2022 Summer Youth & Family Classes
Classes in order by age group. Registration for all summer programs are now open! Classes fill quickly.
Fees are nonrefundable. Please let us know if you will be unable to attend as we often have waiting lists. We will be following all up-to-date guidelines in regards to masks, gathering sizes, and all other ordinances concerning COVID-19. Scholarships are available!
Parents: If you are a current member of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, you get $5.00 off each summer class! When you register, please enter the coupon code that you received in the mail. If you need to renew your membership or become a member of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, click here!
Fees are nonrefundable. Please let us know if you will be unable to attend as we often have waiting lists. We will be following all up-to-date guidelines in regards to masks, gathering sizes, and all other ordinances concerning COVID-19. Scholarships are available!
Parents: If you are a current member of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, you get $5.00 off each summer class! When you register, please enter the coupon code that you received in the mail. If you need to renew your membership or become a member of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center, click here!
Summer Adventure Scholarships
Full scholarships are available for all Nature Center classes under $50.00. Half scholarships are available for classes $50.00 and above. To receive a scholarship, students must write three to five complete sentences about why they want to attend a specific summer adventure class and thank the scholarship donors.
Please submit your request and paragraph at the Interpretive Center before you register for the class. Include name, address, phone number, and age. We will place your child in the class at the adjusted price. When registration opens on April 4, you will log in to your account to pay the balance. Scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis (one scholarship per child). For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org
Scholarships cannot be applied to online registrations, so please bring your child's scholarship essay with you to register in person at the Interpretive Center.
2021 Scholarship Donors: Austin Audubon; Friends of the Hormel Nature Center; Mable Hjelmen; Julie and Duane Champlin: In honor of George Hartson, Memorials-Genevieve Thompson and Richard “Gundy” Gunderson
Thank you, donors!
Full scholarships are available for all Nature Center classes under $50.00. Half scholarships are available for classes $50.00 and above. To receive a scholarship, students must write three to five complete sentences about why they want to attend a specific summer adventure class and thank the scholarship donors.
Please submit your request and paragraph at the Interpretive Center before you register for the class. Include name, address, phone number, and age. We will place your child in the class at the adjusted price. When registration opens on April 4, you will log in to your account to pay the balance. Scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis (one scholarship per child). For more information, call 507-437-7519 or email info@hormelnaturecenter.org
Scholarships cannot be applied to online registrations, so please bring your child's scholarship essay with you to register in person at the Interpretive Center.
2021 Scholarship Donors: Austin Audubon; Friends of the Hormel Nature Center; Mable Hjelmen; Julie and Duane Champlin: In honor of George Hartson, Memorials-Genevieve Thompson and Richard “Gundy” Gunderson
Thank you, donors!
We may occasionally photograph participants during Nature Center events and use those photographs for City of Austin publications. If you would prefer that your child not be photographed, you may request this in writing.
Birth-2 years
Busy Bees with Julie Hecimovich [Full - Waitlist]
Ages Birth-2 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, June 4; 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
“Bee” ready to have fun making “bee”utiful projects and sing about our amazing pollinators. Please dress for outside as we will be observing the Nature Center’s busy bees. Get ready for smiles as participants will dress up in buggy costumes.
Ages Birth-2 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, June 4; 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
“Bee” ready to have fun making “bee”utiful projects and sing about our amazing pollinators. Please dress for outside as we will be observing the Nature Center’s busy bees. Get ready for smiles as participants will dress up in buggy costumes.
Birth-5 years
Earth Day: Terrific Trees with Julie Hecimovich [Full - Waitlist]
Ages Birth-5 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Friday, April 22; 3:30-4:30 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Special Earth Day class! Make your own pine needle paint brush. Build with tree branches. Listen to "tree-mendous" stories and hug a tree.
Ages Birth-5 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Friday, April 22; 3:30-4:30 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Special Earth Day class! Make your own pine needle paint brush. Build with tree branches. Listen to "tree-mendous" stories and hug a tree.
2-3 years
Groovy Grasslands with Julie Hecimovich [Register]
Ages 2-3 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, June 6 & 7; 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Safari time together to discover grasslands near and far! We will identify cool creatures lurking in grasses from around the world.
