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! 

Ski Rental

Renting skis is currently CLOSED. Trails are packed but not tracked. Trails will not be tracked until we get more snow. You may use your own skis for free on 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

Programming

  • Cross-country Skis
  • Snowshoes
  • Kayaks
  • Canoes

Get Outdoors

Friends of the Hormel Nature Center

December Nature Note

A few weeks ago, I found myself gazing at the night sky, parked on the edge of a cornfield in my flannel pajamas. It’s not every day that something so…

November Nature Note

As fall and winter approach, we are seeing an increase in bird migration. Many of these birds are going to warmer areas, like Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, etc. But did you…

October Nature Note

Minnesota boasts incredible coniferous and hardwood forests in the northern part of the state as well as plenty of deciduous forests in the south. In amongst the deciduous forests, lay…

September Nature Note

Every evening this summer, the sky above Main Street fills with small, fast moving birds darting and chirping above the buildings. While they are unnoticed by most, it only takes…

August Nature Note

It’s time to understand these tiny, sly bugs that often result in breaking out the bug spray or heading back inside. No-see-ums, also referred to as…

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…

Contact

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