New Ulm is a fun place to work, live, and visit! Despite COVID-19 restrictions, there are still a lot of activities people can partake in while maintaining safe social distancing. We’re not crowded like metro areas, and there is plenty of open spaces and nature to explore here, and no crowds to deal with. Several of these activities are unique to New Ulm, so take a quick road trip and explore the area!  

Downtown Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour

Downtown New Ulm is full of history! In particular, it was the location of 2 of the 7 battles in the US-Dakota War of 1862. You can pick up a historic walking tour brochure from the box outside at the Visitor Center (1 N Minnesota St), or follow along on your phone by clicking these links:

PDF of the Historic Walking Tour Brochure

Videos to accompany the brochure (or scan the QR codes on the sides of the buildings)

Website to accompany the brochure.

Downtown New Ulm

While you’re in the downtown area, you can visit the Glockenspiel (6/8 update – Glockenspiel currently out of service for repairs), Heritage Tree, German-Bohemian Monument, Defender’s Monument, Brown County Veterans Memorial, and see the Smallest Museum in MN (outdoor) at the Grand Center for Arts & Culture.  

Remember that our shops and boutiques, both downtown and throughout town, are open and need your support! Thank you for supporting them! #shopnewulm

Schell’s Brewery

The brewery grounds at Schell’s Brewery, the oldest brewery in MN, are also an option for people to visit and explore. The gift shop at Schell’s is open (with safety measures in place), so be sure to stop in there as well! Grab a beer and some pretzels and enjoy the Bier Garten open daily (12-5 M-F, 11-5 Sat & Sun – reservations required). Or just stop out to enjoy the architecture of the historic buildings, peacocks, fountains, formal gardens (just starting to come to life!), and a deer park.

Community Scavenger Hunt (May 18 – June 19)

The Heart of New Ulm and Ameriprise Financial are hosting a Community Scavenger Hunt from May 18 through June 19.  This is a fun FREE activity that people can do as individuals, or in teams with their friends and family. Download the GooseChase App  (IPhone or Android), create a login, and search for the game titled “Celebrating New Ulm”.  Teams or individuals who complete the missions are entered to win $100 or $50!  Learn more here.

Way of the Cross

Enjoy a walk through this stations of the cross (in German!) built by nuns in 1904. Learn more here.

Flandrau State Park

This popular state park, one of the 10 most visited state parks in MN each year, comprises 1,000 acres, including grasslands, marshes, and wooded areas along the Big Cottonwood River. Excellent hiking trails with great views!  Learn more here.

Parks and Playgrounds

New Ulm has more parks per capita than almost any other city in the state! The playgrounds are open, and restrooms, too! Guests are invited to walk trails and view gardens at various parks around town. Some of our parks have inclusive playgrounds with fun new equipment for kiddos to play on. We also have a Skate Park, a BMX Park, and a Dog Park within our city limits.

Fishing/Boating

New Ulm is located between 2 rivers, with lakes nearby.  Learn more here.

New Ulm Car Cruise

Beginning as the vision of one local New Ulm resident, the New Ulm Car Cruises have grown from just 5 cars to 160+! Info about upcoming car cruises (dates and routes) are posted on the New Ulm Autofest Facebook page. Plus, New Ulm is located in the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway, so it’s a beautiful drive getting here as well! Hop in your car and ‘cruise’ in to join an upcoming event (as a spectator or a participant)!

Golfing

New Ulm Country Club (18-holes) was established in 1929.  Learn more here.

Frisbee Golf

New Ulm has 2 Frisbee Golf Courses, one at South Park and one at Nehls Park. Learn more here.

Biking

New Ulm has a 13-mile bike loop that encircles the city (great for running and walking, too!) as well as designated bike routes throughout the city.  Learn more here.  There is also a BMX Park and Skate Park to check out (limited to 10 participants at a time). Learn more here.

Hunting/Trap Shooting

New Ulm has 25,000 acres of public hunting land nearby, the Southern Regional DNR Office, and a trap shoot range. Learn more here

Geocaching

According to geocaching.com, there are 121 geocaches around New Ulm. This is a fun activity to do by yourself or with your family!  Learn more here.

Take-Out & Delivery

Click here for a list of New Ulm restaurants offering take-out and delivery. Add some wine or beer to your order! Bring your food home, or have a picnic at Flandrau or a local park!  Thank you for supporting our local businesses!