An In-Depth Guide to New Ulm's Oktoberfest
BACKGROUND
New Ulm is known as the City of Festivals. This year the city of New Ulm hosted its 42nd annual Oktoberfest. The traditional Oktoberfest is modeled after one of the world’s largest celebrations, held each year for several centuries in Munich, Germany. New Ulm’s version takes place during the first two full weekends in October, with festivities happening all over town. The main locations for Oktoberfest in 2024 are Historic Downtown, Best Western Plus, Schell’s Brewery, and Morgan Creek Vineyards.
For my Oktoberfest experience I decided to explore New Ulm’s Historic Downtown. I felt this choice gave me adequate options as everything seemed to be centralized and within walking distance. The historic downtown was filled with festivities and activities that kept my party occupied for the whole day.
“You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy beer at Oktoberfest!
WHERE TO STAY
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham New Ulm
ADDRESS: 424 S St, New Ulm, MN 56073
COST: $298 for 1 night (with it being celebration weekend it is expected that prices will be higher than normal.)
The hotel was clean and modern in terms of design. It featured complimentary toiletries such as bar soap, shampoo and conditioner and lotion. Other items you will need to provide for yourself. The hotel provides basic necessities such as a coffee pot, fridge, TV with a multitude of channels, towels and more. The complimentary breakfast is from 6AM to 10AM everyday and features a slew of breakfast favorites including cereal, waffles (and a waffle maker), toast, bagels, muffins, several different styles of eggs, sausage patties, juices and coffee. The dining area features several large school cafeteria style tables that give you the opportunity to meet other hotel guests.
My favorite part of the hotel was the pool and hot tub which was open all the way until 10pm and closed only briefly for a cleaning. The area was occupied by all walks of life from toddler ages to elderly guests and from my observation everyone really enjoyed themselves.
WHAT TO SEE + DO
Oktoberfest in historic downtown New Ulm is free to attend but VIP tickets cost $50 and are limited. The city is lined with family friendly activities including jenga, axe throwing, and German games such as Nagelbaum which means Nail in log game. There is also a raffle guests can participate in which entails guessing the combined weight of two pumpkins and costed $2 per guess. For children there is a large corn pit with toys to play with as well as several bounce houses. There was also a slew of food trucks and musical performers to keep everyone entertained.
Also dotted throughout the streets are vendors selling pretty much everything you could think of from jewelry to candy to birdhouses, blankets and fresh vegetables. If you are someone that enjoys shopping then the vendors are worth perusing.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Kaiserhoff
Viegel’s Kaiserhoff is a legend landmark in New Ulm after 75 years in business and even a longer history in town. The restaurant has an extensive history having been built in 1871 and used as a meat shop a year later. In 1881, the buildings were damaged in a cyclone but were soon rebuilt. Fast forward to 1924, the building was used as a plumbing business by W.S. Vercoe. In the following years the building was utilized for a series of businesses from being a café to a pool hall and lunchroom. Finally, in 1930, Albert Veigel purchased the Kaiserhoff Restaurant and the rest is history.
ADDRESS: 221 N Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073
RECOMMENDATIONS: the Kaiserhoff German Sampler gives a taste of German cuisine with its hefty platter that includes ribs, bratwurst, red cabbage, German potato salad and much more. I also enjoyed the Kaiserhoff ribs and broiled shrimp. As well as the spaetzle and gravy which reminded me of a comforting pasta. Also at this restaurant you can find the classic 1919 American root beer.
The Rathskeller at Turner Hall
Having been open more than 160 years, Turner Hall has earned its historical spot in New Ulm. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, it is the historic Rathskeller - the oldest bar in Minnesota. Rathskeller which translates to a tavern or restaurant located in the basement of a building, is precisely what the spot was making it a unique find. Also found in the rathskeller was a very old dumbwaiter which was once used to transfer food between floors.
ADDRESS: 102 S State St, New Ulm, MN 56073
HOURS: Weekdays 5-9 p.m. Sat 12-5, Sun 12-7
RECOMMENDATIONS: Rahmschnitzle - this authentic German dish features veal and spaetzel covered in a secret mushroom gravy. It is the definition of “comfort food” and is a dish that I wish I could have frequently. I also highly recommend the Turner ribs and green beans which I found to be delicious.
Schell’s Brewery
Schell's Brewery is the second-oldest family-owned brewery in America. The story began long before 1860 with August Schell who moved to the United States and co-founded New Ulm. Schell’s was the first brewery in Minnesota to start producing craft beers. The craft beer phase had officially started and Schell’s was at the forefront with the German craft lagers.
ADDRESS: 1860 Schell Rd, New Ulm, MN 56073
HOURS: Sunday-Wednesday 12-5pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Friday & Saturday: 11am-8pm
**Festivities at this location do not occur until the second week of Oktoberfest. Customers are still welcome to drink beer during operating hours.
SUMMARY
Whether you choose to celebrate Oktoberfest next weekend or next year or choose to visit New Ulm in general for its charm and German history, I hope that you found this guide to be helpful as you navigate through your own experience. Keep an eye out for a future guide that will provide in-depth details on what to see and do in New Ulm during its non-holiday season.
