Perhaps you’ve read Wanda Gag’s books: Millions of Cats, The Abc Bunny, and more. These classics are considered to be some of the earliest picture books as we know them today, and Wanda Gag’s artwork has been loved by generations of children.

If you’re a fan of Wanda Gag, or children’s literature or American art in general, you may want to plan a visit to the Wanda Gag House in New Ulm, Minnesota. Wanda Gag spent her childhood in this small town along the Minnesota River, in a house built by her father, who was also an artist.

The house is beautiful inside and out, and in addition to be open to the public seasonally for tours, the Wanda Gag Society holds special events. I visited Wanda Gag’s birthday party with my children last March, and they enjoyed the scavenger hunt, music, old-fashioned games, and of course birthday cake at this celebration of Wanda’s birth. My three-year-old daughter is still talking about the party, nine months later.

Whether to see the architectural and artistic beauty, such as the hand-painted border in the dining room, or to learn more about Wanda Gag and her work, a visit to the Wanda Gag House is an interesting stop when in New Ulm.

Southern Minnesota has also been the home to other favorite children’s authors.  Just down the road in Mankato, visit Maud Hart Lovelaces’ Betsy-Tacy Houses, or head west to Walnut Grove on the Laura Ingalls Wilder trail.

Disclosure Note: If you should happen to click through to the book links, and purchase something at Amazon.com, I will get a small commission on the items.

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