Austin, MN – A Guide to This Charming City

The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center began in 1927 as an estate. When the city of Austin acquired it, they eventually added acreage to bring it the Nature Center up to 520 acres of a wildlife refuge. Today’s guests can hike the trails, which are open even when the center is closed. Birds of prey that were once abandoned or hurt now call the Nature Center home.

All summer, educational and adventure classes are available for children from birth through age 18. Family sessions are also available each summer to get everyone in the family educated about conservation, water treatment, wildlife, and the surrounding environment.

1304 21st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-7519, Map, website

As part of popular culture, spam has become a food that can be turned into almost anything. The Spam Museum was once part of the Hormel Foods First Century Museum. However, in 2001, the Spam museum opened in a larger facility to include exhibits, a theater, and a gift shop. Today’s guests can check out the museum for free, and 30-minute tours are held every hour.

Current exhibits in the museum include a “How many Spam Cans Tall Are You,” the history of spam advertising, Spam for the troops, and spam recipes from around the world.

Spam Museum , 101 3rd Avenue NE, Auston, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-5100

The historic Paramount Theatre was the first place in Austin to show movies. Eventually, new management took over and turned this building into a night club for teens, the disco age, and comedians. After some renovation, today’s visitors can take in a show or concert. There are 620 stadium-style seats, a concession stand, and a lobby. Movies are still shown on a screen, but instead of first-run shows, classics (like Jaws, The Neverending Story, and The Lion King) are shown. Along with tours of the historic building, this can make for a magical movie night for the family.

Paramount Theatre, 125 4th Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-343-0934

For those who want some background on a historical town like Austin should seek out the Mower County Historical Society. The history of the Historical Society is as rich and humble as the history it covers. Back in 1947, the building was erected to honor those farmers and workers who pioneered the area.

Today, the society has expanded with several buildings, and tours are available for a small fee. Visitors can research the history through photos, documents, newspapers, and other recorded papers, or check out the buildings and mine that make up the life-size replicas of past eras, including a church room, a schoolhouse room, and a garage full of old buggies and sleighs.

1303 6th Avenue, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-6082

Directly across from the Spam Museum, visitors to the Austin area will find Sweet Reads Books, the new (and used) bookstore. While this lovely storefront houses tons of books to check out, it’s the experience of the place that will stick with you. Check out the 30-foot train inside the store, or the other genre treats around the store. When you want a pick-me-up, be sure to check out the old fashioned candy display or frozen treats. The store is home to some beautiful objects available for purchase that are often literary-themed, and local authors often stop by for a reading.

Sweet Reads Books , 407 N Main Street, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-396-8660

When you’re ready to get your grub on, be sure to check out Kenny’s Oak Grill . This restaurant serves home-style diner food, just the way you want it after a long day of adventuring. This 50-year old diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t be surprised to find plenty of regulars gossiping around with a cup of coffee, as this place has a loyal customer base and is nearly always full. No matter what you’re hungry for, you’re sure to find it here with new creations always on the menu. They even serve fried fish for breakfast – talk about Minnesota life!

Kenny’s Oak Grill, 307 Oakland Avenue W, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-4135