New Brighton has a dynamic history. Originally Mdewakanton Dakota tribes lived along Brighton's marchy lakes in the mid 18th century. Then by 1858 immigrants from France and Britain came to settle in the area. They built a school, church, and a simple store. And, as railroads grew throughout the US, by 1888 millers of Minneapolis formed the Minneapolis Stockyards and Packing Company to supply homes, businesses, and agriculture. Little by little New Brighton grew in importance and by 1891 it got incorporated. The city cherishes and celebrates its heritage, so each August it organizes a festival called the Stockyard Days, which is held at Long Lake Park.
New Brighton even lived through a demo-version of a gold rush. In the 1920s a local farmer spread a rumor that some bootleggers buried gold bars along the shore of Long Lake. This information sparked a lot of interest among locals and in the following years, multiple searches took place to find the treasure.
What is the best season to enjoy New Brighton?
Your choice of the time to travel to New Brighton should depend on the types of activities you'd like to take part in.
To take advantage of the city's beaches and pools come between early July and mid-August. Summers are warm, but partly cloudy here, with an average high temperature of 83°F. Visit New Brighton's Long Lake Regional Park for a day of swimming and picnicking. The park has all the facilities you may need for a quality pastime: 32 picnic tables around the park, a sand play area for toddlers along with two convenient playgrounds, near the pavilion and beach areas. Launch your boat, play some volleyball - the day is guaranteed to be picture perfect.
Winter doesn't lose to summer or spring in any way, either. There are plenty of exciting events happening during the season. Plan a Holiday Light Tour around New Brighton's neighborhoods. Each Christmas the city compiles a list of local houses with fun light displays and invites people to vote for their favorite of the year. For mesmerizing pictures come by Brighton's Ice Castle. It takes place in January in the Long Lake Regional Park and it's something else! Ice Castle includes a full playground to run around: tunnels, slides, crawl spaces, all lit up by a rainbow of lights. You just can't miss this attraction.
And to feed your festive mood visit the Winter Farmers Market in New Brighton Community Center. Hot beverages, a pizza food truck, and more than 25 local food and craft vendors are ready to keep your evening going.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in New Brighton, MN:
New Brighton by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in New Brighton, MN. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective time to stay in New Brighton during the year.
Business-Class Hotels in New Brighton, MN
4 Star Average Prices: $131.81
From opulent suites to spacious guest rooms, our selection of top-rated hotels has something for everyone. Soak up the sun on the private beach, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply relax in the comfort of your room. With a variety of on-site amenities and services, our 4.5-star hotels are perfect for both leisure and business travelers. Book your stay today and experience the best of New Brighton, MN!
Affordable Hotel Options in New Brighton, MN
3 Star Average Prices: $123.25
We compiled a selection of budget hotels that will help you find a great place to stay without spending too much.
Included are rooms both near the beach and places close to the action, so you have all the options to make an informed decision.
Our selection of budget hotels includes a variety of room types, so you can find the perfect place to stay for your next trip. Whether you're traveling alone, with a partner, or with a group, you'll find your perfect place to come to after a busy day in the city.
2 Star Average Prices: $93.55
Discounts for your next trip to New Brighton, MN
Check out our list of hotel discounts and special offers available in the area. We're working to ensure you're able to get the best deals for your next trip, and spend your vacation worry-free and smiling.
Como Zoo and Conservatory
For over 100 years Como has served the residents of St. Paul and surrounding areas, providing quality recreational and educational opportunities and activities. Como Zoo is just a 15-minute ride away from New Brighton, and you'll be glad you took this trip.
The zoo features a diversity of wildlife, including a seal island, aquatic life, primates, birds, and a marvelous polar bear exhibit. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory displays 2 acres of various plantlife, including Japanese traditional bonsai, orchids, and seasonal flowers. It hosted various events educating the local community about fauna and flora. One of the most interesting ones was Como's Edible Garden. It operated from 2011 till 2018, from June to September. All of the fruits grown in the garden were given to the Zoo animals to enrich their diet or to community centers of the area. In addition, Como offers an impressive list of educational programs for schools, individual adults, and groups. As well as interactive exhibits, and special events, like Winter Carnival Orchid Show, Senior Strolls, and even an opportunity to have Valentine's Day dinner in the conservatory.
FAQs about hotels in New Brighton
How much does a cheap hotel in New Brighton cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in New Brighton can be as cheap as $93.55 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in New Brighton cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in New Brighton has been $123.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in New Brighton cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in New Brighton has been $131.81 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city of New Brighton
Below are reviews of the city of New Brighton, MN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"A small town feel!"
Score
5.0 / 5
New Brighton has a small town feel and pace. I enjoyed it
Brian K., from 06-May-2026
"Nice and Quaint "
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice, quiet
Claire L., from 02-Jun-2025
The average traveler rating of the city of New Brighton, MN shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews