Located downtown, the 45-foot tall Glockenspiel’s bells can be heard chiming throughout the day and playing programmed pieces at scheduled times through the day. The Glockenspiel houses 37 bells with a total weight of more than two tons. Twelve figurines depicting characters from the city’s history, rotate on a circulating stage during performances. From Thanksgiving to early January, the figurines of a three-piece polka band that stand directly below one of the clock faces are replaced with a nativity scene. It is one of the few free-standing carillons of its size in the world.

“The Meaning Behind the Glockenspiel Characters”

Band: Above the carousel is a trio of musicians indicating the festivity created by music and the traditions that are carried on through music.

Dakota Native American: He is playing lacrosse and signifies the early inhabitants of the land.

Pioneer Family: The father is behind a plow, signifying a new land and new opportunities.  The mother is protecting her son and signifies the role of wives and mothers in the new land.

Brick Mason: He represents one of New Ulm’s earliest industries and the hard work needed to build a new town.

Beer Drinker: He represents the brewing industry in New Ulm (there have been seven breweries in New Ulm’s history) and the good times associated with beer.

Miller: The man carrying the barrel of flour represents New Ulm’s early and significant milling industry – a national leader in the late 1800’s!

Dancing Couple: They signify the importance of the old-time music traditions in New Ulm and the role of the German-Bohemians in developing this music.

Location: 327 North Minnesota Street
Hours: Noon, 1, 3, 5 and 6 PM daily (Apr 1 – Oct 31) // Noon, 3 and 5 daily (Nov 1 – Mar 31)