The Top 5 Things to Do in New Ulm, Minnesota: A Weekend Getaway

T and I recently returned from a weekend getaway to New Ulm, Minnesota and it was fantastic!  New Ulm is a quaint town full of German heritage, amazing architecture, historical sites, and more!  We had a great time exploring and getting to know the area.

There are so many options of things to do in New Ulm that I decided to narrow it down to our top 5 for you!

German Park

German Park wasn’t originally on our itinerary of things to check out, but after seeing a picture of the fountain in their visitors guide, I knew I had to stop!  As I made my way up the hill, I was amazed by the fountain, which is a scaled down version of the one in Central Park in New York City!  I was stunned by how clean the fountain was!  There wasn’t a single spec of dirty anywhere and not a single coin in it!

The fountain was stunning enough, but the gardens that surrounded were absolutely breathtaking!  I loved all the paths, seating areas, and garden features!  It is a wonderland for this flower lover!

Hermann Monument

We had heard about Hermann for quite some time, so we new we had to check him and his monument out!  Hermann led several German tribes in a battle against the Romans!  This monument was constructed in 1894 and is now a registered historical site!

91 steps up the monument will give you an amazing view of all of New Ulm.

The grounds also house a couple different shelters and playgrounds!  it’s definitely worth the $3.00 to climb to the top and take in the view!

Schell’s Brewery

Tucked into the hills on the outskirts of town is the historic family brewery of Schell’s!  The brewery, which is more than 100 years old, is still operated by the Schell family!  Enjoy their museum full of several items from their rich history!

For a nominal fee, you can partake in the guided tour of the brewery!  It begins in the main building with a history of the brewery, then moves to another building where you get to see bottling and canning equipment, plus learn about that process!

Finishing off your tour, you’ll find yourself in the tasting room.  Here, you get to partake in several 2 ounce samples of a variety of their brews!  Once completed, select one full glass of the brew of your choice!

Enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the brewery and make sure to look out for the peacocks!  Feel free to roam the grounds and  check out the deer park that has been present since August Schell opened the brewery.  You can also view (from the outside only) the family mansion that is still on grounds today.

You are also free to grab a drink from their Biergarten and enjoy it on their patio area!  Finally, stop by the gift shop and check out their wide variety of gifts!

Morgan Creek Vineyards

When it’s time to relax, head East out of town to Morgan Creek Vineyards!  Set into the side of the hill, you’ll find this quaint vineyard!  This is a small, quaint, and has a wonderful atmosphere!  Not only can you purchase samples (flights of 4 samples), they also offer appetizers, pizettes, panuzo’s, and much more to enjoy!

We highly recommend the Brochette Sticks , the Piggie Pie Panuzzo, and the Garlic, Chicken, Salsa & Pesto!  The Brochette sticks were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside!  They are also served with a side of bruschetta and the best pesto of my life!

Both of the Panuzzo’s are full of flavor and clearly made with fresh ingredients!  We enjoyed all of it and I even took some French macaroons to go!  😉  As we were leaving, they had a jazz combo starting that you could enjoy at one of their many outdoor tables or around their firepit!

Harkin Store

When you visit New Ulm, you must head West out of town on the highway and follow the signs to Harkin Store!  This quaint, historic stop is well worth the short drive and the $5 admission!  West Newton was a thriving river town in 1870 when Alexander Harkin opened his store!  It was the home to the post office, a general store, and a gathering place for all the locals and those traveling through the area.  However, after the railroad bypassed West Newton for New Ulm, the town began to suffer, add in the grasshoppers that devastated the area in the later 1870’s and West Newton began to die.

After the Harkin family went to great lengths over the years to help the area, it’s residents, and the store survive, they locked the door in 1901.  In 1938 the family reopened the store as a museum and the Minnesota Historical Society took over in 1977.  The most unique thing about this historic stop?!  A large majority of the stock in the store is original from when it closed in 1901!  Take time to explore, listen to the interpreter, and learn about this amazing family!  Then, when you’re done learning, browse their gift shop!

Travel Tips for Visiting New Ulm

Here are a few other quick stops or tips that we have to help you make your visit to New Ulm the best:

• Check out the Popcorn Wagon – The historic popcorn wagon sits outside the Brown County Historical Society & Museum.  The popcorn is absolutely delish and fun to grab from an old fashioned wagon!  The Museum is another fun stop, especially if you enjoy World War I history!  Their displays are great and the connections with New Ulm are amazing.
• Stop at The Backerei.  This German bakery not only smells amazing the moment you walk in the door, but the donuts are top notch!  T & I stopped first thing when we arrived in town and snagged two donuts, a bottle of water, and cup of coffee for only a little over $3.  The best part?!  That apple fritter was the best I’ve ever had!
• When it’s time to rest, lay your head at the Best Western Plus!  It’s clean, well accommodated, has a restaurant attached, includes a pool if you’re traveling with kids, and provides a great breakfast!  You’ll be well-rested for day #2 after a night here. 
• Stop by the New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau office on main street!  Not only do they have a fun photo op, their office is loaded with free pamphlets and information from the ladies there!  It’s definitely a great way to start your visit (they recommended the Backerei to us)!! 

New Ulm is off the beaten path, not your typical tourist town, but so fantastic!  T and I both have mentioned to others since our return that we had a fantastic time visiting and recommend it to others!  We know you’ll enjoy it too!

Exploring Minnesota

T and I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Minnesota over the last few years and can’t wait to continue!  Check out some of our other favorite stops:

A huge thank you to the New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting us on this trip!  While we were hosted for these stops, all the thoughts and opinions are 100% truthful and our very own.  For full details, please see the disclosure tab.  

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Exploring Minnesota:

T and I have had a great time exploring Minnesota quite a bit the last several years! Check out some of our favorites!

• The Minnesota State Fair: A Must
• A Weekend in Mankato, MN: 5 Must Do’s
• Roseville, MN: Perfectly Positioned
• Kayaking in Mankato, MN with Bent River Outfitters