In Minnesota’s Mower County, there is a little, friendly city called Austin. Eastern Side Lake and Mill Pond are the two man-made lakes in the town. Austin R. Nichols, the region’s first European immigrant, is the source of the name Austin.
Austin used to be a tiny community that centered its development close to the railroad. Its central business district once included five railway tracks.
The rail network would provide worker transportation to and from the workplace. If you’re ever in Austin, you should check out some of its cool parks. It’s possible that when you’re there, you’ll get lucky and observe a celebration or concert.
This lovely, picturesque city offers an unmatched selection of excursions, cuisine, activities, art, and entertainment venues.
This article explores the best things to do in Austin, MN.
Things to Do in Austin, MN
1. Learn about America’s Favorite Canned Meat at SPAM Museum
Credit: SPAMMuseum / Facebook
The SPAM Museum is a no-cost, nonprofit institution located in Austin, Minnesota.
The Hormel corporate office is nearby.
For visitors of all ages, the museum chronicles the background of Hormel’s achievements and renowned goods.
Various self-guided exhibits provide information about the significance of the SPAM to contemporary international cuisine.
Upon its reopening in 2016, the SPAM museum changed location.
Can Central, the center of the gallery, is one of the museum’s seven galleries.
Spam coming from 44 nations is available to tourists at the World Market.
Discover how the spread is a favorite among individuals of all cultures.
Explore a surviving antique piece of American history with the help of the SPAM museum’s II World War-related exhibit.
Visitors to the exhibition of SPAM Brand 101 get the opportunity to interact with various traditional food options and try out appealing dishes.
Even the youngest family members may start studying the most popular tinned meat in America thanks to many entertaining interactive films, games, and other activities.
Address: 101 3rd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
2. Take a Picture of Buffy the Cow
Credit: BuffytheCow / Facebook
If you desire to meet with Buffy, the Cow, after you’ve finished at the SPAM Museum, she’s nearby.
A retail advertisement appears to be where Buffy, the Cow originated. She is sitting where she should be right now—on the grounds of the county fair.
This 20-foot-long, 15-foot-tall fiberglass dairy cow is positioned outside the fairgrounds’ lawn. This is the city mascot that Austin ites adore.
In addition, there are historical, and steam locomotive exhibits inside the fairgrounds that are open to visitors in the summer.
Address: 700 12th St SW, Austin, MN 55912, United States
3. Play Outdoor Sports at Todd Park
Credit: AustinToddPark / Facebook
Todd Park in Austin, MN, is a sizable park ideal for jogging, cycling, sand volleyball, and volleyball.
Softball, frisbee, disc golf, baseball, and soccer are additional sports you can play here.
This well-kept park offers several enjoyable opportunities, including areas for grilling and hosting gatherings and events.
Although Todd Park’s ancient Robot Slide is a notorious and infamous landmark, many youngsters have had a lot of fun there.
It may have scared some people, but it’s great, just like all the other fantastic playgrounds the park has to offer.
Todd Park has a few picnic benches, gazebos, and a small trout stream.
Local parks and recreation authorities must be contacted to make a pavilion reservation.
Those who desire even more discretion on their dates but still want access to facilities can enjoy beautiful surroundings at the Izaak Walton Cabin.
Address: 11th Street and 21st Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
4. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Hormel Historic Home
Credit: HormelHistoricHome / Facebook
In 2010, the Historical Home in Hormel became a neighborhood residence.
To assist local expectant parents likewise their autistic offspring, they founded Autism Programming.
They can participate in community events alongside other Austin residents thanks to the initiatives.
The house has changed the name of the program to “Autism Friendly Austin,” working to make Austin more autism-friendly by educating residents on warning flags.
This historic 1871 residence, which Lillian Hormel and George A. formerly owned, now serves as a repository for local history as well as a place for educators working in the field of natural history.
Also, the museum sponsors community events that honor George A. Hormel’s legacy through family, music, and hospitality.
The house, only a couple of blocks from the center of town, has undergone numerous renovations to accommodate diverse gatherings like weddings, conferences, meetings, etc.
Side Street has a lot of uncharged parking.
