Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Austin, MN
Located along I90 in southern Minnesota, Austin, MN is rich in history. Hormel comes to top of mind for most locals as they are the home to a pork processing plant. Yes, pigs.
I have a personal connection to Hormel Foods in that I am also a pig farmer. We have been selling our hogs to Hormel for over 45 years.
Hormel has been good for the city of Austin and you can feel its presence in the city. If you have a chance to talk with locals, you will also learn that youth is a priority to the Hormel’s community service projects with their many monetary contributions.
So let’s look at the top 5 places to visit in Austin, MN.
SPAM Museum
One of the food products Hormel is historically known for is Spam. Not the spam that sometimes invades your computer, but the kind you eat.
Spam has a long history. It was invented in 1937 and used by soldiers in World War II and kept many soldiers alive. Spam is a canned meat product made from pork and ham. A very simple recipe that you can still find on grocery shelves. Currently, it is sold in over 41 countries.
To celebrate and have some fun with the Spam product, Hormel decided to build a SPAM museum. It is free, informative and lots of fun. Remember to bring the kids!
Here is a more extensive overview of the SPAM museum where you can enjoy all the Spam related activities.
And no other place can replicate the SPAM museum as Austin, MN is the only place you can enjoy the experience. It’s well worth your time.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
For another look at what was important to Jay C. Hormel (son of George A. Hormel and founder of Hormel), take a tour of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center (1304 21st St NE, Austin, MN 55912).
If you enjoy nature and history, this is your place. It is a nature preserve area of more than 500 acres of restored trees, plants and wetlands. There is a walking trail so bring your best walking shoes and enjoy a bit of nature and history.
Hormel History Home
Want to visit the home built by George A. and Lillian Hormel built in 1871? Check out the Hormel History Home (208 4th Ave NW, Austin, MN). You can tour this historic preserved home.
My suggestion is to call ahead (507-433-4243) to make sure they are open to the public as they have numerous private events as well as bus tours.
Piggy Blues BBQ
And speaking of pigs, you must go to the Piggy Blues BBQ (323 Main St N, Austin, MN). It is near the SPAM Museum so you can visit both. I ordered the Piggy Nachos and they were soooo good. I would definitely go back!
Sweet Reads
A fun place to visit. A book store. A candy store. A little bit of everything store. Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store (407 Main St N, Austin, MN).
Other Places to Travel
A few more places to visit if you are traveling on I90:
Visit the Green Giant Little Sprout statues in Blue Earth, MN
Visit the lakes and Pig Statues in Fairmont, MN
