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.
december
Holiday Building Closures
Saturday, December 24; Center closes at 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 25; Center closed
Monday, December 26; Center closed
Sunday, January 1; Center closed
Monday, January 2; Center closed
Monday, January 16; Center closed
Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Saturday, December 24; Center closes at 1:00 pm
Sunday, December 25; Center closed
Monday, December 26; Center closed
Sunday, January 1; Center closed
Monday, January 2; Center closed
Monday, January 16; Center closed
Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Austin City-Wide Archery Deer Hunt
Sunday, October 16 - December 31
Trails remain open and safe!
With confirmation from the DNR, the city is holding a special deer bow hunt again this fall to help keep the deer population at a healthy level. The hunt runs from October 16 through December 31. Hunters are working with the Nature Center to ensure that visitors may safely use the trails while the hunt is in progress.
All hunters were required to pass a proficiency test and complete their bowhunter education course before applying to participate in the hunt. Deer stands must be located 100 feet from trails and 150 feet from structures.
Sunday, October 16 - December 31
Trails remain open and safe!
With confirmation from the DNR, the city is holding a special deer bow hunt again this fall to help keep the deer population at a healthy level. The hunt runs from October 16 through December 31. Hunters are working with the Nature Center to ensure that visitors may safely use the trails while the hunt is in progress.
All hunters were required to pass a proficiency test and complete their bowhunter education course before applying to participate in the hunt. Deer stands must be located 100 feet from trails and 150 feet from structures.
Cross-Country Ski Club for Grades 7-12
Registration online: [Register Here]
Looking for something fast-paced and fun to do during your off-season to keep in shape? Cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for all athletic abilities. Cross-country skiing is especially beneficial for cross-country and track runners as a winter training sport.
Registration online: [Register Here]
Looking for something fast-paced and fun to do during your off-season to keep in shape? Cross-country skiing is a great winter sport for all athletic abilities. Cross-country skiing is especially beneficial for cross-country and track runners as a winter training sport.
- You do not need to know how to ski.
- You do not need any of your own skiing equipment.
- Boots, skis, and poles will be provided.
- $40 per participant for the ski season.
- Free ski rentals for participant during season.
- Practice Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
- Jan. 17 through Feb. 23. Start and end dates are dependent on snow conditions. Ski season will run for 6 weeks.
Winter/Spring Class Registration Begins Online
Monday, December 12: 9:00 am
Class list:
Monday, December 12: 9:00 am
Class list:
- Friends Members Only - Free Cross Country Ski Lessons: Saturday, January 28; 8:30 - 10:30 am - MUST RSVP
- Family Cross Country Ski Lessons; $25 per family: Saturday, February 4; 8:30 - 10:30 am [Register]
- Adult Cross Country Ski Lessons (16+); $10 per person: Saturday, February 11; 8:30 - 10:30 am [Register]
- Family Maple Syruping Class - Session 1; $15 per family: Saturday, March 11; 1:00 - 2:30 pm [Register]
- Friends Members Only - Free Family Maple Syruping Class: Saturday, March 18; 1:00 - 2:30 pm - MUST RSVP
- Family Maple Syruping Class - Session 2; $15 per family: Saturday, March 25; 1:00 - 2:30 pm [Register]
Class Descriptions
Cross-Country Ski Lessons: Looking for something fun and active to do outside with your family during the winter? Cross-country skiing is a great activity for all ages. At the Hormel Nature Center we have fairly flat terrain which makes learning cross-country skiing a little easier to pick up. All equipment - skis, poles, and boots - will be provided in the cost of the class. Nature Center staff will go over the basics of skiing and then take you out on a guided ski for an hour.
Maple Syruping Class: Ever wonder how maple syrup is made or what we use the Sugar Shack for? Become fascinated by the history and process of collecting sap and making maple syrup. You and your family will have the chance to collect sap from our trees, see a tree get tapped, and go inside the Sugar Shack to watch the sap boil down. At the end of the class you will have a chance to taste test some of the Nature Center's very own maple syrup.
Cross-Country Ski Lessons: Looking for something fun and active to do outside with your family during the winter? Cross-country skiing is a great activity for all ages. At the Hormel Nature Center we have fairly flat terrain which makes learning cross-country skiing a little easier to pick up. All equipment - skis, poles, and boots - will be provided in the cost of the class. Nature Center staff will go over the basics of skiing and then take you out on a guided ski for an hour.
Maple Syruping Class: Ever wonder how maple syrup is made or what we use the Sugar Shack for? Become fascinated by the history and process of collecting sap and making maple syrup. You and your family will have the chance to collect sap from our trees, see a tree get tapped, and go inside the Sugar Shack to watch the sap boil down. At the end of the class you will have a chance to taste test some of the Nature Center's very own maple syrup.
january
Live Bird Program
Wednesday, January 18; 4:00 pm
Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
One of our Naturalists will be taking out our Red-tailed Hawk, Wiyaka. There will be a short presentation and then time for questions afterwards.
Wednesday, January 18; 4:00 pm
Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
One of our Naturalists will be taking out our Red-tailed Hawk, Wiyaka. There will be a short presentation and then time for questions afterwards.
Friends Annual Meeting
Saturday, January 28; 1:30-3:30 - Ruby Rupner Auditorium
Open meeting for Friends Members where the Friends President and the Nature Center director will share what projects were accomplished during the year and what projects are planned for next year. This is where the board and members will vote for new board members.
Saturday, January 28; 1:30-3:30 - Ruby Rupner Auditorium
Open meeting for Friends Members where the Friends President and the Nature Center director will share what projects were accomplished during the year and what projects are planned for next year. This is where the board and members will vote for new board members.
february
Live Bird Program
Wednesday, February 8; 4:00 pm
Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
One of our Naturalists will be taking out our Red-tailed Hawk, Wiyaka. There will be a short presentation and then time for questions afterwards.
Wednesday, February 8; 4:00 pm
Free - Interpretive Center Classroom
One of our Naturalists will be taking out our Red-tailed Hawk, Wiyaka. There will be a short presentation and then time for questions afterwards.
Candle-lit Cross-Country Ski Evening
Saturday, February 18; 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Back ski rental room - please enter through east back door
Weather Dependent! - If there is not enough snow to rent, this event will not be held.
The Nature Center ski rentals and trials will be open and "candle" lit for your night skiing enjoyment! If you do not have your own skis or snowshoes, the Nature Center will be renting until 7:30 pm. All rented equipment must be returned by 8:15 pm. All kids rental equipment is $1, adult skis are $6 and adult snowshoes are $5. Hot chocolate will be available in the back room.
Please limit this event to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing only.
Saturday, February 18; 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Back ski rental room - please enter through east back door
Weather Dependent! - If there is not enough snow to rent, this event will not be held.
The Nature Center ski rentals and trials will be open and "candle" lit for your night skiing enjoyment! If you do not have your own skis or snowshoes, the Nature Center will be renting until 7:30 pm. All rented equipment must be returned by 8:15 pm. All kids rental equipment is $1, adult skis are $6 and adult snowshoes are $5. Hot chocolate will be available in the back room.
Please limit this event to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing only.