Schell's Gardens and Deer Park
Historic brewery with beautiful gardens, a deer pen, and a museum. Experience German pilsners and lagers in a charming setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom
Schell's Gardens and Deer Park
Best Time
Enjoy the gardens in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic brewery with beautiful gardens, a deer pen, and a museum. Experience German pilsners and lagers in a charming setting.
"A truly amazing experience with lovely grounds, friendly deer, and fascinating brewery history!"
🚶♀️ Wander the Grounds
Explore the beautiful gardens, historic mansion, and deer pen. Free to roam and offers great photo ops!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Great prices on 5 oz pours to try different Schell's beers. Perfect for tasting!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mansion & Gardens
Grounds
Stroll through manicured gardens and admire the stunning historic mansion. A picturesque escape with a touch of old-world charm.
Deer Pen
Behind the mansion
Meet the friendly residents of the deer pen! A delightful and unexpected encounter for all ages.
Brewery Tour
Brewery
Discover the fascinating history and vintage technology of this iconic brewery. Informative and engaging for any visitor.
Beer Garden & Taproom
Brewery
Savor a variety of Schell's beers on tap, enjoy delicious food, and relax in the scenic beer garden or cozy taproom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Explore the Historic Grounds
Brewery Tour & Tasting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wander the Grounds
Explore the beautiful gardens, historic mansion, and deer pen. Free to roam and offers great photo ops!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Great prices on 5 oz pours to try different Schell's beers. Perfect for tasting!
🥨 Delicious Bites
Don't miss the soft pretzel with cheese and unique pizza options.
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find a great selection of gifts and souvenirs to remember your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wander the Grounds
Explore the beautiful gardens, historic mansion, and deer pen. Free to roam and offers great photo ops!
🍺 Sample the Brews
Great prices on 5 oz pours to try different Schell's beers. Perfect for tasting!
🥨 Delicious Bites
Don't miss the soft pretzel with cheese and unique pizza options.
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find a great selection of gifts and souvenirs to remember your visit.
🦚 Peacock Spotting
Keep an eye out for peacocks roaming the grounds – a colorful surprise!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Schell's Gardens and Deer Park for its beautiful historic grounds, charming deer pen, and engaging brewery tours. The scenic gardens and the unique atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws, offering a relaxing and picturesque experience. While the beer and food receive positive mentions, the overall historical and natural beauty of the site often steals the show.
"This brewery is such an amazing experience to take part. Even if you don't do the tour, the grounds here are a sight to see in themselves. The garden outside of the beer garden is absolutely lovely. You can walk on paths through the flowers and see the old historic house.
Grab a beer from the wonderful taproom and take it to the beer garden to enjoy. Or hangout in the taproom that has plenty of seating, all Schells beers on tap, and a food menu with pizza and soft pretzel with cheese. The gift shop has a great selection of gifts as well."
B A
"I stopped by one day to take the brewery tour and it was awesome. The tour guide was fantastic - very informational and had several stories to tell about the company and brewery. The place itself is also very cool - full of stunning architecture and vintage technology. I’d definitely recommend stopping by to take the tour if you have the chance. Very cool."
Frederick The Planespotter
"Super cool spot with tons of history! Visit the gift shop and museum to learn about the brewery's history, then head into the attached beer hall for a bevvy and soft pretzel. I tried the draft root beer which was really good! Nice patio and biergarten areas too.
You can also wander the grounds around the old mansion and gardens, where you'll probably find Fred or Barney (peacocks) squawking away. There is also a deer pen behind the mansion with friendly deer!"
Hannah Elias
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Schell's Gardens and Deer Park is located in New Ulm, Minnesota. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site.
Public transportation options to Schell's Gardens and Deer Park are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the location.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, take US-169 S to MN-19 W towards Redwood Falls, then follow signs for New Ulm. From Mankato, take US-14 W to MN-15 N towards New Ulm.
Absolutely! Schell's Gardens and Deer Park makes for a wonderful day trip, offering a mix of history, nature, and local brews.