Ages 2-3 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, June 6 & 7; 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Safari time together to discover grasslands near and far! We will identify cool creatures lurking in grasses from around the world.
Bear Hunt Adventure with Julie Champlin [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 2-3 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Thursday, July 14; 10:00-11:15 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
We all know what bears do when the weather turns cool and the snow starts to fall, but what do they do in the summertime? Bring your favorite teddy bear, and let’s go on a bear hunt adventure and learn together! This includes a picnic with your teddy bear.
Ages 2-3 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Thursday, July 14; 10:00-11:15 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
We all know what bears do when the weather turns cool and the snow starts to fall, but what do they do in the summertime? Bring your favorite teddy bear, and let’s go on a bear hunt adventure and learn together! This includes a picnic with your teddy bear.
3-4 years
Incredible Insects with Greta Wilkening [Full - Waitlist]
Ages 3-4 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, June 8; 9:00-10:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
What makes an insect an insect? The more you know more about how insects interact with the world around them, the less scary they become! We will learn about honey bees and monarch butterflies and why they are so important. The class will explore what a pollinator does and why our food is so dependent on these teeny tiny, amazing insects!
Ages 3-4 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, June 8; 9:00-10:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
What makes an insect an insect? The more you know more about how insects interact with the world around them, the less scary they become! We will learn about honey bees and monarch butterflies and why they are so important. The class will explore what a pollinator does and why our food is so dependent on these teeny tiny, amazing insects!
4-5 years
Little Explorers: Hand in Hand in Nature with David Stokes [Register]
Ages 4-5 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 20, 21 & 22; 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
David Stokes is a father, educator, naturalist, entertainer, and Nature Center favorite! This class is especially designed for a parent/grandparent to spend one-on-one “quality time” in nature with their 4 or 5 year-old child. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing a camera for “Kodak” moments.
Ages 4-5 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 20, 21 & 22; 9:30-11:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
David Stokes is a father, educator, naturalist, entertainer, and Nature Center favorite! This class is especially designed for a parent/grandparent to spend one-on-one “quality time” in nature with their 4 or 5 year-old child. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing a camera for “Kodak” moments.
Exploring the Garden with Kara Page [Full - Waitlist]
Ages 4-5 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Friday, August 19; 9:00-10:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
It’s harvest time at the Nature Center gardens! Learn with your senses with hands-on experience in our Nature Center garden. We will explore all the wonderful things that a garden gives nature and humans. We will even be able to taste some of the veggies when we harvest them!
Ages 4-5 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Friday, August 19; 9:00-10:30 a.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
It’s harvest time at the Nature Center gardens! Learn with your senses with hands-on experience in our Nature Center garden. We will explore all the wonderful things that a garden gives nature and humans. We will even be able to taste some of the veggies when we harvest them!
4-6 years
Weather Watchers and Terrific Trackers with Julie Hecimovich [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 4-6 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, May 23 & 24; 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Toss some snowballs and spin in a tornado as we experience a variety of weather. Together we will observe and record the weather outside. We’ll also be looking for signs of animals and trying to track them.
Ages 4-6 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, May 23 & 24; 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Toss some snowballs and spin in a tornado as we experience a variety of weather. Together we will observe and record the weather outside. We’ll also be looking for signs of animals and trying to track them.
Groovy Grasslands with Julie Hecimovich [Full- Waitlist]
Ages 4-6 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, June 6 & 7; 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Safari time together to discover grasslands near and far! We will identify cool creatures lurking in grasses from around the world.
Ages 4-6 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, June 6 & 7; 6:00-7:00 p.m. • Class requires an accompanying adult
Safari time together to discover grasslands near and far! We will identify cool creatures lurking in grasses from around the world.
6-7 years
Nature Detectives with David Stokes [Full - Waitlist]
Ages 6-7 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 20, 21 & 22; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As an educator and entertainer, David will keep you laughing and learning about nature. This class is especially designed for 6 or 7 year-old children to spend “quality time” in nature, with the option of bringing a parent/grandparent. Please dress for the weather.
Parents are welcome, but not required.
Ages 6-7 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, June 20, 21 & 22; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As an educator and entertainer, David will keep you laughing and learning about nature. This class is especially designed for 6 or 7 year-old children to spend “quality time” in nature, with the option of bringing a parent/grandparent. Please dress for the weather.
