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.
- Check out our Sola Fide Observatory page for dates and times of free open house observatory nights.
- Check out our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to view free programs available on select Thursdays during the summer.
May
Canoe/Kayak Rentals Begin
Saturday, May 28
Canoe or kayak down Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on the Nature Center pond. Canoe/kayak rentals are only available during open hours. Canoe/kayaks must be returned by 4:30 pm. Canoe/kayaks must stay on the property, cannot be transported. Canoe/kayaks are first-come, first-served, no reservations.
More information visit our Canoe/kayak rental page {here}.
Saturday, May 28
Canoe or kayak down Dobbins Creek to East Side Lake or on the Nature Center pond. Canoe/kayak rentals are only available during open hours. Canoe/kayaks must be returned by 4:30 pm. Canoe/kayaks must stay on the property, cannot be transported. Canoe/kayaks are first-come, first-served, no reservations.
More information visit our Canoe/kayak rental page {here}.
Interpretive Center Closed
Monday, May 30th
No canoe/kayak rentals. Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Monday, May 30th
No canoe/kayak rentals. Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
June
Live Bird Program
Free Open House • Interpretive Center Classroom
Wednesday, June 8th • 4:00 p.m.
One of our naturalist will be taking out either our red-tailed hawk, Wiyaka, or our barred owl, Guka, for a free program in the classroom. Get ready to see a raptor up close and asks all the questions you have been wanting to know!
Free Open House • Interpretive Center Classroom
Wednesday, June 8th • 4:00 p.m.
One of our naturalist will be taking out either our red-tailed hawk, Wiyaka, or our barred owl, Guka, for a free program in the classroom. Get ready to see a raptor up close and asks all the questions you have been wanting to know!
Senior Special/Nature Play Thursday
Thursday, June 9 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Thursday, June 9 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, June 11; 9:00 - 11:00 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, June 11; 9:00 - 11:00 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].
Volunteer Outdoor Work Day
Wednesday, June 15; 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Must RSVP by phone, in person, email, or through our United Way volunteer website.
Come dressed ready to do outdoor work! We will be working with our landscaping - putting down new woodchips and planting. Snacks will be provided afterwards.
Wednesday, June 15; 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Must RSVP by phone, in person, email, or through our United Way volunteer website.
Come dressed ready to do outdoor work! We will be working with our landscaping - putting down new woodchips and planting. Snacks will be provided afterwards.
Nature Play Saturday with Archery
Saturday, June 18; 1:00 - 4:00 pm • Free
This is our one time special Nature Play Saturday! We will have all our usual free activities available with special free archery! No programming this day.
Saturday, June 18; 1:00 - 4:00 pm • Free
This is our one time special Nature Play Saturday! We will have all our usual free activities available with special free archery! No programming this day.
David Stokes Evening Program
Tuesday, June 21; 6:30 - 7:30 pm • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom
Join us for a special evening program from JCHNC favorite, David Stokes! Audiences of all ages will enjoy David’s amazing energy, live critters, songs, and stories about the natural world.
Tuesday, June 21; 6:30 - 7:30 pm • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom
Join us for a special evening program from JCHNC favorite, David Stokes! Audiences of all ages will enjoy David’s amazing energy, live critters, songs, and stories about the natural world.
Senior Special/Nature Play Thursday
Thursday, June 23 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Thursday, June 23 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, June 25; 9:00 - 11:00 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, June 25; 9:00 - 11:00 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].
JUly
Interpretive Center Closed
Sunday and Monday, July 3rd and 4th
No canoe/kayak rentals. Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Sunday and Monday, July 3rd and 4th
No canoe/kayak rentals. Trails remain open from 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
Eco-Blitz Event: Inside the Hive Class
Wednesday, July 6; 5:45-7:45 p.m. • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom • Space is limited, RSVP early by phone, in person, or email.
Erin Rupp from Pollinate Minnesota will be going inside our Nature Center hives with
you right by her side suited up in bee suits. Learn about the fascinating ins and outs of
everyday honeybee life.
Wednesday, July 6; 5:45-7:45 p.m. • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom • Space is limited, RSVP early by phone, in person, or email.
Erin Rupp from Pollinate Minnesota will be going inside our Nature Center hives with
you right by her side suited up in bee suits. Learn about the fascinating ins and outs of
everyday honeybee life.
Senior Special/Nature Play Thursday
Thursday, July 7 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Thursday, July 7 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Eco-Blitz Event: Cost Share Programs for Prairie Restoration
Thursday, July 7; 6:30 p.m. • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom • RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
Steve Lawler from Mower SWCD will be discussing program options available for homeowners and farmers to turn part of their property into a pollinator haven.
Thursday, July 7; 6:30 p.m. • Free
Interpretive Center Classroom • RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
Steve Lawler from Mower SWCD will be discussing program options available for homeowners and farmers to turn part of their property into a pollinator haven.
