A City of Charm and Tradition
New Ulm is nestled just 90 miles southwest of the Twin Cities in the heart of the scenic Minnesota River Valley in Brown County. Incorporated as a town in 1857 by German immigrants, New Ulm has long held historical significance in the state. The first steamboats passed by the fledgling settlement in 1853, going up river with troops to lay out the site for Fort Ridgely. When New Ulm’s resident, John Lind, was elected as the 14th governor of Minnesota in 1899, the city gained in cultural and social prominence as well as political influence.
Today, New Ulm’s burgeoning and architecturally interesting downtown area is visited by people from around the world who wish to experience the flavor of its German heritage in many one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Long known as “The City of Festivals,” visitors revel in year-round fun while attending events like “The Shopping Opener” that kicks off downtown’s holiday season in early November. By December, the city is adorned with natural evergreen boughs, wreaths and lights in preparation for welcoming Santa to town with a Parade of Lights. St. Nick’s sidekick, Krumpus, also appears to hand out treats and regale kids with tales about German and Austrian holiday legends. In February, downtown’s German-styled Mardi Gras—called Fasching—is hosted by the well-known Concord Singers and features a costume ball, German food and music. New Ulm is always a place where friends old and new are greeted with a warm “Guten Tag”!