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New Ulm is a small city in Brown County in south-central Minnesota, founded in the 1850s by German immigrants and still proudly defined by that heritage. With a population of roughly 13,000, it sits at the confluence of the Minnesota and Cottonwood rivers and retains an unusually coherent architectural and cultural identity for a town of its size.
The city is best known as home to August Schell Brewing Company, one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the United States, and for Herman the German — a large copper-clad statue of Hermann of Cherusci that overlooks the town from a hilltop park. German-language murals, glockenspiel performances, and brick-fronted downtown buildings reinforce the Central European atmosphere.
New Ulm also carries historical weight: it was the site of a significant battle during the US–Dakota War of 1862, and several sites in and around the city acknowledge that painful chapter. Travelers who appreciate small-town authenticity, craft brewing history, and layered local history will find New Ulm a rewarding stop.
Getting There
New Ulm does not have commercial air service. The nearest major airports are Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), approximately 90 miles to the northeast, and Rochester International Airport (RST), farther to the east. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle.
The city is accessible via US Highway 14 from the east (from Mankato, roughly 35 miles away) and west, and US Highway 14/Highway 68 connect it to surrounding communities. No scheduled intercity bus or rail service to New Ulm is reliable — verify any coach connections through services like Jefferson Lines before your trip.
Getting Around
New Ulm's downtown attractions — the Glockenspiel, Brown County Historical Museum, shops, and restaurants — are walkable from one another. Hermann Monument and Schell's Brewery are short drives from the center; both have parking available.
There is limited local public transit. A personal vehicle is the most practical way to reach Flandrau State Park and outlying areas. Rideshare availability is limited in a city of this size — do not assume app-based services will be reliably available, especially in the evening.
Where to Stay
New Ulm has a small but functional accommodation base including a handful of independently operated motels, a couple of chain properties, and some bed-and-breakfast options. Given the city's size, book ahead if you plan to visit during Heritagefest, Fasching, or other major festivals, when rooms fill quickly.
Verify current availability and rates through standard booking platforms or the New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Mankato, about 35 miles east, offers a broader range of national hotel chains if local options are fully booked.
Things to See & Do
Hermann Monument & Hermann Heights Park
The cast-iron statue of Hermann der Cherusker, erected in 1897, stands roughly 32 feet tall on a 70-foot stone base and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding river valley. The park around it is well maintained and free to visit; confirm current access and any interior viewing hours locally.
August Schell Brewing Company
Founded in 1860, Schell's is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. The brewery grounds include a deer park, formal gardens, and a museum. Tours are offered regularly — verify current tour times and admission fees directly with the brewery at schellsbrewery.com.
New Ulm Glockenspiel
Located on Minnesota Street in the heart of downtown, this 45-bell carillon glockenspiel performs several times daily (times vary by season — verify locally). Animated figures depicting German immigrant history emerge during performances.
Brown County Historical Society Museum
Housed in a former post office building, the museum covers regional history including the 1862 US–Dakota War. Admission fees and hours should be confirmed at the museum or its official site.
Flandrau State Park
Just south of downtown, Flandrau offers hiking trails along the Cottonwood River, a swimming pond, and camping. Entry fees follow standard Minnesota DNR state park pricing — verify current rates at dnr.state.mn.us.
Heritagefest
Held annually in mid-July, this multi-weekend German heritage festival features live polka bands, traditional food, and cultural demonstrations. Check the New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau for current dates.
Food & Drink
German-influenced food is genuinely present in New Ulm rather than merely decorative. Several local restaurants serve schnitzel, bratwurst, spaetzle, and other Central European staples alongside American diner fare. The city has a small but enthusiastic dining scene for its size.
Schell's Brewery is the anchor of the local drinks scene and distributes widely in Minnesota, but tasting on-site at the brewery is the definitive experience. The downtown area has bars and casual eateries within easy walking distance.
Grocery and general provisions are available at local supermarkets for those staying longer or self-catering. Specific restaurant recommendations should be verified through current review platforms, as small-town dining options can change.
Shopping
Downtown Minnesota Street has a cluster of specialty shops with a German-heritage bent — imported glassware, nutcrackers, holiday ornaments, and locally branded goods. A number of antique and gift shops round out the commercial strip.
Schell's Brewery has a retail area where you can purchase branded merchandise and take home beer that may not be widely distributed outside Minnesota. The Christmas season brings additional market-style retail activity.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Call 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Cell Service
Major US carriers generally provide coverage in New Ulm, though signal can weaken in river valley areas and at Flandrau State Park. Confirm with your carrier.
Accessibility
The downtown core is relatively flat. Hermann Monument involves steps to reach the statue platform — verify current accessibility accommodations locally. Flandrau State Park has some accessible facilities; check the DNR website for details.
Useful Contacts
- New Ulm Convention & Visitors Bureau: newulm.com (verify current URL)
- Minnesota DNR (Flandrau State Park): dnr.state.mn.us
- August Schell Brewing: schellsbrewery.com
Safety
New Ulm is a low-crime small city by most measures. Standard travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings in parking areas at night, and follow posted trail guidelines at Flandrau State Park.
During winter months (roughly November through March), road conditions can be hazardous due to snow and ice. Check the Minnesota Department of Transportation's 511 road conditions service before driving if weather is a concern.
Local Culture & Etiquette
New Ulm's German identity is not a theme-park construct — it reflects genuine immigration history dating to the 1850s, when German political refugees and organized settler societies established the town. German surnames, architecture, and traditions have persisted across generations in ways uncommon in comparable American small cities.
The city also sits within the region most directly affected by the US–Dakota War of 1862, one of the deadliest conflicts between US forces and Indigenous people in American history. The Brown County Historical Museum and several local markers address this history. Travelers are encouraged to engage with this context thoughtfully alongside the more festive aspects of the destination.