GPS navigation systems are reliable for reaching the brewery. Once there, the grounds are easily walkable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds, gardens, and deer pen is generally free. Brewery tours may require a ticket or fee. It's best to check their official website for current tour information and pricing.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for specific attractions like the taproom or tours. It's recommended to check the official Schell's Brewery website for the most up-to-date hours.
Tour prices can vary. Visitors have mentioned great prices on 5 oz pours, suggesting reasonable costs for tastings. Check the brewery's website for current tour fees.
For brewery tours, it's often advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Check the Schell's Brewery website for online booking options.
The gardens and grounds are typically free to explore, offering a beautiful space to wander and enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic mansion and gardens, visit the deer pen, take a brewery tour, enjoy tastings in the taproom, and relax in the beer garden.
Yes, kids often enjoy seeing the deer and exploring the spacious grounds. The 1919 root beer is also a hit!
Policies on pets can vary. It's best to check with Schell's Brewery directly regarding their pet policy for the grounds and beer garden.
The atmosphere is described as historic, scenic, and relaxing, with a lively vibe in the beer garden.
Information on Wi-Fi availability is not widely publicized, but it's common in taproom settings. You may need to inquire upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The taproom offers a food menu including pizzas (like tater tot and Korean BBQ) and soft pretzels with cheese.
Yes, they offer 1919 root beer, which is a popular choice.
While specific vegetarian/vegan options aren't detailed, pizzas can often be customized. It's best to ask the staff for current offerings.
Prices are considered great, with 5 oz pours ranging from $2.50-$4 and pizzas around $15.
Typically, breweries do not allow outside food. It's recommended to purchase food from their on-site offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic mansion, the manicured gardens, the deer pen, and the vintage brewery equipment offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good to be mindful of other visitors and ask your tour guide if unsure.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites and private properties. Check with the brewery for their specific drone policy.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the gardens and mansion.
For commercial photography or filming, you will likely need to obtain permission from Schell's Brewery in advance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the brewery tours might be more geared towards adults, the overall atmosphere is welcoming. The combination of open spaces, unique wildlife, and the historic setting makes it an engaging outing for all ages. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds if you plan to spend an extended period exploring.
🍺 Beer Enthusiasts
Take advantage of the 5 oz pours to sample a variety of their offerings in the taproom or beer garden. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their selection. It's an opportunity to appreciate the dedication to quality and tradition that defines Schell's beers.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Don't miss capturing the charm of the deer pen and the unexpected beauty of the roaming peacocks. The blend of historical structures, natural landscapes, and the working brewery creates a rich tapestry of subjects. Be sure to check the brewery's policy on drone usage if you're looking for aerial shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The Schell's Brewery Experience
The grounds themselves are a significant draw, featuring a beautiful historic mansion that once belonged to the Schell family. Wandering through the manicured gardens surrounding the mansion provides a serene escape and excellent photo opportunities. The presence of peacocks roaming freely adds a unique and charming element to the landscape, making the entire experience feel like stepping back in time.
Beyond the historical and scenic aspects, the brewery is celebrated for its authentic German-style lagers and pilsners. The taproom and beer garden are popular spots to sample these brews, often accompanied by local food offerings like pretzels and pizzas. It's a place where history, nature, and good beer converge, offering a well-rounded experience for every visitor.
Exploring the Scenic Grounds and Unexpected Wildlife
A unique feature that consistently delights visitors is the deer pen. Located behind the mansion, it's home to friendly deer that are a joy to observe, especially for families. Adding to the charm are the peacocks that often wander freely across the property. Their vibrant plumage and calls create a memorable and somewhat whimsical atmosphere, making the grounds feel alive and full of surprises.
These natural elements, combined with the historic structures, create a multi-faceted destination. Whether you're interested in photography, a peaceful stroll, or simply enjoying the outdoors, the scenic grounds of Schell's Gardens and Deer Park offer a delightful experience that complements the brewery's offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit