New Ulm Turnverein

New Ulm Turner Hall has been at the heart of New Ulm since 1856.

Turner Hall is more than a building. It is home to the oldest continuing gymnastics program in the State of Minnesota. Hundreds of local children rely on our low-cost gymnastics program to develop coordination, balance, agility, and flexibility.  These fundamental building blocks of athletics will remain with them throughout their lifetime.  In partnership with the United Way of the Brown County Area, we are able to provide scholarships to children who may not otherwise have the means to participate. Through gymnastics instruction children also develop strength, self-esteem, and social skills that will benefit them as they progress through their youth and teen years.

Our meeting rooms provide local non-profit organizations a place to meet and discuss ways to advance and further their missions, resulting in a stronger community for all.  Turner Hall is home to over a dozen groups that rely on Turner Hall to provide a place to gather without the added expense of room rentals and restrictive schedules.  

Our historic Rathskeller, with its one-of-a-kind hand painted murals,  is also home to the oldest bar in Minnesota, where members, guests, and tourists have enjoyed a cold brew and a hot meal for generations. 

Built on this site in 1866, Turner Hall has undergone many transitions in its lifetime.  Our last major exterior update was in 2010, when a handicapped entrance and elevator was installed.  In 2018, we replaced some aging sewer lines that were on the verge of collapse, and updated our antique kitchen that had been the same since the 1950s.  These updates were made possible only by our supportive membership, generous donors, and state and local grants.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been shifting and adapting our business model to meet the restrictions while keeping our volunteers, guests, and staff safe.  While we have enjoyed some success through our Summer Rib Fundraiser and drive-thru take-out program, Turner Hall is in need of your additional support.   Grant funding received over the past few months has helped us to meet the expenses we incurred leading up to the shutdown in March, and assisted us in remaining current with our fixed expenses.  However, these funds are beginning to dry up, despite our continuing need.

Turner Hall relies heavily on its ability to generate income from private events such as weddings, celebrations of life, corporate meetings, retirement parties and holiday gatherings.  Our inability to host many of these events for most of the year have left a gap that could not have been anticipated when our year began.  We hope you will consider a contribution to Historic Turner Hall.  Your donation will go directly towards expenses critical to our operations including utilities and building maintenance.  Your gift will go a long way towards keeping Turner Hall operating during these cold winter months where we are plagued by enormous utility expenses, and maintenance issues that continually creep up throughout our building.

If you prefer to contribute to a specific segment or project, or would like to discuss how your planned giving wishes could help New Ulm Turner Hall, we are here to listen and talk through your vision with you. You may contact us at director@newulmturnerhall.com for a private conversation.

With Turner Greetings,

Andrea Boettger

Executive Director

New Ulm Turnverein, Inc.