upcoming programs and events
Masks are recommended for all indoor activities at the Nature Center.
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.
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.
- Check out our Sola Fide Observatory page for dates and times of free open house observatory nights.
- Interested in Youth Ski Club? Click [Here] for more information.
JANUARY
Family Cross-Country Ski Lessons - [Register Here]
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • $25 per family (includes ski rental)
Saturday, January 22; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • $25 per family (includes ski rental)
Saturday, January 22; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
Friends Members ONLY: Free Cross-Country Ski Lessons
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • Free • Must RSVP by 1/27 - space is limited
Saturday, January 29; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
Friends Annual Meeting
Online • Free
Saturday, January 29; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Please join us for our annual friends meeting where we will review our 2020-2021 accomplishments and get a preview of what's ahead for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center! We'll also introduce our new 2022 intern. A link to the meeting will be emailed out and will also be provided on our website.
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • Free • Must RSVP by 1/27 - space is limited
Saturday, January 29; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
Friends Annual Meeting
Online • Free
Saturday, January 29; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Please join us for our annual friends meeting where we will review our 2020-2021 accomplishments and get a preview of what's ahead for the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center! We'll also introduce our new 2022 intern. A link to the meeting will be emailed out and will also be provided on our website.
FEBRUARY (INTERPRETIVE CENTER CLOSED 21)
Adult Cross-Country Ski Lessons (16+) - [Register Here]
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • $10 per person (includes ski rental)
Saturday, February 5; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • $10 per person (includes ski rental)
Saturday, February 5; 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Never skied before but interested in learning how? We will provide all the equipment and give you a lesson on how to cross-country ski. We will then go out on the trails with you to give you some hands experience and show you the best starter trails at the Nature Center.
New: Live Bird Program
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, February 9; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalists will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, February 9; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalists will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
Candle-Lit Ski
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • Free (does not include ski rental)
Saturday, February 19; 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a short mile loop on the Nature Center ski trails lit by candle light. This is an open house, on your own adventure. You may bring your own skis or rent skis from the Nature Center. The ski rental section of the building will be open, as well as bathrooms for your use. Warm up with some hot chocolate inside the building as well.
Interpretive Center Ski Rental Room • Free (does not include ski rental)
Saturday, February 19; 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy a short mile loop on the Nature Center ski trails lit by candle light. This is an open house, on your own adventure. You may bring your own skis or rent skis from the Nature Center. The ski rental section of the building will be open, as well as bathrooms for your use. Warm up with some hot chocolate inside the building as well.
MARCH
Family Maple Syruping Class - [Register Here]
Interpretive Center • $15 per family
Session 1: Saturday, March 5; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, March 19; 1:00-2:30 p.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.
Interpretive Center • $15 per family
Session 1: Saturday, March 5; 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, March 19; 1:00-2:30 p.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.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, March 5; 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
This open house is dependent on clear skies; we will update our website and social media if the event is not happening. There is no heat inside the building - dress warm! For more information, upcoming dates, and the address visit our Sola Fide web page [Here].
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, March 5; 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
This open house is dependent on clear skies; we will update our website and social media if the event is not happening. There is no heat inside the building - dress warm! For more information, upcoming dates, and the address visit our Sola Fide web page [Here].
Friends Members ONLY: Free Family Maple Syruping Class
Interpretive Center • Free • Must RSVP by 3/7 - space is limited
Tuesday, March 8; 6-7:30 p.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.
Interpretive Center • Free • Must RSVP by 3/7 - space is limited
Tuesday, March 8; 6-7:30 p.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.
New: Live Bird Program
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, March 9; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalists will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
Interpretive Center • Free
Wednesday, March 9; 4-4:30 p.m.
One of our Naturalists will take either Wiyaka, our red-tailed hawk, or Guka, our barred owl out into the exhibit area and give a small presentation on them.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, March 19; 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
This open house is dependent on clear skies, we will update our website and social media if the event is not happening. There is no heat inside the building - dress warm! For more information, upcoming dates, and the address visit our Sola Fide web page [Here].
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, March 19; 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
This open house is dependent on clear skies, we will update our website and social media if the event is not happening. There is no heat inside the building - dress warm! For more information, upcoming dates, and the address visit our Sola Fide web page [Here].