upcoming programs and events
All programs held in the Interpretive Center unless otherwise specified.
RSVP by emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org, calling 507-437-7519, or in person at the Interpretive Center.
RSVP by emailing info@hormelnaturecenter.org, calling 507-437-7519, or in person at the Interpretive Center.
Interpretive Center Closings
Friday, September 29
Saturday, September 30
Friday, November 10
Thursday and Friday, November 23 & 24
Trails will remain open.
Friday, September 29
Saturday, September 30
Friday, November 10
Thursday and Friday, November 23 & 24
Trails will remain open.
September
Bus Trip
Saturday, September 16; 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM
$45 for Bus ticket & Additional $15 for Riverboat Tour - paid to Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
(Friends members receive Bus Ticket for Free)
New this year! The bus trip will be open to anyone who would like to join!
Join Nature Center staff as we take a fun day trip to the Como Zoo and an afternoon riverboat trip with Padelford Riverboats down the Mississippi.
Saturday, September 16; 7:30 AM- 6:00 PM
$45 for Bus ticket & Additional $15 for Riverboat Tour - paid to Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
(Friends members receive Bus Ticket for Free)
New this year! The bus trip will be open to anyone who would like to join!
Join Nature Center staff as we take a fun day trip to the Como Zoo and an afternoon riverboat trip with Padelford Riverboats down the Mississippi.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Saturday, September 16; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join a naturalist out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a naturalist tells you all about what you are looking at.
Saturday, September 16; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join a naturalist out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a naturalist tells you all about what you are looking at.
Wood Turtle Field Biology Tag-Along
Saturday, September 23; 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free: Must RSVP
Come be a biologist for a day! Join University of Northern Iowa’s Turtle Research team in a biology field day! We are on the lookout for a threatened species of turtle at the nature center. The experts will be conducting some field research to look for wood turtles and the public gets to help.
This event is 2 hours, any age is welcome, but it will be out in the field, off trail. Make sure to wear long pants and shoes that can get dirty!
Saturday, September 23; 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Free: Must RSVP
Come be a biologist for a day! Join University of Northern Iowa’s Turtle Research team in a biology field day! We are on the lookout for a threatened species of turtle at the nature center. The experts will be conducting some field research to look for wood turtles and the public gets to help.
This event is 2 hours, any age is welcome, but it will be out in the field, off trail. Make sure to wear long pants and shoes that can get dirty!
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Saturday, September 23; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join a naturalist out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a naturalist tells you all about what you are looking at.
Saturday, September 23; 9:00 - 11:00 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join a naturalist out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a naturalist tells you all about what you are looking at.
40th Annual Halloween Warm-Up
Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30; 6:30 - 8:30 pm - $10 per person (3 and under is free)
Tickets for sale Saturday, September 2 at the Matchbox Thrift Store - Second Act Thrift Store
3301 W Oakland Ave, Austin - open Wed-Fri: 3-7 pm and Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
Join Matchbox Children's Theater at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for a night out of fantastical fun in the woods! A small group of participants will be guided through the woods and told a magical story as they walk a short 1/2 mile loop. Participants are welcome to join Nature Center staff for cookies and refreshments afterwards in the Interpretive Center. A $1 per person suggested donation for cookies and refreshments is appreciated!
Groups go out every 10 minutes starting at 6:30 pm. The last group will go out at 8:30 pm.
You must pick a time slot you would like to attend and buy tickets beforehand. There are a limited number of tickets per time slot, so get your tickets early!
2 tickets will be held in the 6:30 pm and 6:40 pm time slot for participants who have mobility issues and would like to use our Powered Track Chairs.
Friday and Saturday, September 29 and 30; 6:30 - 8:30 pm - $10 per person (3 and under is free)
Tickets for sale Saturday, September 2 at the Matchbox Thrift Store - Second Act Thrift Store
3301 W Oakland Ave, Austin - open Wed-Fri: 3-7 pm and Sat: 10 am - 7 pm
Join Matchbox Children's Theater at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center for a night out of fantastical fun in the woods! A small group of participants will be guided through the woods and told a magical story as they walk a short 1/2 mile loop. Participants are welcome to join Nature Center staff for cookies and refreshments afterwards in the Interpretive Center. A $1 per person suggested donation for cookies and refreshments is appreciated!
Groups go out every 10 minutes starting at 6:30 pm. The last group will go out at 8:30 pm.
You must pick a time slot you would like to attend and buy tickets beforehand. There are a limited number of tickets per time slot, so get your tickets early!
2 tickets will be held in the 6:30 pm and 6:40 pm time slot for participants who have mobility issues and would like to use our Powered Track Chairs.
October
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Saturday, October 7; 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join the Cedar River Astronomy Club out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a Astronomy Club member tells you all about what you are looking at.
Saturday, October 7; 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.
*Weather dependent; if there is cloud cover or rain, this event is cancelled.
Join the Cedar River Astronomy Club out at the Sola Fide Observatory for a free open house night to look at the stars. The big telescope will be pointed at the night sky while a Astronomy Club member tells you all about what you are looking at.
Eclipse the Nature Center 8K Race
Have you ever run a race during a solar eclipse? Join the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center on October 14 for our Eclipse the Nature Center 8K Race.
