Did you know that Minnesota has a German town? It’s the small city of New Ulm, a community about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis that was founded by German immigrants in the 1850s. Though it is not a huge city, New Ulm is still packed with interesting things to do, many of which echo the German heritage that the town is known for. Read on below to find out where to wine, dine, and explore in the Little Germany of Minnesota.
There are many attractions in New Ulm that point to its German heritage, starting with its sign. A German flag welcomes visitors to the town, alerting all who enter to its unique history.
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One of the most attractions in New Ulm is the Hermann Heights Monument, colloquially known as Hermann the German. The statue depicts Arminius, an ancient German chieftain. It was built in remembrance of German American ancestry.
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There’s also a unique glockenspiel in New Ulm, one of few of its kind in the world. It’s 45 feet tall, and it chimes several times a day. Plan your visit to this clock around 1, 3, 5, or 6 p.m.
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Another popular place to visit in New Ulm is Schell’s. Founded in 1860 by German immigrant August Schell, it is now one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the country. Guests can visit to taste some of the brews for themselves!
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Outside of beer, there are plenty of places in New Ulm to find refreshments. You can’t go wrong with a trip to this restaurant specializes in German cuisine with an American twist!
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The Ulmer Cafe also has some great dishes on its menu, from breakfast to sandwiches to a tasty German potato salad.
Ulmer Cafe/Google
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If you’re craving something sweet, head to MN Eis. Here, you’ll find a unique German ice cream treat that you can’t find anywhere else: Spaghettieis! Noodle-shaped ice cream is topped with a fruit sauce that resembles pasta sauce. It’s fun and delicious!
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Before you leave New Ulm, be sure to hit Domeier’s German Store. This little shop is packed with interesting German foods, home decor, and more. You’ll find wonderful souvenirs, tasty treats, and maybe even a gift or two!
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All in all, New Ulm – Minnesota’s Little Germany – is a wonderful place to wine (or beer!), dine, and explore. Next time you’re looking for an interesting road trip packed with fun attractions, this is your place!
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Posi66/Google
Erika Cramer/Google
Ulmer Cafe/Google
Jacob Niemand/Google
April Adams/Google
Pam Sutherland/Google
Angie Schatschneider/Google
Lee Blackwood/Google
Have you ever been to New Ulm? What was your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like to suggest your other favorite Minnesota towns for us to feature, let us know by filling out our nomination form!
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Address: New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
