Thank you to the city of New Ulm, Minnesota for sponsoring our visit. All opinions are my own.
New Ulm is one of the most unique cities in all of Minnesota. It’s rich history and German culture intertwines to offer interesting experiences that are both quirky and fun. In fact, the slogan of New Ulm Minnesota is “German’s Have More Fun.” And with fun comes a wide variety of restaurants, buildings full of history, shops, and tons of beer!
What is New Ulm Known For?
New Ulm MN is all things German! The town’s large Glockenspiel chimes three times per day. You can find sausages and beers at the snap of a finger. Shops are full of steins and gnomes. And Oktoberfest, Christmas, and year-round festivals bring the tourists to town to celebrate the German way.
How Far is New Ulm MN from Minneapolis?
It takes about an hour and a half (75 miles) to get from Minneapolis to New Ulm. West on US-212 and south on M-15 is the quickest route, but via US-169 S will only add a couple of extra minutes and brings you through Jordan MN if you want to make a stop at Minnesota’s largest candy store!
New Ulm Minnesota is great for a day trip, an overnight, or even a full weekend. Come hungry for sausages. Thirsty for beer. And ready to learn a thing or two about the German culture!
Things to Do in New Ulm MN
Schell’s Brewery
August Schell’s Brewery is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the nation and the oldest brewery in Minnesota. Since 1860, five generations have operated the brewing of German-style lagers and now, a variety of other rotating craft beers. And as a lager drinker who doesn’t touch IPA’s or beer infused with blueberries or weird plants, this is a brewery I can get behind!
Schell’s Brewery was my favorite stop on our trip to New Ulm MN. Visit the museum*, take a tour*, walk the beautiful grounds, peak in the gift shop, and if weather permits, don’t miss out on the Biergarten. The Biergarten was a great patio in a location full of overhanging trees, beautiful flowers, and a chill vibe. Grab a few beers (Oktoberfest if it’s in season!) and don’t forget a warm pretzel to go with it.
**Note: Brewery Tours and the Museum are currently closed. And there is limited seating and service. Spots are filled on a walk-up basis. (September 2020)
Turner Hall
The oldest bar in Minnesota. And really, a jack of all trades! Not just a bar, Turner Hall hosts weddings, gatherings, gymnastics, tours, and events. It’s been around since 1856—though has been rebuilt and restored over the years, and it’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant/bar area (Ratskeller) is so unique! They have beautiful murals of Switzerland, Italy, and Germany which were originally painted in 1873. Definitely my favorite part of the old, historic building! They are incredible.
You will definitely want to stop in and grab a drink here. It truly makes you feel like you’ve traveled so far from home! And to do one better, make sure to eat! For authentic German food and a taste of New Ulm, I can’t recommend the Smoked Brats enough. The best is the one braised in Schell’s Firebrick beer with onions, Schell’s beer sauerkraut, and finished off with a Schell’s whole grain beer mustard. So juicy and delicious. And you can’t go wrong with the Bock Burger. Onions, bacon, and, you guessed it, Schell’s light beer cheese sauce.
Chef George incorporates the historic and cultural beer into their foods and it truly booms with flavor! And it brings up the point of community. You could tell how tight-knit everyone was around here in their little German town! Always combining their many talents.
Note: Turner Hall has been closed during COVID-19 and only doing take out. BUT they are scheduled to reopen for Oktoberfest! (Septmber 2020)
Herman the German
Towering over New Ulm stands the Hermann Heights Monument, honoring the father of German independence whose army liberated Germany from the Roman rule in 9 A.D. Standing at 102 feet and 4,000 pounds, you can climb up the statue for great views of the city of New Ulm for $3. There’s also a playground here and picnic tables if you’re looking to eat outdoors.
Note: due to construction, Herman the German is closed for climbing. But you can still check him out and see a great view from the top of the hill! (September 2020)
Gutentag Haus
Stop in Gutentag Haus, located on Minnesota St., for all your German goodies! Steins, cuckoo clocks, tons of Christmas ornaments, chocolates, and a variety of New Ulm merchandise. It’s a fun store to mosey through and the people working are so nice and full of information about the area.
Don’t forget these great New Ulm shops:
- Domeier’s German Store: another German store you will definitely want on your list to keep the vibe going.
- Bookshelves & Coffeecups: Grab a coffee from the counter and walk through a big store full of gently used books.
- Inspired: a place to find gifts, home decor, clothing, and fun souvenirs.
- Gallery 512: clothing, jewelry, and goodies from local companies. Plus a great MN collection of sweatshirts, mugs, hats, and more.
Glockenspiel Performance
Every day at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM, you can listen to the Glockenspiel bells and performances that include 12 characters from the city’s history who rotate on a circulating stage. If you happen to be downtown during one of the performances, check it out!
For another Minnesota city that’s both fun and full of history, make your way to Faribault, MN.
Ulmer’s Cafe
An authentic New Ulm Minnesota breakfast where you’ll be surrounded by locals drinking coffee while they read the paper. The old school cafe has been around since 1981 and it’s cozy with an old-fashioned feel. Grab a table and any traditional breakfast that is sure to hit the spot. Ulmer’s Cafe cooks bacon to perfection. Serves light, fluffy pancakes. And whips up delicious omelets in a diner-ish setting.
I wanted to go 100% New Ulm vs. something trendy. But if you are looking for more of a new age place to grab breakfast (or lunch!), you have a couple of options.
- Lola – An American Bistro: specializes in coffee/espresso. Serves a famous pot pie. And has a great vibe. You order at the counter here so it can be a quick stop!
- Sozial: casual, relaxed, and cozy atmosphere. Another great option for breakfast or lunch!
MN EIS
Visit MN EIS, an ice cream and sweet shop that serves premium ice cream and homemade waffle cones. They also have a cute little candy shop and treats for sale. PLUS, edible cookie dough in a variety of flavors…yes. 7-year-old you is excited.
I ordered the Drei (three scoops, everything has a German touch!), thinking it would be one little ball for each flavor. Nope. Massive scoops of each! Ha. I recommend one scoop, maybe two! Or you can get real crazy and add cookie dough right to your ice cream!
The best flavor was peanut butter chocolate chip! And pro tip: the unicorn flavor is a sugar + spritz cookie with sprinkles—aka unless you feel like overdosing on sugar, stick with another kind lol.
German Park
New Ulm Minnesota is full of parks. It felt like every turn we made, there was another green space with baseball fields, monuments, and fountains. German Park is a popular option with its Angel Fountain, German-theme castle playground, and beautiful landscaping.
And for my biking friends, New Ulm offers a paved 13-mile bike path that will connect you to downtown and many city attractions.
Flandrau State Park
To keep it real, I don’t have this on any “must do in New Ulm” lists, but it’s not a bad place to walk a few trails and get some exercise. There are a few scenic overlooks and a sand-bottom swimming pool in the warmer months. Since it’s a State Park, there is an entrance fee of $7, unless you have the $35 annual pass.
Visit New Ulm Minnesota
New Ulm is a great place to say you’ve been in Minnesota! One of the most German towns in America, you are sure to both learn a few things and have fun. Center your trip around visiting Schell’s Brewery and Turner Hall. Then mix in a few attractions and get outside at one of the parks. And I would definitely recommend checking out their calendar of events to visit when the city really comes alive!
Plus, stay tuned for my list of Best Bars and Places to Drink in New Ulm!
