Discover New Germany: Film History and Animals

Get to know New Germany through two very specific local stories: Gazebo Park, associated with “Herman, USA,” and the Hee-Haw Hollow farm. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail adds a distinct activity option in the broader region. Together, these offer three different travel interests: film history, animals, and outdoor activity. For planning purposes, it’s helpful to consider whether you’re mainly looking for local connections or would also like to include a regional trail in your plans.

Film History at Gazebo Park

“Herman, USA” was filmed in New Germany in 1998. The gazebo, along with the trees and shrubs surrounding it, was created in Gazebo Park for the filming. The film connection therefore involves both the filming location and the park’s design. For travelers interested in film history, this is a specific local connection: a named place and its design are part of the film’s history. This differs from the animal life at Hee-Haw Hollow or enjoying a regional trail: here, the focus is on a cultural connection to a specific place.

Farm Animals and Special Donkeys

Hee-Haw Hollow offers a different focus. A description dated November 7, 2024, identifies the farm in New Germany as home to pigs, sheep, goats, cats, and Highland cattle. The same description also reports that the farm breeds Mammoth and miniature donkeys. Miniature donkeys are defined as donkeys no more than 36 inches tall; Bianco and Romeo were introduced in the description as new arrivals. For families and other travelers interested in animals, the appeal lies in the variety: alongside several farm animals, there are two types of bred donkeys and the animals introduced by name. If you’re planning to visit Hee-Haw Hollow, check current visiting options in advance.

Get Active on the Dakota Rail Regional Trail

In northern Carver County, the 12.4-mile Dakota Rail Regional Trail follows a former railroad corridor. As a regional destination trail, it is open to walking and hiking, biking, running, dog walking with a leash no longer than six feet, inline skating, and roller skiing. The options extend beyond hiking, so you can consider the trail based on your preferred way of getting around. If you’re traveling with a dog, keep in mind the stated maximum leash length of six feet.

Choose a Vacation Rental to Match Your Travel Interests

When looking for a vacation rental in New Germany, it’s worth deciding on the main focus of your trip first. If the locally rooted attractions are your priority, you can then tailor your search for a place to stay accordingly. If the Dakota Rail Regional Trail is important to you, take its location in northern Carver County into account separately when planning your days. This helps distinguish between the local cultural and farm-related attractions and a regional activity option. If you have mixed interests, this distinction can help you allocate your time without letting any one activity shape your entire stay.

Discover more destinations: Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia.

For the broader travel overview: Carver.