Parents are welcome, but not required.
Junior Rangers: The Secret World of Birds with Greta Wilkening
Ages 6-7 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Wednesday & Thursday, June 15 & 16; 9:30-11:30 a.m. [Register]
Session 2: Wednesday & Thursday, June 15 & 16; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Full- Waitlist]
*Select one of two sessions
Birds are all around us, even if we don’t always see or hear them. Join us in learning more about the secret world of birds: how they fly, eat, make nests, hide from predators, and more adaptive behaviors!
Ages 6-7 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Wednesday & Thursday, June 15 & 16; 9:30-11:30 a.m. [Register]
Session 2: Wednesday & Thursday, June 15 & 16; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Full- Waitlist]
*Select one of two sessions
Birds are all around us, even if we don’t always see or hear them. Join us in learning more about the secret world of birds: how they fly, eat, make nests, hide from predators, and more adaptive behaviors!
7-8 years
Monarch Magic
Ages 7-8 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Tuesday, July 26; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
Session 2: Tuesday, August 2; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Come learn about the amazing life of the Monarch butterfly, and search for Monarch eggs and caterpillars around the Nature Center to take home and raise yourself!
Ages 7-8 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Tuesday, July 26; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
Session 2: Tuesday, August 2; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Come learn about the amazing life of the Monarch butterfly, and search for Monarch eggs and caterpillars around the Nature Center to take home and raise yourself!
8-9 years
Junior Naturalists: Wonderful Wasps with Kara Page
Ages 8-9 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 23 & 24; 9:30-11:30 a.m. [Register]
Session 2: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 23 & 24; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Wasps are one of the most diverse groups of insects, but they are also one of the most disliked and misunderstood. We can think of wasps as good neighbors: pollinating our plants, eating insect pests, and being a food source for other wildlife. Rather than killing the wasps we find in our backyard, we can learn what these wonderful insects do, and how to co-exist peacefully.
Ages 8-9 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 23 & 24; 9:30-11:30 a.m. [Register]
Session 2: Tuesday & Wednesday, August 23 & 24; 1:30-3:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Wasps are one of the most diverse groups of insects, but they are also one of the most disliked and misunderstood. We can think of wasps as good neighbors: pollinating our plants, eating insect pests, and being a food source for other wildlife. Rather than killing the wasps we find in our backyard, we can learn what these wonderful insects do, and how to co-exist peacefully.
8-10 years
Nocturnal Nature
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Wednesday, June 8; 8:30-10:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
Session 2: Wednesday, June 22; 8:30-10:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Delve into what nature does while we sleep. This class offers a variety of fun activities that let us discover the magic of nature at night. Learn which animals are out and about, go on a night hike, and more. Come explore the hustle and bustle of the nature center after dark!
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Wednesday, June 8; 8:30-10:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
Session 2: Wednesday, June 22; 8:30-10:30 p.m. [Register]
*Select one of two sessions
Delve into what nature does while we sleep. This class offers a variety of fun activities that let us discover the magic of nature at night. Learn which animals are out and about, go on a night hike, and more. Come explore the hustle and bustle of the nature center after dark!
Astronomy [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, August 17; 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Become a space explorer at the Sola Fide Observatory. Get a chance to spend time with the stars, read a night sky map, identify constellations, and use our big telescope to see objects in deep space that our naked eyes can’t see!
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, August 17; 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Become a space explorer at the Sola Fide Observatory. Get a chance to spend time with the stars, read a night sky map, identify constellations, and use our big telescope to see objects in deep space that our naked eyes can’t see!
Fishing Class with Luke Reese [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, June 15; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 16; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Learn about the basics of fishing: how to string a pole, tie lures on, and casting on Wednesday. On Thursday you will get a chance to put your skills to the test on East Side Lake. All fish caught will be catch and release.
Ages 8-10 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, June 15; 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 16; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Learn about the basics of fishing: how to string a pole, tie lures on, and casting on Wednesday. On Thursday you will get a chance to put your skills to the test on East Side Lake. All fish caught will be catch and release.
