Sites Along the Byway: New Ulm to Mankato

New Ulm Historic District

New Ulm is a German city on the Minnesota River.

Wanda Gág House Interpretive Center and Museum

The childhood home turned museum of Wanda Hazel Gag, author of classic children’s books.

Glockenspiel

This is a unique 45-foot, free-standing clock tower with animated figures that depict the city’s history in New Ulm, MN

Kiesling House

Riverside Park Environmental Learning Center

This learning center displays on the value of the river with a pirate ship playground

Brown County Historical Museum

This notable building was built in 1910 in an eye-catching Northern German Renaissance-style, as the town’s Post Office; becoming the County Museum in 1984. Inside are three floors of rotating exhibits, featuring an award-winning exhibit of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. It contains over 5,000 family history files to help researchers. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 to 4 pm, May 1 to Oct. 31, reduced hours in the off-season. $5 admittance.

John Lind House

Built by Minnesota’s 14th governor in 1899, the John Lind house has been restored in the style in which it was originally built and is open for tours.

Minnesota Music Hall of Fame

Minnesota’s museum that honors musicians who have significantly contributed to the Minnesota Music scene.

August Schell Brewery Museum

Visit Minnesota’s oldest brewery, the August Schell Brewing Company.

Flandrau State Park

The gentle flowing Big Cottonwood River meanders through this state park park. The park features a sand-bottom swimming pond, picnic area, campgrounds and group center.

Minneopa State Park

A major waterfall in southwestern Minnesota tumbles through Minneopa State Park. An old stone mill and traces of Glacial River Warren can be found in the midst of the park’s native prairie that is filled with wildlife. The park offers camping, picnicking, and hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

Minnemishinona Falls

This county park is a scenic overlook, 42’ waterfalls located on the Judson Bottom Road.

Mankato Historic Districts

Mankato is home to two historic districts and 204 total properties on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dakota Wokiksuye Makoce (Land of Memories) Park

This park offers camping, hiking, river access, fishing, and an annual Wacipi (Pow Wow).

Sibley Park

This park along the Minnesota River is rich in history, and offers a storybook farm zoo and playground, and many natural areas.

Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota

This is Southern Minnesota’s most immersive and hands-on museum for kids.

Betsy-Tacy Houses Literary Landmarks

Betsy's House is restored as a museum to look just as it did when author, Maud (Betsy), lived there from 1892-1906. Tacy's House is an interpretive center and gift shop.

R.D. Hubbard House Museum

Built in 1871, this historic house museum stands as one of the finest examples of French Second Empire Style architecture in Minnesota.

Blue Earth County History Center and Museum

Explore exhibits featuring people, places, and events that shaped Blue Earth County, Minnesota.

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour

Explore these outdoor sculptures displayed year-round in the City Centers of Mankato and North Mankato, Minnesota.

Carnegie Art Center, Mankato

This renaissance revival-style architecture Carnegie Library now houses a gallery of local artists' work.

Reconciliation Park

On the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, the park was dedicated on September 19, 1997, as a collaboration of the Bdewakaŋtuŋwaŋ Dakota and Mankato communities in a spirit of reconciliation.

Winter Warrior and Memorial Marker

A bronze historic marker and limestone sculpture of a Dakota Warrior stands here in honor of the warriors.

Riverfront Park

This park along the Minnesota River offers beautiful views.