Discover New Ulm

New Ulm invites you to explore culture and history from different perspectives: a restored Queen Anne-style house, a glockenspiel with moving figures, and a museum about the history of Brown County each offer a distinct focus. There is also a monument with panoramic views, designated cycling routes, and a farmers market. Which of these experiences you want to shape your stay can help guide your choice of New Ulm as a vacation destination.

Glockenspiel: Music and Moving Figures

The glockenspiel is 45 feet tall and has 37 bells that together weigh more than two tons. During scheduled musical performances, twelve figures rotate on a moving stage. They represent important people, industries, and traditions that have contributed to New Ulm’s history. In this way, the glockenspiel combines music with a portrayal of different aspects of the city’s history. Those interested in sound, design, and local traditions will find a different way to connect with the past here than in an exhibition of historical objects.

Wanda Gag House and Artistic Works

The Wanda Gag House was the childhood home of the renowned children’s book author and illustrator Wanda Gag. The restored Queen Anne-style house displays lithographs, drawings, and paintings by Wanda Gag. It also features paintings by Anton Gag and Flavia Gag, as well as books created by Wanda and Flavia. The different forms of work offer a glimpse into the family’s artistic output. For families interested in children’s books and illustration, this focus is a possible complement to New Ulm’s historical themes.

Visits to the Wanda Gag House are available year-round by appointment. If you would like to include this part of the city’s history in your stay, arranging an appointment is part of planning your visit. The visit connects the history of the house with the works displayed there, making it a distinct cultural stop among the experiences you might choose in New Ulm.

Brown County: History Across Three Exhibition Levels

The Brown County Historical Society Museum is housed in New Ulm’s former post office, built in 1910. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its three exhibition levels cover the history of Brown County, the U.S.–Dakota War of 1862, and local businesses and families. The themes range from a historical conflict to the people and businesses of the region. The museum also includes a research library with resources for genealogy and local history.

Panoramic Views and Cycling Routes

At the Hermann Monument, visitors can climb a staircase and enjoy panoramic views of New Ulm and the river valley. The monument’s history is also noteworthy: in 2000, the U.S. Congress declared it a national symbol of German heritage. The viewpoint and historical significance offer two different reasons to explore the monument.

Those who enjoy exploring New Ulm by bicycle can follow the designated cycling routes. They connect the Bike Circle Route with local attractions and downtown. This is another factor to consider in planning your trip, alongside cultural visits and the views from the monument.

Local Experiences and Vacation Planning

The New Ulm Farmers Market offers locally grown food and handmade goods. The market also features live music and activities for families. It combines regional products with a program that appeals to different interests. When choosing New Ulm as a vacation destination, you can consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on culture and history, cycling routes, or the market as well.

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in New Ulm, weighing these interests can help you choose a destination that suits the trip you have in mind. The experiences mentioned offer different focuses, without requiring you to commit to just one theme. You could also consider Sleepy Eye as another destination.

For the broader travel overview: Brown County.