We won’t pretend to be New York, but New Ulm does have its diversions. If your student calls home with the classic “I’m bored,” suggest one of these:

Within walking distance

  • Swimming, track, basketball, volleyball, racket ball, fitness center–all free at Vogel Arena
  • Sand volleyball in Harmon Park (bottom of the hill)
  • Movies at New Ulm Cinema 3
  • Shopping at Herberger’s
  • Coffee at Cornerstone or Lola’s Larkspur
  • Hiking, running, swimming, camping, and picnicking at Flandrau State Park
  • Disc golf at Nehl’s Park (and at South Park–by car)
  • Bike trails: 2-mile trail from campus to Wal-Mart, 5-mile trail by the river
  • Browsing at Bookshelves and Coffeecups
  • Golfing at New Ulm Country Club (special student rate)

A few minutes by car

  • Bowling at Concordia Lanes
  • Enchiladas at Plaza Garibaldi
  • Ice skating and hockey at the Civic Center
  • Half-price appetizers at Applebees
  • A Target or Wal-Mart run
  • Canoeing, kayaking, floating on Cottonwood or Minnesota Rivers
  • Skateboarding at the dedicated skateboard park on German Street

A tad farther

  • Mankato’s only 30 miles away, and the Twin Cities, 90 miles.

If nothing sounds good to them, you might want to dig a little deeper. Sometimes “I’m bored” is code language for “I’m sad and lonely.” Encourage them to make more effort, take a risk, talk to someone they don’t know. It could make all the difference!