John Lind House - New Ulm, Minnesota

John Lind House - New Ulm, Minnesota

Built in 1887, the John Lind House is a historical landmark well-known for its Victorian Queen Anne style. The house was constructed by architect Frank Thayer and was the residence of the Lind family from its completion in 1887 until 1901. Total construction costs for the project were around five thousand dollars.

Brief Biography of the Lind Family

The home’s owner, John Lind, was a successful Minnesota politician who served several terms in Congress. Born in 1854, Mr. Lind was a Swedish immigrant who came to the United States with his family in 1867. As a young boy, John Lind attended public schools in the Goodhue County District. He later attended college at the University of Minnesota where he received a law degree and admission to the bar.

John Lind also served a short-term in the military during the Spanish American War in 1898. Although he only served six months of duty, he was appointed first lieutenant of the Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.

In 1879, at the age of thirty-five, John Lind married Alice Sheppard. Ms. Sheppard, a Minnesota native, was the daughter of Richard and Rowena Sheppard. After graduating from high school, Alice was a school teacher for five years. In addition to her teaching career, she was active in a number of social activities including Daughters of the American Revolution. The Linds raised four children together, two boys and two girls.

Lind House Tours

Although the Lind House is open to the public, the site is not strictly a tourist attraction. Instead it serves as a gathering spot for various community groups and is also an office setting for the local United Way.

During the holiday season, the Lind House is especially popular among guests. The residence is tastefully decorated in Victorian style and several vintage holiday trees are on display. From November 1st thru the end of January, the Lind House accepts reservations for holiday dinner parties. Members of the Lind House Association can receive substantial discounts when booking a holiday event.

For those that dream of a classic Victorian wedding, the Lind House can accommodate up to seventy guests for a wedding ceremony. Wedding dinners and receptions can also be scheduled. Weather permitting; guests can even schedule an outdoor gathering in the beautiful veranda and garden area.

Tour Hours and Rates

The Lind House is open year round to visitors with the peak tourist season running from June 1st thru the end of August.

• June thru August- open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• April, May, September, and October- (Friday-Sunday) 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• January thru March, November, and December- tours are available by appointment only

Admission rates are $2 per person. Discount rates are available for large groups. Upon request, the Lind House will also schedule a Victorian luncheon or tea party for your class or group outing. Luncheons are served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tea parties can be scheduled for morning (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) or afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

For directions or more information regarding events, you can contact the Lind House at:

622 Center Street
New Ulm, Minnesota 56073
Phone: (507) 354-8802
Email: lindhouse@newulmtel.net