Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
The 507 acre Jay C. Hormel
Nature Center preserve was
established in 1971 and is located
in Western Mower County within
the city limits of Austin.  The
Nature Center features restored
and remnant prairie, hardwood
forest, wetlands and meandering
streams.  As you hike the seven
miles of trail there are deer, mink,
raccoons, salamanders, birds and
other native wildlife for your
viewing pleasure.
Trail hours are open from
6 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
(No fees for trail or visitor center)
Interpretive-visitor center-building is open
9:00 am to 12 pm  and  1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Monday through Saturday and 1:00 pm to
5:00 pm on Sunday.
Closed 12 noon to 1:00 PM
Located on 21st Street NE, one quarter
mile North off Exit 180B,
on Interstate 90

The Nature Center DOES NOT ALLOW
dogs, pets of any kind, biking,
smoking, alcohol, collecting of plants
of animals, camping, fires or
picnicking on the trails or grounds.

Phone: 507-437-7519
Fax: 507-437-8246
E-mail: jchnatur@smig.net
1304 21st Street NE, Austin, MN  55912
Education
School programs
Hands-on structured environmental education
programs are offered to all ages with emphasis at
grades K through 6.  Staff is willing to adapt to your
curriculum needs.  
Bus Tours
Fun, interactive educational programs developed
for all ages, includes seasonal offerings such as
maple syruping and apple cidering.  
Visitor Center
Features an exhibit display area, with live animals,
touch tables, mounted animals, nature games,
preschool play area and a nature library.
Kestrel chicks
brought to
Nature Center
after tornado -
read more here.