Glockenspiel bells in downtown New Ulm

Things to do

Landmarks with context, brewery gardens, and river woods

New Ulm is small enough to connect in a day and layered enough not to rush. Start with the museum and downtown, then make one deliberate choice between the brewery, monument, and state park.

Hear and see the Glockenspiel

Hear and see the Glockenspiel

Use the bells as a downtown waypoint, but check the current performance schedule before building the day around it.

Begin with Brown County history

Begin with Brown County history

The Brown County Historical Society museum gives necessary context for immigration, settlement, the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, and the community that followed.

Walk downtown and German Park

Walk downtown and German Park

Minnesota Street, historic commercial blocks, public art, German Park, and Turner Hall reveal a living town beyond the headline landmarks.

Visit Schell's Brewery grounds

Visit Schell's Brewery grounds

The historic brewery, museum, gardens, and taproom make the city's brewing tradition tangible. Confirm tour and visitor hours directly.

Climb toward Hermann Monument

Climb toward Hermann Monument

The hilltop monument is the broad-view stop. Seasonal access and climbing hours matter, so treat the exterior and overlook as the reliable minimum.

Walk at Flandrau State Park

Walk at Flandrau State Park

Cottonwood River woods and prairie edges give the trip a quieter counterpoint close to town. Check Minnesota DNR alerts and seasonal conditions.

If you have only half a day

Visit the history museum, walk to the Glockenspiel and German Park, and eat downtown. Add Hermann Monument only if it is open and the view matters more than brewery history; choose Schell's instead when its visitor hours align.

See the sequenced heritage route →