Upcoming Programs & Events
All programs held in the Interpretive Center unless otherwise specified.
RSVP by email (info@hormelnaturecenter.org), phone (507-437-7519), or in person at the Interpretive Center.
RSVP by email (info@hormelnaturecenter.org), phone (507-437-7519), or in person at the Interpretive Center.
Pop-Up Class: Rockets: Ages 10 - 12 yrs old
Sola Fide Observatory • $15.00
Saturday, October 3: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. [Register Here]
Fun new class just added! Learn all about basic rocket structure needed for flight. Step into the mind of a NASA scientist, using principles of physics for the perfect launch. Kids will compete to see who can shoot a water bottle rocket the highest!
Class size is limited to 8 participants.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
**This class is on a Sola Fide Observatory night so if families would like to participate in the observatory afterwards, you must RSVP for a time by calling or emailing the Nature Center. The observatory is not open for walk-ins.
Sola Fide Observatory • $15.00
Saturday, October 3: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. [Register Here]
Fun new class just added! Learn all about basic rocket structure needed for flight. Step into the mind of a NASA scientist, using principles of physics for the perfect launch. Kids will compete to see who can shoot a water bottle rocket the highest!
Class size is limited to 8 participants.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
**This class is on a Sola Fide Observatory night so if families would like to participate in the observatory afterwards, you must RSVP for a time by calling or emailing the Nature Center. The observatory is not open for walk-ins.
37th Annual Halloween Warm-Up
Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10 • $8.00 per person
For two magical nights, the Nature Center (with the help of Matchbox Children’s Theatre) is under special enchantment! Take a 45-minute hike and enjoy “spook”tacular Halloween and nature skits performed by creatures, critters, and spirits of the night. Especially designed to appeal to children ages 4-11 (accompanied by an adult), but all ages are welcome!
*The meeting location is outside in front of the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.
Due to COVID-19, some changes that will be implemented this year are:
*Note: The Interpretive Center will be closed during the day on October 9 & 10.
Friday & Saturday, October 9 & 10 • $8.00 per person
For two magical nights, the Nature Center (with the help of Matchbox Children’s Theatre) is under special enchantment! Take a 45-minute hike and enjoy “spook”tacular Halloween and nature skits performed by creatures, critters, and spirits of the night. Especially designed to appeal to children ages 4-11 (accompanied by an adult), but all ages are welcome!
*The meeting location is outside in front of the Ruby Rupner Auditorium.
Due to COVID-19, some changes that will be implemented this year are:
- The Interpretive Center will be closed to the public and there will be no cookies and refreshments offered.
- The Ruby Rupner Auditorium will be open and available for bathrooms only.
- Groups are limited to 15 people.
- To maintain a safe and healthy environment for our guests, actors, and staff, because it may be challenging to maintain social distancing at this event even though it is outside, face coverings are required to be worn for the duration of the event. Following MN face cover guidelines, children under 2, people with medical conditions, the disabled, or people with mental health needs are exempt. Children ages 2 to 5 are not required but are encouraged to wear a face covering.
- We have added two more earlier times slots due to having smaller groups this year.
- First Hike: 6:30 p.m. | Last Hike: 9:10 p.m.
- $8.00 per person
*Note: The Interpretive Center will be closed during the day on October 9 & 10.
Christmas Crafts
Interpretive Center Back Room • $30.00 per person
Session 1: Monday, November 30; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Tuesday, December 1; 6:00-8:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 3: Wednesday, December 2; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 4: Thursday, December 3; 6:00-8:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 5: Saturday, December 5; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
*Registration will begin Monday, November 2 online at 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we begin preparing for the holiday season with the traditional craft of wreath making. The wreaths will be made of spruce, cedar, red pine, and white pine. Materials that will be provided are a bow, the metal wreath holder, and pine cones. If you would like to decorate your wreath more, you are welcome to bring extra items.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required. There is a minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent. Class size is limited to 8 participants. Classes fill up quickly!
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
Changes due to COVID-19:
Interpretive Center Back Room • $30.00 per person
Session 1: Monday, November 30; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Tuesday, December 1; 6:00-8:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 3: Wednesday, December 2; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 4: Thursday, December 3; 6:00-8:00 p.m. [Register Here]
Session 5: Saturday, December 5; 1:00-3:00 p.m. [Register Here]
*Registration will begin Monday, November 2 online at 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we begin preparing for the holiday season with the traditional craft of wreath making. The wreaths will be made of spruce, cedar, red pine, and white pine. Materials that will be provided are a bow, the metal wreath holder, and pine cones. If you would like to decorate your wreath more, you are welcome to bring extra items.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required. There is a minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent. Class size is limited to 8 participants. Classes fill up quickly!
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
Changes due to COVID-19:
- Price has been lowered.
- No refreshments or snacks.
- No candle dipping but candles will be available for purchase at the class.
- Shortened class time.
- 5 sessions available with a max of 8 participants.
Family Cross Country Ski Lessons
Interpretive Center Back Room • $20.00 per family
Session 1: Saturday, January 23; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Saturday, February 6; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
*Registration begins Monday, December 28 online at 9:00 a.m.
Never skied before or looking for a little more instruction before heading out on the trails yourself? We offer family cross-country ski lessons. We will guide you through some of the main principals of cross-country skiing like how to kick and glide, how to fall and get back up, how to go up and down hills, etc. We will also lead you on a small route on the Nature Center trials. The cost of the class includes ski rental but you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
The Nature Center does not require a Minnesota Ski Pass.