9-11 years
Nature Photography with Morgan Converse
Ages 9-11 yrs • $30.00 ($25.00 for Friends members) Tuesday & Wednesday, July 12 & 13; 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. [Register] Interested in photography, nature, and exploring? This class is for you! Join local photographer Morgan Converse and gain vital knowledge on composition, lighting, angles, and more as we visit some of the more remote areas of the Nature Center. Cameras will be provided or use your own and bring a flash drive to take photos home. |
Guest Photographer Morgan Converse
|
Radical Raptors [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 9-11 yrs • $48.00 ($43.00 for Friends members)
Tuesday, July 19; 9:30-11:00 a.m. - Hawk talk & games
Tuesday, July 19; 8:30-10:00 p.m. - Owl Prowl for participants and family
Wednesday, July 20; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Day Trip to the National Eagle Center (bring lunch)
Discover the raptors of Minnesota here at the Nature Center and at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha! We will also be going on a hike in Wabasha, so wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Ages 9-11 yrs • $48.00 ($43.00 for Friends members)
Tuesday, July 19; 9:30-11:00 a.m. - Hawk talk & games
Tuesday, July 19; 8:30-10:00 p.m. - Owl Prowl for participants and family
Wednesday, July 20; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Day Trip to the National Eagle Center (bring lunch)
Discover the raptors of Minnesota here at the Nature Center and at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha! We will also be going on a hike in Wabasha, so wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
9-12 years
Survival Week with Derek Barkeim
Ages 9-12 yrs • $75.00 ($70.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Monday through Friday, June 27- July 1; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [Full- Waitlist]
Session 2: Monday through Friday, June 27- July 1; 1:30-4:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
*Select one of two sessions
Spend five days learning wilderness survival and awareness skills to equip you for your next outdoor adventure! Practice building shelters, using primitive traps, creating friction fires, identifying wild edibles and medicinal plants, and lots more with guest instructor Derek Barkeim. On Friday, get lost in the woods with Nature Center naturalists while you learn orienteering by mastering how to use a compass and completing a compass course.
Ages 9-12 yrs • $75.00 ($70.00 for Friends members)
Session 1: Monday through Friday, June 27- July 1; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. [Full- Waitlist]
Session 2: Monday through Friday, June 27- July 1; 1:30-4:30 p.m. [Full-Waitlist]
*Select one of two sessions
Spend five days learning wilderness survival and awareness skills to equip you for your next outdoor adventure! Practice building shelters, using primitive traps, creating friction fires, identifying wild edibles and medicinal plants, and lots more with guest instructor Derek Barkeim. On Friday, get lost in the woods with Nature Center naturalists while you learn orienteering by mastering how to use a compass and completing a compass course.
10-11 years
Cedar River Canoe Trip [Register]
Ages 10-11 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Friday, June 17; 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never seen before, with a naturalist guided canoe trip. You do not need to know how to canoe to go on this trip!
Ages 10-11 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Friday, June 17; 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never seen before, with a naturalist guided canoe trip. You do not need to know how to canoe to go on this trip!
Nature Bicycling with Jacob Burkhart and Steve Kime [Register]
Ages 10-11 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday, July 18; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Exercise, fresh air, adventure! Ride on Austin’s bike trails to explore local waterways and other natural areas, stopping to study animals and plants along the way. Participants must provide a bike and helmet and be prepared to ride 5-10 miles during the class.
Ages 10-11 yrs • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Monday, July 18; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Exercise, fresh air, adventure! Ride on Austin’s bike trails to explore local waterways and other natural areas, stopping to study animals and plants along the way. Participants must provide a bike and helmet and be prepared to ride 5-10 miles during the class.
10-12 years
Monarch Tagging [Register]
Ages 10-12 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Thursday, August 25; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In conjunction with research being done through the Monarch Watch organization, students will learn to catch, tag, record, and release monarchs before they start their 2,000-mile migration to Mexico. Many monarchs tagged at the Nature Center over the years have been recovered in Mexico!
Ages 10-12 yrs • $10.00 ($5.00 for Friends members)
Thursday, August 25; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In conjunction with research being done through the Monarch Watch organization, students will learn to catch, tag, record, and release monarchs before they start their 2,000-mile migration to Mexico. Many monarchs tagged at the Nature Center over the years have been recovered in Mexico!
