrusive where it doesn’t.
By choosing The Mercantile, guests help explain why historic places like this still matter. Each stay supports the continued care of a building that has served McKittrick for well over a century—and allows it to remain part of the town’s living story.
We’re glad you’re here, and grateful to share this place—one stay, one chapter, one quiet moment at a time.