Overview
New Ulm is a prosperous small city in Southern Minnesota. It is the seat of Brown County, and had population of 14,000 in 2020. The people of New Ulm are very proud of their German heritage, and commemorate it year round with parades, parties, and holiday celebrations.
7 sights · 1 things to do · 5 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about New Ulm
August Schell Brewing Company - Brewery Tours
Glockenspiel in Schonlau Park
New Ulm's glockenspiel is one of the world's few free-standing carillon clock towers. It stands 45 ft high, and its largest bourdon (bell weighs , while the total weight of the bells is . The bells chime the time of day …
Brown County Historical Society
Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
Exhibits about Minnesota musicians including Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Prince, Eddie Cochran, Bobby Vee, Ervin Wolfe, John Denver, Whoopee John Wilfahrt, Harold Loeffelmacher, Earl Schmidt, Wally Pikal and the Andrews Sis…
Hermann Monument
Martin Luther College
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Minneapolis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 72 mi away (major hub). Directions
- STC Saint Cloud Regional Airport, Saint Cloud — 87 mi away. Directions
New Ulm is located at the intersection of US Route 14 and Minnesota State Highway 15.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning August Schell Brewing Company - Brewery Tours, Brown County Historical Society
- Lunch Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
- Afternoon Hermann Monument, Town Team Baseball
- Dinner Carl's Corner
Day 2
- Morning Glockenspiel in Schonlau Park, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
- Lunch George's Fine Steaks & Spirits
- Afternoon Martin Luther College, Flandrau State Park
- Dinner Veigel's Kaiserhoff
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Visitor information
Get in
New Ulm is located at the intersection of US Route 14 and Minnesota State Highway 15.
See
See Glockenspiel in Schonlau Park
New Ulm's glockenspiel is one of the world's few free-standing carillon clock towers. It stands 45 ft high, and its largest bourdon (bell weighs , while the total weight of the bells is . The bells chime the time of day in Westminster style.
See Minnesota Music Hall of Fame
Exhibits about Minnesota musicians including Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Prince, Eddie Cochran, Bobby Vee, Ervin Wolfe, John Denver, Whoopee John Wilfahrt, Harold Loeffelmacher, Earl Schmidt, Wally Pikal and the Andrews Sisters. It also explores the popularity of polka music in rural Minnesota.
Do
- Festivals - there are a number of additional events, but these are the four most popular, as reported by the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce:
- Oktoberfest - this is an observance of the traditional German holiday. Activities include public entertainment, music, beer tasting, German food and horse drawn trolleys.
- Bavarian Blast - this is another German-themed party in the downtown area. It is centered around German Park and George's Ballroom.
- Bockfest - hosted by August Schell Brewing Company, this is a winter festival with (what else) a German beer theme.
- Fasching - this festival features German food, beverages, music, and craft activities.
- Sightseeing - the Chamber of Commerce has a Visitor Center that can set you up with maps, an itinerary, or even a guided tour.
- Dining - see below
- Explore History - New Ulm has preserved its history and the story of the immigrants who founded the town. You can explore preserved buildings, documents, and artifacts all over town. Check with the Brown County Historical Society to get started.
Buy
New Ulm has the full range of shopping options, including "big-box," regional, boutique, and souvenir shopping. Browse the charming and quaint midwestern downtown or cruise the commercial streets and you'll find what you're looking for.
Eat
Sleep
Stay Best Western New Ulm
Stay Microtel Inn & Suites New Ulm
Nearby
Flandrau State Park
Park · 2 mi away
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My experience
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