minnemom's Passport
 

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Member since:
18 January 2009

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '10, '11

Icon_pictureBeen to 192 Attractions
Icon_star190 Reviews
Icon_star1167 First to Review
Icon_camera281 Photos
Icon_thumbsup159 Helpful Votes
Compliments
About Me & My Family

We have four children, and have been traveling with them since they were born. We take day-trip "adventures" to both well-known and out-of-the-way places, and we're trying to see as much as the USA as we can. We love the back roads and things off the beaten path.
Our Family's Travel Personality
curious
We Just Got Back From
a 12-day, 3850-mile roadtrip to San Antonio and environs, which included outrunning a major Midwest snowstorm.
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Chicago--there's so much to do, and it's within a day's drive
A Place We'd Love To Visit
the Grand Canyon
Favorite Vacation Memory
Sitting on a beautiful sandy beach on a warm summer day . . . at Grand Beach, an hour north of Winnipeg, Manitoba!
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
Four of the six of us getting sick, in a motel room, on Christmas Eve.
Websites I Like:
http://minnemom.com is my own Travels with Children website. There you can find more detailed reviews of almost everything I've reviewed here on Trekaroo.

Fun Things to Do in New Ulm, Minnesota

Family-friendly activities in New Ulm, Minnesota.


27 N Broadway St
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Ask if there's anyone working who can give a concertina demonstration. If your kids show an interest in music, they'll be delighted to talk to them at this small museum. The children's department of the library is directly above.

reviewed on: March 18 2009

"Friendly staff make it fun"
The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame isn't large, and it isn't hands-on, but if you ask the right questions, you may be in for a real treat.  We simply asked about the difference between an accordion and a concertina, and the guide pulled out his concertina and gave us a little concert.  The kids sang along and danced to the old songs--You Are My Sunshine, Little Brown Jug, even Jingle Bells at their request.  It only costs a few dollars for adults, so if you're in New Ulm and have a few minutes, stop in and take a peek.  You might get your own private concert.  The New Ulm library is upstairs, and it has a very nice children's area if you need a place to relax for a while.


Hermann Heights Park
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Climb up to the top of Hermann if the heights don't bother you, or spend time in the park with its picnic shelters and playground.

reviewed on: March 18 2009

"As long as you aren't afraid of heights"
Those who dare climb up Hermann get magnificent views of New Ulm, the Minnesota River Valley, and the surrounding farmland.  Those (like me) who get scared on the first landing still get to see some of the beauty of the area.  It doesn't cost much to go up, and there's a nice park next to the monument.  A trip to Hermann makes a nice summer afternoon outing.


66250 County Road 21
8 miles north of New Ulm New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Warning: Kids may be put to work with turn-of-the-century "chores" at the Harkin Store, but they'll learn a lot while they're there.

reviewed on: March 19 2009

"Time left it behind"
Costumed guides work with the kids and let them try their hands at slates, try on hats, do "chores" like grinding coffee and carding wool, and play checkers by the stove.  The store is much as it was in the 1870's, with many of the items on the shelf being original to the store.  It's small but very interesting.  We usually go twice a year at the request of the kids.

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Valley St and 20th S St
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Mini-golf course that teaches about the environment. You won't see mini-golf holes like this anywhere else!

reviewed on: March 20 2009

"Environmental learning at this mini-golf course"
The Putting Green mini-golf course is unique.  Instead of having signs and pictures of pirates or other characters, each hole is designed around and presents information about helping our environment.  Whether water, clean fuels, or farm topics, there's something be learned at each hole.  The course itself isn't as polished as some of the big ones, but it's still fun to take the kids to.


1300 Summit Ave
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
The sand-bottom pool is unique at this state park, which also offers hiking and camping.


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1860 Schell Road
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Spend time in the gardens (no charge) or take the brewery tour. Kids get 1919 Root Beer at the end of the tour.

reviewed on: March 20 2009

"Beautiful gardens, root beer for the kids"
There are two parts to this:  The brewery tour runs on a schedule and has a small fee for it.  It tells the history of the family-owned brewery, lets you see part of it, and then takes you to the hospitality room to taste some beer (or 1919 Root Beer for the kids).  The gardens are open year-round, and they're a peaceful place to go and take a walk, admire the flowers, and try to spot the peacocks or deer.


2 N Broadway St
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
There isn't a lot for kids to do at this museum, but it doesn't cost much to get in, so if you're interested in local history, make it a stop.

reviewed on: March 18 2009

"Scavenger Hunt for Kids"
Although not much of a hands-on museum, the Brown County Historical Society does have a scavenger hunt sheet that my kids like to complete when we go through the museum.  The museum is focused on local history, including artifacts from the Dakota Conflict, which had a large impact on the area.

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226 N Washington St
New Ulm, Minnesota

Comment:
Children's author/illustrator Wanda Gag's childhood home. They have fun special events for kids like Wanda Gag's birthday party in March every year.

reviewed on: March 20 2009

"Old-fashioned family fun"
We went for Wanda Gag's birthday party in March, and there were lots of games and activities for the kids in this beautiful home of children's author Wanda Gag.  The kids especially liked the scavenger hunt of the house.  This is a child-friendly location to visit in New Ulm.