Start Your Adventure

Get Outdoors

​The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center features over 500 acres of prairie, forests, and wetlands.
Keep eyes and ears open for many kinds of wildlife as you explore the 9 miles of trails! 

About Us

Interpretive Center Hours:
Monday thru Saturday:
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
(Closed City Holidays)
​​
Trail Hours:
6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily

Quick Facts

  • Trails and Interpretive Center are FREE to explore!
  • No dogs/pets on trails.
  • No picnic/camping area. 
  • No bikes on our trails.
    • Shooting Star Bike Trail starts on the west side of parking lot.

Come Explore

  • Cross-country Skis
  • Snowshoes
  • Kayaks
  • Canoes
Get Outdoors

Friends of the Hormel Nature Center

The mission of the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center is to enhance and encourage environmental education, scientific opportunities, and the enjoyment of nature at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.
The Hormel Nature Center depends on generous donations to continue to carry out the mission of the Friends.

Learn more about becoming a member and membership benefits on the Friends of the Hormel Nature Center page.

July Nature Note

Quickly approaching are the “dog days” of summer – a period of some of the hottest days, typically around the second half of July. While most of us are trying…

June Nature Note

There has been a lot of buzz about the decline of bee populations lately. But what most people are focusing on is the loss of large honeybee colonies. While devasting,…

April Nature Note

Melted snow and rain will collect in low spots on the ground forming temporary ponds, called vernal pools. While these puddles may look small, their short existence makes a large…

May Nature Note

May is the perfect time to explore surrounding woodlands for a plethora of flowers that can be only found for a couple of weeks in the early springtime. These flowers…

Contact

1304 21st St. NE, Austin, MN 55912
507-437-7519
info@hormelnaturecenter.org

Scroll to Top