j.c. hormel nature center

165eileenc

This is a wonderful facility for everyone! The Nature Center has a great Interpretive Center with lots of hands on opportunities and educational signage. The walking trails are smooth and through beautiful surroundings that of course change through the seasons. The staff can provide activities to make the walks even more interesting. The Nature Center also schedules amazing programs throughout the year on all sorts of topics - birds, crafts, water, conservation, music - wish I could do them all!

the_amw

The Nature Center has many trails to walk on, some have covered bridges. It's nice and peaceful. Every now and again you'll get a glimpse of some for of wild animal from deer to fox to muskrat. They don't allow bikes or anything, so just walkers. Great place to take your kids exploring!

dml130

We had traveled from South Dakota and needed a good walk. They advertise 10 miles of trails and we spent 90 minutes walking on many of them. It's free with good options for both walking in the sun and shade. There were some prairie flowers blooming when we were there. Highly recommended after a day in the car.

RonaldG138

Very excellent displays with great descriptions and as well as hands on displays. Impressed with the hide of a buffalo on which all the body parts were listed and how each is used. Also pelts from beaver, fox, wolf, etc. Also walking trails which we didn't do because of the time.

Cassie070707

Living in Austin we are privileged in the number of walking trails available to choose from and the Nature Center is our absolute favorite place to visit! My son is now 6 and has grown up playing in the centers kids area, from the chalkboard, giant puzzles, books, and binoculars he has always been entertained! The paths seem endless with all the possible twists and turns so it never gets old. Add in chance encounters with wild turkeys, bunnies, and deer and its fun to see what the walk will bring. It never ceases to amaze me how invigorating the setting genuinely is. Definitely a destination for anyone living in or visiting Austin.

Marquisman

Our most recent visit was a meeting of the Austin Izaak Walton League and Austin Audubon Society. We listened to a solo drama of the life of Aldo Leopold - noted conservation writer. The presentation was outstanding, the facility was well suited to the program and the company was great.

CordeliaMinnesota

Great selection of trails to hike or cross country ski on. Lots of deer in the woods. Many varieties of trees and plant life and a small stream that runs through. Enrichment programs all year long for adults and children. Many local events/meetings held there year around.

FLYTOANYWHERE

I took my granddaughter there the other day.It is fun to go for a nice walk and see nature.And inside there is much to look at and see and touch.

BillK427

If you enjoy nature there is something here for you at any time of the year. There are numerous trails that will take you from prairies to woods to wetlands and back. There are many species of birds and other wildlife that call this nature center home. In the spring maple sap is running and syrup is being mad. Migrating birds and baby animals of many types can be viewed.In the summer, the colors of the tall grass prairie and all of the butterflies attracted to wildflowers put on a brilliant show. The songs of frogs around the pond provide the soundtrack for an evening visit.In the fall, the changing colors of the trees are a brilliant backdrop to the scores of migrating birds.In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.All year long the friendly staff of the nature center is available to help in any way possible.

EdB886

Excellent wildlife museum with examples of the indigenous animals. The trails are well maintained and give you a sense of walking through a forest.

MorganR746

good trails, activities are fun and cool, went tor a feild trip for school and went in the rivers c: friendly people out there

TravelinMomOfTwins

Beautiful area with lots of trails. It is open year round. Great for exploring and learning. There's a prairie area, observation tower, and a conference room for small events. You can go cross country skiing in the winter time.

strikketoy

Not too many places in Minnesota still have never-plowed prairie. This is a beautiful site. The trails are well-maintained; the center has a welcoming "hands on" atmosphere.

smoothmover

A nice park to walk. This nature center includes enough space to challenge most hikers. There are several Geo Caches to hunt and many dear and other wild life to enjoy.

JudyL621

Very user friendly, good trails and center, friendly staff. Nature at its best in small town atmosphere.