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 ten
miles of trail there are deer, mink,
raccoons, salamanders, birds and
other native wildlife for your
viewing pleasure.
Trail hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
seven days a week.
(No fees for trail or Visitor Center)
The Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Closed 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.

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 or 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.
Click here to
download a copy
of the Fall and
Winter Nature
Center News.
For current cross
country ski trail
conditions, visit
our page on
skinnyski.com
Now that the snow has arrived, we would like to remind you
that the trails are still open. Each year, we spend a lot of time
grooming the trails for cross country skiing. If you are
walking or snowshoeing, please do not walk on the ski
tracks. We all want to enjoy the beautiful winter together.
Come in to the Visitor Center to see the progress we're
making on our new displays. There may not be snow
but there is still plenty to see and do in February!