Beer lovers will love this place! The second oldest brewery in America, they makes 10 exquisite beers all year round. They also have two semi-yearly brews and seven seasonal brews. Christmas time is welcomed at Schell’s with a special snowstorm of seasonal brews. The brewery is open to the public for tours that last approximately one hour. The tour ends with an assorted beer sampling in the Tap Room. Private tours may be arranged in advance. Don’t miss out on visiting the Museum of Brewing as well as the Gift Store to pick up your own beer souvenir.
Located in a historic abandoned town in Nicollet County, Minnesota, Harkin's General Store is all that remains of the once bustling town of West Newton. Opened in 1867 as a general store and local post office combined, the store was forced to shut shop in 1901 owing to a mass exodus and subsequent abandoning of the town. Majority of the stocks were left untouched when the store closed and remains in the same state, as part of the museum's exhibits. The museum housed in the store is managed by the Nicollet County Historical Society, in coordination with the Minnesota Historical Society.
Visit the site dedicated to music legends from the state at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Located in what used to the public library, the museum showcases a number of valuables and instruments that belonged to the musicians who put the state on the music map of the world. Articles include collections of musical instruments, vinyl records, and photographs. The collection keeps on increasing as they honor new musicians who have made a mark in the music industry.
Popularly known as the third largest copper statue in the United States, the Hermann Heights Monument is a 102 feet tall structure. Built with a significance of a prominent rememberance of the German ancestry for Minnesotans, the spiral staircase is accessible to the visitors to the observation platform which gives one the view of the town and the River Valley flowing below it.
Located north of the Cottonwood River, Flandrau State Park is a great place for camping. The park's riverside setting provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the region. This park also features a swimming pool, areas for picnicking, and several scenic trails. Visitors can hike along these trails and explore the park’s rich flora and fauna. During the winters, visitors can also indulge in winter sports activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking.
Housed in a historic post office building built in 1910, this museum aims at preserving and presenting different aspects related to the history of Brown County. It houses exhibits related to the Dakota War of 1862, the farms in Brown County, and much more. Visitors can find fascinating facts about the local residents who lived here in the past in the documents preserved in the research library of the museum. There is also a gift shop with local souvenirs and books related to the local history of the region. This place is one of the top attractions you must visit in New Ulm. Do check their website for more information.
Reconciliation Park is situated adjacent to the scenic Minnesota River close to Mankato's downtown area. The park was built in 1997.
The Blue Earth County Library is located on Main Street and is known for housing a wide collection of books for people of all ages. The library conducts several programs and their story time hours are quite popular among local kids.
You must explore the wilderness around Rasmussen Woods if you are a nature enthusiast. This muddy terrain has wonderful trails that are covered with the shade of towering trees, the hike is relatively easily and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. A number of hidden gems wait to delight you behind the veil of emerald branches, you could spot a deer family or a distinctive bird might grab your attention here. For those who enjoy climbing, Rasmussen Woods are home to dolomite cliffs where you can challenge yourself.