August Schell Brewing Company, brewing company
August Schell Brewing Company is a brewery in New Ulm, Minnesota that has been producing beer since 1860 and today makes everything from traditional German lagers to modern craft beers. The site includes a Visitor Center with a Rathskeller Tap Room, a beer garden beneath tall walnut trees, a Museum of Brewing, and surrounding gardens where visitors can explore the brewing craft and family heritage.
German immigrant August Schell founded the brewery in 1860 with traditional German lager recipes, and the operation has remained family-owned for five generations while becoming Minnesota's oldest still-operating brewery. The business survived economic hardship and wars, and in 2002 acquired the Grain Belt line of beers to preserve another well-known Minnesota brand.
The place reflects its German roots through signage and the design of its beer garden, which recreates the feel of traditional German gathering spaces. Visitors experience local brewing traditions through events like trivia nights and seasonal festivals that bring the community together around beer and conversation.
It is best to call ahead to book a tour, especially during summer and festival times, as spots fill up quickly. The Visitor Center and gift shop are open daily from late morning into late afternoon, while the outdoor beer garden operates from late spring through summer.
Founder August Schell chose the location because of its natural springs and deliberate resemblance to the Black Forest region of Germany where he came from. The operation originally used underground ice caves to store beer and ice before modern refrigeration became available.
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