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NEW ULM -- The glockenspiel in Schonlau Park at 327 N. Minnesota St. is featured on the Explore Minnesota web site as one of more than a dozen free attractions to visit.
The 45-foot high structure is one of the world's few, free-standing carillon clock towers. It's 37 bells chime each quarter hour and play programmed pieces at noon, three and five p.m. plus at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. during festivals. Three-foot-high, animated figurines appear and move to music as they depict the history and development of New Ulm.
The largest Bourdon (bell) weights 595 pounds. The total weight of the 37 bells is two tons.
From Thanksgiving to mid-January, the figures are replaced by a nativity scene. The surrounding park has benches and apple blossom shade trees.
In addition to the glockenspiel, the Explore Minnesota web site lists a number of other New Ulm attractions to find near the glockenspiel including the Historic Kiesling House, Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, River Valley BMX Track, the New Ulm Popcorn Wagon, the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway and the bike circle route.
Other free things worth a visit in Minnesota according to Explore Minnesota are:
• Munsinger Clemens Gardens park along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud. Part of the park is dedicated to rose varieties.
• Franklin Arts Center, Brainerd. The former junior high school building has transformed into a multi-purpose arts center with 35 live/work studios.
• The new, improved Austin Spam Museum with interactive exhibits and galleries, Spam-inspired art work and a play area for kids.
• The Wm. S. Marvin Training and Visitor Center, Warroad.
• Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers, Pipestone.
• Zumbrota covered bridge.
• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
• Minneapolis Institute of Art.
• Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory, St. Paul.
• Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, Duluth.
• Red Wing Shoe Co. Museum.
Explore Minnesota, which promotes Minnesota's $15.3 billion tourism industry, seeks public input to develop its 2020/2021 Strategic Plan. You can tell them what is working, what is not, and how we can work together to better grow state tourism.
A Southern Minnesota listening session will be held 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, May 1 at the Worthington Event Center & Comfort Suites, 1447 Prairie Drive, Worthington. Refreshments will be served.
Another listening session will be held 1-3 p.m., Thursday, May 2 at the National Eagle Center, 50 Pembroke Ave., Wabasha.
Registration is encouraged. For more information, visit https://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/2409/glockenspiel.
Comments can be sent to Explore Minnesota Director John F. Edman at john.edman@state.mn.us
Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.