Glockenspiel rings through New Ulm

new ulm glockenspiel
Schonlau Park and the New Ulm glockenspiel.
MPR photo/Marc Sanchez

For 40 years, the clock tower in New Ulm has been ringing out tunes for tourists and townspeople. Above the clock sits a glockenspiel.

The glockenspiel is a series of tuned bells that chime every day at noon, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Figurines dance to the chimes during each performance.

The 45-foot tower, which graces the corner of 4th North and Minnesota streets in Schonlau Park, is one of the few free-standing clock towers in the world.

The musical repertoire changes, with special tunes programed for the winter holidays and New Ulm's annual Bock Fest, which takes place each February.