Contact Information
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
1304 21st St NEBox 673
Austin, MN 55912
Turn North off of Interstate 90 at the 21st street exit in Austin, Exit 180B. Go 1/4 of a mile north on 21st street, look for signs for the J.C. Hormel Natrure Center.,
Get DirectionsAbout
The Nature Center features over 500 acres that includes restored prairie, forests and wetlands. Enjoy over 10 miles of hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails; a three-story observation tower, a state-of-the-art Interpretive Center, staff-led programs on topics such as wildflower and bird hikes, cider pressing, maple syruping, monarch tagging, bird banding, honey-making, and more. Handicapped accessible.
Dates
Visitor Center: 9am to noon and 1-5pm M-SA. 1-5 pm Sundays. Trail hours 6am-10pm. Closed holidays.Ski rental depends on snow conditions. Canoe rental Mid-May to Mid-SeptemberRates
Free admission. Free parking. X-Cnty skiing: 1/2 day equipment rental. Ski rental $6.00Canoe rental on Dobbins Creek and East Side Lake $10 1/2 day rental, canoe, paddles and lifejacketsNo Ski passes $1 ski rental 18 and under, Adults 19 over $6
More Information
Green Practices
- Eco-friendly landscape/facility design
- Eco-friendly purchasing practices
- Energy efficiency/conservation
- Waste reduction/reuse/recycling
Attraction Attributes
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
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