Title: Germans in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and the Upper Midwest
Headings: Germans in the Upper Midwest
Germans in the Upper Midwest
Many of our most-loved traditions arrived with emigrants from Germany.
Why they came
German towns
Festivals
Language and culture
Heritage sites

Content: Germans in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and the Upper Midwest





Germans in the Upper Midwest
Many of our most-loved traditions arrived with emigrants from Germany. © Beth Gauper
In New Ulm, Minn., the Glockenspiel's figures come out to play three times a day. It's hard to imagine life without the Germans. When they crossed the ocean, they brought hot dogs, potato salad and beer gardens. Thanks to them, we have kindergartens, Christmas trees and fairy tales. Their traditions now are woven into the fabric of Upper Midwest life. To  paraphrase the words of John F. Kennedy, we are all Germans. Germans are fun folks — at least, they like a party. Thanks to them, we have Oktoberfests all fall, Christkindl markets over the holidays and, to welcome spring, Maifests. That's when young women dance around May poles and everyone gets to eat strudel and drink Maibock beer.