Race date: October 14
8k Race Time: 10:00 am
Race Registration/check in: 9:00 am
Online pre-registration: Sept.1-Oct 7
8k Cost: $30 - t-shirt included {Register}
Free 1 mile Fun Run: Time: 10:15 am {Register}
The 8K race begins at 10:00 am with same day registration/check in beginning at 9:00 am. If 8K is too much, a FREE 1 mile fun run will start at 10:15 am.
The solar eclipse starts at 10:30 am and will be at its maximum at 11:48 am meaning all racing will be done in time for the peak. The Cedar River Astronomy Club will be onsite to do eclipse programming so you can safely view the eclipse through a telescope or use provided solar eclipse glasses. Local food trucks will also be on sight for after the race food and fun.
Registration will cost $30 and includes a t-shirt and eclipse glasses that will allow you to safely view the partial solar eclipse. Thank you to Family Eye Care in Austin for sponsoring the glasses!
Any additional shirts will be $15 in adult sizes.
Have you ever run a race during a solar eclipse? Join the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center on October 14 for our Eclipse the Nature Center 8K Race.
Race date: October 14
8k Race Time: 10:00 am
Race Registration/check in: 9:00 am
Online pre-registration: Sept.1-Oct 7
8k Cost: $30 - t-shirt included {Register}
Free 1 mile Fun Run: Time: 10:15 am {Register}
The 8K race begins at 10:00 am with same day registration/check in beginning at 9:00 am. If 8K is too much, a FREE 1 mile fun run will start at 10:15 am.
The solar eclipse starts at 10:30 am and will be at its maximum at 11:48 am meaning all racing will be done in time for the peak. The Cedar River Astronomy Club will be onsite to do eclipse programming so you can safely view the eclipse through a telescope or use provided solar eclipse glasses. Local food trucks will also be on sight for after the race food and fun.
Registration will cost $30 and includes a t-shirt and eclipse glasses that will allow you to safely view the partial solar eclipse. Thank you to Family Eye Care in Austin for sponsoring the glasses!
Any additional shirts will be $15 in adult sizes.
Eclipse Telescope Viewing
October 14; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Outside the Interpretive Center - Free
Join the Cedar River Astronomy Club for a special viewing opportunity of the solar eclipse through the telescope. The solar eclipse starts at 10:30 am and will be at its maximum at 11:48 am.
October 14; 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Outside the Interpretive Center - Free
Join the Cedar River Astronomy Club for a special viewing opportunity of the solar eclipse through the telescope. The solar eclipse starts at 10:30 am and will be at its maximum at 11:48 am.
Novemeber
Give to the Max Day Fundraiser
Thursday, November 16; online at GiveMN.org
Join thousands of Minnesotans as they get in the giving spirit with what has now become a new Minnesota giving holiday; Give to the Max. A day of giving in support of Minnesota non-profits.
When you donate to the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center you are helping fund projects that enhance the nature center, environmental education, and the enjoyment of nature for all!
Thursday, November 16; online at GiveMN.org
Join thousands of Minnesotans as they get in the giving spirit with what has now become a new Minnesota giving holiday; Give to the Max. A day of giving in support of Minnesota non-profits.
When you donate to the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center you are helping fund projects that enhance the nature center, environmental education, and the enjoyment of nature for all!
Planetarium Open House
Saturday, November 18; 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Interpretive Center Classroom - Free
The Hormel Nature Center was able to purchase a brand new inflatable planetarium called the StarLab thanks to a generous donation from Paul and Joanne Worlein and the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center! Join a naturalist inside the StarLab for a short 15 min presentation.
- Only 20 - 30 people will be allowed inside the StarLab at a time.
- No shoes are allowed inside the StarLab.
- The StarLab is a walk-in planetarium and is wheelchair accessible.
- No RSVP required, this will be a first come - first served.
Saturday, November 18; 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Interpretive Center Classroom - Free
The Hormel Nature Center was able to purchase a brand new inflatable planetarium called the StarLab thanks to a generous donation from Paul and Joanne Worlein and the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center! Join a naturalist inside the StarLab for a short 15 min presentation.
- Only 20 - 30 people will be allowed inside the StarLab at a time.
- No shoes are allowed inside the StarLab.
- The StarLab is a walk-in planetarium and is wheelchair accessible.
- No RSVP required, this will be a first come - first served.
Wreath Classes
Registration starts November 1 at 9:00 am online - follow links
Session 1: Tuesday, November 28; 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Session 2: Wednesday, November 29; 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Session 3: Thursday, November 30; 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Session 4: Saturday, December 2; 9:00 - 11:00 am
Session 5: Saturday, December 2; 1:30 - 3:30 pm
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. Two sizes will be available; door size and oversized. 1 bow of your choice is included. We also provide pine cones to decorate your wreath with. Many people bring their own decorations and lights to put on during the class.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required.
$40 per person, minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent.
Refunds will not be offered.
Session 1: Tuesday, November 28; 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Session 2: Wednesday, November 29; 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Session 3: Thursday, November 30; 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Session 4: Saturday, December 2; 9:00 - 11:00 am
Session 5: Saturday, December 2; 1:30 - 3:30 pm
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. Two sizes will be available; door size and oversized. 1 bow of your choice is included. We also provide pine cones to decorate your wreath with. Many people bring their own decorations and lights to put on during the class.
Due to limited space and high demand, preregistration and prepayment are required.
$40 per person, minimum age of 12, accompanied by a parent.
Refunds will not be offered.