New exhibit!
Mussel Exhibit
Explore our brand new mussel exhibit with a video presentation, touch features, examples of mussels, and learn about Austin's history as "Pearl City".
Explore our brand new mussel exhibit with a video presentation, touch features, examples of mussels, and learn about Austin's history as "Pearl City".
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! {Map PDF}
Click to expand each section and learn more about what we offer at the Nature Center:
Click to expand each section and learn more about what we offer at the Nature Center:
Interpretive Center
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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
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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
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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.
Check out our summer class offerings {here} |
Free Programs
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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!
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Equipment Rental
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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.
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Sola Fide Observatory
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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.
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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. |
Volunteering
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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.
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Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
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Thank you to our renewing and new members of the Friends of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center! Interested in joining the Friends?
Join or Renew for 2022 friends MEMBERSHIP
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Fall/Winter Events
Looking for more information on what is coming up at the nature center? Check out all the details for what programs and classes we will be offering on our Programs & Events page!
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Interpretive Center Hours:
Monday thru Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00-5:00 p.m. (Closed City of Austin holidays) Trail Hours: 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily Trail Map |
Learn more about the
Nature Center through our About page, see upcoming events on the Programs & Events page, or click the calendar below! |
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