11-12 years
Canoeing the Root River & Exploring the Blufflands [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 11-12 yrs • $100.00 ($95.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, July 27; 9:00-10:30 a.m. - Canoe practice at the Nature Center
Thursday, July 28; 8:00 a.m. - Depart at the Nature Center to explore Mystery Cave and Forestville State Park; then travel to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center for group challenges, a high ropes course, dinner, and a hike. Please bring a lunch on July 28.
Friday, July 29; 3:00 p.m. - Breakfast at Eagle Bluff before canoeing part of the Root River;
return to the Nature Center by 3:00 p.m.
Fee includes lodging, admission, canoe equipment, high ropes course, and three meals (dinner July 28, breakfast and lunch July 29). There are full scholarships available for this class.
Ages 11-12 yrs • $100.00 ($95.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, July 27; 9:00-10:30 a.m. - Canoe practice at the Nature Center
Thursday, July 28; 8:00 a.m. - Depart at the Nature Center to explore Mystery Cave and Forestville State Park; then travel to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center for group challenges, a high ropes course, dinner, and a hike. Please bring a lunch on July 28.
Friday, July 29; 3:00 p.m. - Breakfast at Eagle Bluff before canoeing part of the Root River;
return to the Nature Center by 3:00 p.m.
Fee includes lodging, admission, canoe equipment, high ropes course, and three meals (dinner July 28, breakfast and lunch July 29). There are full scholarships available for this class.
Overnight at the Nature Center [Register]
11-12 yrs • $45.00 ($40.00 for Friends members)
Friday-Saturday, July 15-16; 8:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
Spend the night at the Nature Center with our interns as we explore nature after dark. Investigate fascinating ways that animals comes alive at night through nature walks, crafts, and activities. Enjoy an evening snack and breakfast in the morning.
11-12 yrs • $45.00 ($40.00 for Friends members)
Friday-Saturday, July 15-16; 8:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
Spend the night at the Nature Center with our interns as we explore nature after dark. Investigate fascinating ways that animals comes alive at night through nature walks, crafts, and activities. Enjoy an evening snack and breakfast in the morning.
Astronomy [Register]
Ages 11-12 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, August 3; 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Become a space explorer at the Sola Fide Observatory. Get a chance to spend time with the stars, read a night sky map, identify constellations, and use our big telescope to see objects in deep space that our naked eyes can’t see!
Ages 11-12 yrs • $20.00 ($15.00 for Friends members)
Wednesday, August 3; 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Become a space explorer at the Sola Fide Observatory. Get a chance to spend time with the stars, read a night sky map, identify constellations, and use our big telescope to see objects in deep space that our naked eyes can’t see!
12-14 years
Nature Photography with Morgan Converse [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 12-14 yrs • $30.00 ($25.00 for Friends members) Tuesday & Wednesday, June 28 & 29; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Interested in photography, nature, and exploring? This class is for you! Join local photographer Morgan Converse and gain vital knowledge on composition, lighting, angles, and more as we visit some of the more remote areas of the Nature Center. Cameras will be provided or use your own and bring a flash drive to take photos home. |
Guest photographer Morgan Converse
|
Shell Rock River Canoe & Fossil Hunting Trip [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 12-14 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, August 15; 8:30-11:30 a.m. : Canoe practice at the Nature Center
Tuesday, August 16; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. : Canoe trip
Enjoy canoeing the Shell Rock River, then visit the Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve to hunt for fossils (to keep)! Weather and water levels may change the river destination and activities for this trip. Please bring a lunch on August 16.
Ages 12-14 yrs • $35.00 ($30.00 for Friends members)
Monday, August 15; 8:30-11:30 a.m. : Canoe practice at the Nature Center
Tuesday, August 16; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. : Canoe trip
Enjoy canoeing the Shell Rock River, then visit the Fossil & Prairie Park Preserve to hunt for fossils (to keep)! Weather and water levels may change the river destination and activities for this trip. Please bring a lunch on August 16.
Camping Class [Register]
Ages 12-14 yrs • $60.00 ($55.00 for Friends members)
Friday-Saturday, June 24-25; 5:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
Take your backyard “camping” to the next level and sleep in the wilderness at the Nature Center. Learn how to put up your own tent (provided by us), cook supper, and start a fire. We will also go on a 3 mile hike at the Nature Center, so bring your hiking shoes. Don’t worry, a camping trip isn't a camping trip without roasting marshmallows. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Supper and breakfast are provided.
