Things to do in New Ulm MN
We had a wedding in New Ulm MN yesterday, so we drove down from Minneapolis early to explore the city! I always used to visit New Ulm with my mom and grandparents when I was younger, so I was excited to go back! Keep scrolling for things to do in New Ulm MN. Everything you see here was done in one day!
Get a donut at The Backerei
The Backerei is the definition of a small town bakery. No frills…just great donuts. We had the apple fritter and the maple long john. For only $1.70 total!
Climb to the top of Hermann the German
This monument isn’t open in winter months, so we weren’t able actually climb to the top, but I hear that the views of the valley are awesome! Hermann the German was constructed in 1888 and is a nod to the German ancestry of the town.
Buy some German goodies at the Guten Tag Haus
Even if you don’t purchase anything, this store is so fun to walk around! The Guten Tag Haus is filled with authentic German-made steins, clocks, and knick knacks.
Catch the glockenspiel show
In my opinion, the New Ulm glockenspiel is the most unique thing about the town. You can catch the musical show at Noon, 3:00, and 5:00 pm everyday. My favorite character was the little drinking German!
Grab lunch at Lola’s
Lola’s is a trendy and popular coffee and lunch spot in New Ulm. You order from the counter, so it’s pretty casual, but make sure to try the famous pot pie! We also ordered the Mac and cheese which was SO GOOD.
Shop at Gallery 512 Boutique
Gallery 512 Boutique takes the cake for my favorite shop in New Ulm! This little shop is full of unique but adorable fashion and goods from local companies. Love!
Take the Schell’s Brewery tour
The Schell’s Brewery tour is one of the more popular things to do in New Ulm MN, but is also one of the coolest things to do! We’ve been on countless brewery tours, but Schell’s is more than just walking around a warehouse. Schell’s Brewery started in 1860 which makes it the second oldest brewery in the country so its grounds are full of history! Keep in mind that the only way you can visit the taproom is if you do a tour. However, if you visit in the summer they do have an outdoor beer garden!
Drink more beer at Starkeller
If your samples didn’t cut it at Schell’s Brewery, head to Starkeller brewery for some more! This brewery only makes sour beers (which are my new obsession) but also serves Schell’s beer. Starkeller is a unique spot filled with GIANT barrels!
Sip on a night cap at The Retz 227
After the wedding, we stopped at The Retz 227 speakeasy for a late night drink. Find the purple light in the alley to find the speakeasy and the cozy vibe inside! I loved the espresso martini – a must try!
There’s so many things to do in New Ulm MN that we’ll have to visit again for longer than a day! Drop more ideas below if you have them 🙂
If you enjoyed the Guten Tag Haus, you should be sure to stop by Domeier’s. It’s an adorable little shop on South Minnesota St…11th St I think. It is FULL of German gifts, food and innumerable german ornaments.
That sounds perfect! We will have to check it out next time!
The Grand Center for the Arts has a gallery, gift shop, classes and music on the weekends! Lola’s provides the food.
Fun!! Sounds right up my alley!
Lunch at Lola’s is great, but then get supper at Turner Hall. The best German food in town (and burgers). Great atmosphere, tons of history, fun bar scene some compare to ‘Cheers’…you will not be disappointed!
Ooh I need to try these spots next! Thanks for the recommendations!!
When I go home to New Ulm hiking in Flandrau State Park and swimming at the ‘beach’ are highlights. Try Morgan Creek Winery Sunday brunch (reservations) or Friday jazz nights seasonally. Lovely setting just outside of town.
These sound so fun! I’ll have to go back when the weather is nicer 🙂
We love New Ulm! A couple times a year, I tale hindreds of people over from Mankato for. Ockfest and Oktoberfest. Wife and I spend a few days there a year too. The winery is awesome, Georges Steaks is great and so is the Kaiser Hof. Rick and the people at B&L Bar are the best around. Still need to hit the speakeasy and Turner Hall. So many things to do, so little time.
These spots sounds so awesome!! I’ll have to check them out next time!
We love New Ulm! A couple times a year, I take hundreds of people over from Mankato for Bockfest and Oktoberfest. Wife and I spend a few days there a year too. The winery is awesome, Georges Steaks is great and so is the Kaiser Hof. Rick and the people at B&L Bar are the best around. Still need to hit the speakeasy and Turner Hall. So many things to do, so little time
New Ulm is a gem!! Schell’s Brewery is beautiful in the fall. Strolling thr grounds with a fine beer. And will agree that Domeier’s is a must see. Looks like a Bavarian cottage. NU is also home to the MN Music Hall of Fame Museum. Thanks for sharing some great spots I will have to take in on my next visit!
FUN! I’ll have to check out the hall of fame! I had no idea!
My family is from Sleepy Eye, MN so we spend a lot of time in New Ulm as well! Such an informative post I’ll have to check out everything in this article! My uncle even happens to be opening up a brewery in Sleepy Eye so hope to stop by New Ulm soon!
This is so awesome to hear! And I’ll definitely stop by the brewery! One of our favorite things to do 🙂
Domeier’s is definitely a must do when in New Ulm!!!
Where do you recommend to stay in New Ulm?
I actually haven’t stayed there sorry! Looks like I”ll have to go back for a longer trip!
I’d recommend learning about a little local history at the Browen County Historical Society and Museum https://www.browncountyhistorymn.org/ or hiking the Cottonwood river at Flandraue State Park https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00145#homepage