Interpretive Center Back Room • $20.00 per family
Session 1: Saturday, January 23; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Saturday, February 6; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
*Registration begins Monday, December 28 online at 9:00 a.m.
Never skied before or looking for a little more instruction before heading out on the trails yourself? We offer family cross-country ski lessons. We will guide you through some of the main principals of cross-country skiing like how to kick and glide, how to fall and get back up, how to go up and down hills, etc. We will also lead you on a small route on the Nature Center trials. The cost of the class includes ski rental but you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
The Nature Center does not require a Minnesota Ski Pass.
Friends Members Cross Country Ski Lessons
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Saturday, January 30; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
*Please RSVP starting Monday, December 28 and no later than Thursday, January 28 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
Never skied before or looking for a little more instruction before heading out on the trails yourself? We are offering FREE cross-country ski lessons to Friends Members! We will guide you through some of the main principals of cross-country skiing like how to kick and glide, how to fall and get back up, how to go up and down hills, etc. We will also lead you on a small route on the Nature Center trials. The class does not include ski rental, so you can rent from us or you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
The Nature Center does not require a Minnesota Ski Pass.
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Saturday, January 30; 8:30 - 11:00 a.m.
*Please RSVP starting Monday, December 28 and no later than Thursday, January 28 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
Never skied before or looking for a little more instruction before heading out on the trails yourself? We are offering FREE cross-country ski lessons to Friends Members! We will guide you through some of the main principals of cross-country skiing like how to kick and glide, how to fall and get back up, how to go up and down hills, etc. We will also lead you on a small route on the Nature Center trials. The class does not include ski rental, so you can rent from us or you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
The Nature Center does not require a Minnesota Ski Pass.
50th Anniversary Candle-Lit Ski
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Saturday, February 20; 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Open House
*Please RSVP starting Monday, January 25 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
This will be our first kick-off event for our 50th anniversary celebration. The trails will be lit by kerosene lanterns. We are starting early so there may be some light left for those early birds who would like it. If you come later in the evening, you may want to bring a headlamp or flashlight for a little extra light depending on the moon and cloud cover.
This is a free event open to everyone. Only skiing will be allowed during this event, no walking or snowshoeing on the candle-lit trails. This is an open house event so you may show up anytime and participate in the candle-lit ski. Cookies and refreshments will be available during this event in the ski rental room.
This event does not include ski rental, you can rent from us or you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
*The Interpretive Center will not be open during this time, please enter the building through the back side doors.
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Saturday, February 20; 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. - Open House
*Please RSVP starting Monday, January 25 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
This will be our first kick-off event for our 50th anniversary celebration. The trails will be lit by kerosene lanterns. We are starting early so there may be some light left for those early birds who would like it. If you come later in the evening, you may want to bring a headlamp or flashlight for a little extra light depending on the moon and cloud cover.
This is a free event open to everyone. Only skiing will be allowed during this event, no walking or snowshoeing on the candle-lit trails. This is an open house event so you may show up anytime and participate in the candle-lit ski. Cookies and refreshments will be available during this event in the ski rental room.
This event does not include ski rental, you can rent from us or you are welcome to bring your own. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Our smallest boot size is 10 and a minimum height of about 3 ft is needed to fit into our skis.
*The Interpretive Center will not be open during this time, please enter the building through the back side doors.
Family Maple Syruping Class
Interpretive Center Back Room • $15.00 per family
Session 1: Saturday, March 13; 9:00-11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Saturday, March 20; 9:00-11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
*Registration begins Monday, February 1 online at 9:00 a.m.
How much work goes into making one bottle of fresh maple syrup? Join nature center staff for this family friendly program to find out! Venture out into the sugar bush to collect sap from maple trees and learn the tips and tricks to maple syruping. Then take a peek inside the Sugar Shack to see our evaporator at work.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
Interpretive Center Back Room • $15.00 per family
Session 1: Saturday, March 13; 9:00-11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
Session 2: Saturday, March 20; 9:00-11:00 a.m. [Register Here]
*Registration begins Monday, February 1 online at 9:00 a.m.
How much work goes into making one bottle of fresh maple syrup? Join nature center staff for this family friendly program to find out! Venture out into the sugar bush to collect sap from maple trees and learn the tips and tricks to maple syruping. Then take a peek inside the Sugar Shack to see our evaporator at work.
*There are no refunds for classes unless the City of Austin cancels classes due to COVID-19.
Friends Members Maple Syruping Class
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Tuesday, March 23; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
*Please RSVP starting Monday, February 1 and no later than Monday, March 22 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
How much work goes into making one bottle of fresh maple syrup? Join nature center staff for this family friendly program to find out! Venture out into the sugar bush to collect sap from maple trees and learn the tips and tricks to maple syruping. Then take a peek inside the Sugar Shack to see our evaporator at work.
Interpretive Center Back Room • Free
Tuesday, March 23; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
*Please RSVP starting Monday, February 1 and no later than Monday, March 22 in person or by calling/e-mailing the Nature Center.
How much work goes into making one bottle of fresh maple syrup? Join nature center staff for this family friendly program to find out! Venture out into the sugar bush to collect sap from maple trees and learn the tips and tricks to maple syruping. Then take a peek inside the Sugar Shack to see our evaporator at work.
Use our calendar of events to plan your next visit!