What we Offer

​The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center features over 500 acres of prairie, forests, and wetlands. Keep eyes and ears open for many kinds of wildlife as you explore the 9+ miles of trails!

Quick Facts: We do not allow dogs/pets or bikes on our trails and we do not have a picnic area. ​

Interpretive Center Hours:
Monday thru Saturday:
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
(Closed City of Austin holidays)
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Trail Hours:
6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily
Trail Map

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Friends of the Hormel Nature Center

Join or Renew for 2024 friends MEMBERSHIP

Thank you to our renewing and new members of the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center! Interested in joining the Friends?​​

Join/Renew

• Interested in supporting us through membership? Please use the button on the left to join the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center or to renew your membership.

Reoccurring Payment Options

• Choose to continue your membership with monthly, semi-annual, or annual donations. ​​​

Lifetime Member

• Become a lifetime member for a donation of $1,000 or more. 

Donate

• None of the Nature Center’s programming would be possible without the community’s continued support! Please use the button on the left to make a donation to the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center.

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​Click to expand each section and learn more about what we offer at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center: ​

Interpretive Center ​

Fun and interactive exhibits with live animals, touch tables, puzzles and games, a play area, and more! Learn about the local history, the wildlife, and the story of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.










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School programs

Hands-on environmental education programs are offered to preschool through high school students. The staff is willing to adapt to your specific curriculum needs.

To learn more about our school programs and to contact scheduling staff please {click here}

​Summer adventure classes

When school is out, learning at the Nature Center is anything but over! Course offerings throughout the summer provide students of all ages opportunities to learn about everything from water conservation to the migration of the monarch butterfly.

Free Programs

Generous community support allows the Nature Center to provide world-class programs to the general public at no cost to participants. Check the Upcoming Programs & Events page or the Calendar of Events to see what's coming up!

Equipment Rental - CAnoes, kayaks, skis​

During the summer, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks for use on the pond and Dobbins Creek! Exploring on the water is a great way to experience the Nature Center and to see wildlife you might miss while walking the trails. When the snow arrives, the Nature Center rents cross-country ski equipment as well as snowshoes.

Sola Fide Observatory​

See the objects in our solar system and beyond through a 16-inch reflector telescope. Staff offer viewing opportunities twice a month on Saturday evenings. Visit our Sola Fide page for dates and times. 

Action track chairs 

Exciting News! We have 3 brand new track chairs that will allow our visitors in need the ability to access all of our trails easily. The Action Track Chairs are easy to use and Nature Center staff will give you a tutorial on how to use them.
These track chairs can be reserved for 2 hours for free! Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are preferred. 

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Reserve Here

Volunteering

The Hormel Nature Center has a variety of volunteer opportunities, from working the front desk to pulling invasive species outside. We have a variety of different time-frames to choose from. If you are interested in learning more visit our Volunteer Page or visit The United Way of Mower County volunteer calendar to browse and sign up for our volunteer events. 

Parking for bike trail 

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is the parking spot for the start of the Shooting Star Bike Trail. The west side of the garage/utility shed is the connecting path to the start of the Shooting Star Bike Trail. For more information click {Here}

PDF of Bike Trails of Austin, MN Brochure. Includes Shooting Star Trail. 

Nearby Parks for Picnic

• Todd Park is a large park with a pavilion for picnicking and a large outdoor play structure. For address and more information click {Here}
• East Side Lake has picnic areas and an outdoor play structure located next to a lake with a fishing dock. You can also launch water crafts at East Side Lake. For more information and address click {Here}