Eco-Blitz Event: How to Make Your Own Pollinator Garden
Friday, July 8; 10:00-11:30 a.m. and a shorter presentation at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Interpretive Center Classroom • Free • RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
The Nature Center staff have been creating and updating their own pollinator gardens for
the past 5 years. A naturalist will share their knowledge on the best plants to attract
pollinators to your yard. They will then lead participants on a walk to look for pollinators on some of the plants they talked about.
Friday, July 8; 10:00-11:30 a.m. and a shorter presentation at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Interpretive Center Classroom • Free • RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
The Nature Center staff have been creating and updating their own pollinator gardens for
the past 5 years. A naturalist will share their knowledge on the best plants to attract
pollinators to your yard. They will then lead participants on a walk to look for pollinators on some of the plants they talked about.
Eco-Blitz Event: River Clean-Up
Saturday, July 9: 9:00-11:00 a.m. • Interpretive Center
Free • RSVP by phone, in person, or email. You can also RSVP through our United Way volunteer website.
Keep our waterways clean for all people and critters by helping us clean up the Cedar River
or Dobbins Creek. Join us and earn a free kayak/canoe rental!
Saturday, July 9: 9:00-11:00 a.m. • Interpretive Center
Free • RSVP by phone, in person, or email. You can also RSVP through our United Way volunteer website.
Keep our waterways clean for all people and critters by helping us clean up the Cedar River
or Dobbins Creek. Join us and earn a free kayak/canoe rental!
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, July 9; 9:00 - 11:00 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, July 9; 9:00 - 11:00 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].
Volunteer Outdoor Work Day
Wednesday, June 15; 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Must RSVP by phone, in person, email, or through our United Way volunteer website.
Come dressed ready to do outdoor work! Snacks will be provided afterwards. Activity is TBD.
Wednesday, June 15; 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Must RSVP by phone, in person, email, or through our United Way volunteer website.
Come dressed ready to do outdoor work! Snacks will be provided afterwards. Activity is TBD.
Friends Members Only Cedar River Canoe Trip
Saturday, July 16; 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Free for Current Friends Members • Must RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never
seen before, with a naturalist guided canoe trip. All ages are welcome. More details
will be provided when you sign up.
Saturday, July 16; 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Free for Current Friends Members • Must RSVP by phone, in person, or email.
Explore the beautiful Cedar River and parts of Mower County you may have never
seen before, with a naturalist guided canoe trip. All ages are welcome. More details
will be provided when you sign up.
Sola Fide Observatory Open House Night
Free Open House - Weather Dependent!
Saturday, July 16; 9:00 - 11:00 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, July 16; 9:00 - 11:00 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].
Live Bird Program
Free Open House • Interpretive Center Classroom
Wednesday, July 20th • 4:00 p.m.
One of our naturalist will be taking out either our red-tailed hawk, Wiyaka, or our barred owl, Guka, for a free program in the classroom. Get ready to see a raptor up close and asks all the questions you have been wanting to know!
Free Open House • Interpretive Center Classroom
Wednesday, July 20th • 4:00 p.m.
One of our naturalist will be taking out either our red-tailed hawk, Wiyaka, or our barred owl, Guka, for a free program in the classroom. Get ready to see a raptor up close and asks all the questions you have been wanting to know!
Senior Special/Nature Play Thursday
Thursday, July 21 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Thursday, July 21 • Free
For more information visit our Senior Special and Nature Play pages to get the details on the free programming.
Dammen Adventure Family Fun Day
Saturday, July 23; 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
*Suggested donation of $20 per family. All proceeds will benefit the Dammen mentorship program.
Come walk the trails with your family and try out a variety of survival-themed games and challenges like archery, throwing an atlatl, mini-games, and more in this enjoyable family fun day event!
Saturday, July 23; 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
*Suggested donation of $20 per family. All proceeds will benefit the Dammen mentorship program.
Come walk the trails with your family and try out a variety of survival-themed games and challenges like archery, throwing an atlatl, mini-games, and more in this enjoyable family fun day event!
2nd Annual Duck Race Down Dobbins Creek Fundraiser
Saturday, July 23; 1:00 p.m.
Sponsor 1 duck, 5 ducks, or as many as you want as they race their way down Dobbins Creek.
We will start at the stepping stone bridge and end at the culvert bridge. Prizes will be awarded to
places 1st—5th! All proceeds raised will go towards our Dammen Mentorship program!
Saturday, July 23; 1:00 p.m.
Sponsor 1 duck, 5 ducks, or as many as you want as they race their way down Dobbins Creek.
We will start at the stepping stone bridge and end at the culvert bridge. Prizes will be awarded to
places 1st—5th! All proceeds raised will go towards our Dammen Mentorship program!