Ages 12-14 yrs • $60.00 ($55.00 for Friends members)
Friday-Saturday, June 24-25; 5:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.
Take your backyard “camping” to the next level and sleep in the wilderness at the Nature Center. Learn how to put up your own tent (provided by us), cook supper, and start a fire. We will also go on a 3 mile hike at the Nature Center, so bring your hiking shoes. Don’t worry, a camping trip isn't a camping trip without roasting marshmallows. Please bring your own sleeping bag. Supper and breakfast are provided.
12-18 years
Climbing Red Wing [Full-Waitlist]
Ages 12-18 yrs • $100.00 ($95.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, July 11 & 12; 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. : Indoor climbing practice
Wednesday, July 13; 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. : Outdoor climbing in Red Wing's
Participants in this special three-day climbing class will spend the first two mornings at the Albert Lea Rock Gym for an introduction to climbing, learning how to climb safely, and prepping to climb outdoors. On the final day, participants will apply these skills to an outdoor climb at Barn Bluff in Red Wing!
Please bring a lunch and drink on July 13.
Ages 12-18 yrs • $100.00 ($95.00 for Friends members)
Monday & Tuesday, July 11 & 12; 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. : Indoor climbing practice
Wednesday, July 13; 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. : Outdoor climbing in Red Wing's
Participants in this special three-day climbing class will spend the first two mornings at the Albert Lea Rock Gym for an introduction to climbing, learning how to climb safely, and prepping to climb outdoors. On the final day, participants will apply these skills to an outdoor climb at Barn Bluff in Red Wing!
Please bring a lunch and drink on July 13.
Adventure Bicycling with Jacob Burkhart and Steve Kime [Register]
Ages 12-18 yrs • $15.00
Saturday, July 30; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Explore the “wilder” side of Austin by bicycle! We’ll ride on Austin’s bike trails through natural areas and along waterways, stopping to study animals and plants along the way. Participants must provide a bike and helmet and be prepared to ride 10 miles or more during the class.
Ages 12-18 yrs • $15.00
Saturday, July 30; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Explore the “wilder” side of Austin by bicycle! We’ll ride on Austin’s bike trails through natural areas and along waterways, stopping to study animals and plants along the way. Participants must provide a bike and helmet and be prepared to ride 10 miles or more during the class.
Family/Adult
Family Nature Photography with Morgan Converse [Register]
Family/Adult • $45.00 per family ($40.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, June 11; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
In this photography class designed specifically for families, you'll have the opportunity to learn the basics of nature photography while exploring the Nature Center with your family. Cameras will be provided (bring a flash drive to take photos home) or use your own. Wear shoes that can get muddy, since we're often photographing near the edges of water!
Family/Adult • $45.00 per family ($40.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, June 11; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
In this photography class designed specifically for families, you'll have the opportunity to learn the basics of nature photography while exploring the Nature Center with your family. Cameras will be provided (bring a flash drive to take photos home) or use your own. Wear shoes that can get muddy, since we're often photographing near the edges of water!
Family Monarch Tagging [Full-Waitlist]
Family/Adult • $15.00 per family ($10.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, August 27; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Help with Monarch Watch’s research by learning to catch, tag, record, and release monarchs on their amazing 2,000-mile journey to spend the winter in Mexico!
Family/Adult • $15.00 per family ($10.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, August 27; 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Help with Monarch Watch’s research by learning to catch, tag, record, and release monarchs on their amazing 2,000-mile journey to spend the winter in Mexico!
Adult Cedar River Kayaking Trip [Register]
Family/Adult • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, August 6; 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never seen before, with a naturalist guided kayak trip. You do not need to know how to kayak to go on this trip!
Family/Adult • $15.00 ($10.00 for Friends members)
Saturday, August 6; 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never seen before, with a naturalist guided kayak trip. You do not need to know how to kayak to go on this trip!
Friends of the Hormel Nature Center membership benefits for 2021 include a $5.00 discount on each child’s fee for all Summer Adventure Programs (parent must be a member). Family/Adult classes are not eligible for the $5 discount.
Click here for more Friends membership info and benefits.
Click here for more Friends membership info and benefits.
Additional summer programs made possible by funding from the State of Minnesota's Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.