There is a commercial kitchen on the premises for individuals who have a serious yearning for homemade sweets.
Address: 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912, United States
5. Explore the Austin Public Library
Credit: AustinPublicLibrary / Facebook
You’ll enter Austin’s Public Library and find a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Finding books is a breeze because of the layout.
Additionally, the employees will always assist you in locating those elusive titles if you can’t discover what you’re looking for.
The current Austin Public Library first welcomed visitors in 1996.
The library was located in the County of Mower Courthouse’s basement in 1884.
It was relocated to the recently built Carnegie building in 1904.
There are more than 80,000 copies of books, including fiction and nonfiction, in the facility’s current collection.
The bookstore is a component of SELCO, a company that gives school and public libraries access to a range of services, including cutting-edge equipment and materials.
Address: 323 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
6. Check Out Fun Animal Shows at Mower County Fair
Credit: MowerCountyFair / Facebook
You won’t have to worry about missing anything when you come to the Mower’s County Fair.
You will have endless recollections of every season spent here because of how lovely things there are about this location.
Every animal lover should visit this location.
It is possible to find a Hall of Fame, where visitors may view various displays that highlight all the various species of animals that can be found nearby.
With so many games and rides available, this carnival is sure to keep everyone amused.
You won’t desire to skip the mouthwatering food that several restaurants have to offer.
A must-see throughout the holiday season is the Mower County Fair.
Address: 700 12th St SW, Austin, MN 55912, United States
7. Watch a Hockey Game at Riverside Arena
Credit: RiversideArena / Facebook
In 1976, the public may enter Riverside Arena.
In this city-owned arena, hockey lessons are available to children even two years old.
This facility is frequently used by the Austin Youth Hockey Association and the hockey squad from Austin Packers High School.
Riverside Arena hosts public skate sessions and chances for some ice skating instruction all year round.
This rink served as the home of the Minnesota Austin Mavericks, a junior hockey club in 1974.
This facility, with a variety of uses, also accommodates shows, music festivals, and other public activities.
A number of athletes and competitions, including junior hockey associations, are hosted by the NAHL Austin Bruins.
Riverside Arena offers an ideal ice surface with seating for as many as 2500 spectators, measuring 200 feet in width and 85 feet in length.
Address: 501 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
8. Enjoy Sledding at Bandshell Community Park
Credit: BandshellCommunityPark / Facebook
Most outdoor activities, such as concerts and festivals, take place in the distinctive outdoor setting of Bandshell Community Park.
In addition to a number of other pavilions, the Veterans Pavilion has a restroom and a bandstand with electricity.
The park has not only a fantastic playground for kids but also a dog park where dogs of various sorts and sizes are welcome to roam freely.
Walking a trail that is easily accessible will allow you to take in the lovely view of the open green space.
At Bandshell Community Park, a hill is perfect for sledding or tubing when it snows.
Other attractions are located close to Bandshell Community Park.
At any time during the day, go to the park following a performance.
Address: 4th Street and 9th Place SW, Austin, MN 55912, United States
9. Stay Active in the Winter at Wescott Field/Packer Dome
Credit: WescottSportsComplex / Facebook
It’s not necessary to allow the weather to prevent you from being active just because it gets chilly in Minnesota.
You may stay active at Wescott Field/Packer Dome any time of the year.
A temperature control system keeps the playing surface at Packer Dome at 55 degrees all day.
At the Wescott Sports Complex, the football pitch is enclosed by the dome, resulting in a cozy enclosed space with seductive turf in green and red.
A synthetic turf field, a track for walking or running, and batting cages are all featured in the complex.
Everyone is welcome to use the open-access running/walking track.
The batting cage is a facility that anyone may use and is rented out every day of the week.
There are numerous ways to utilize the field.
Soccer players, football teams, and softball teams from the area have recently begun playing therein.
Address: 201-299 12th St NW, Austin, MN 55912, United States
10. Explore Lafayette Park
Credit: LafayettePark / Facebook
Lafayette Park is a great gathering spot for families, events, and reunions.
Additionally, it offers social meetings and unique events such as 5k runs.
If you want to watch some trophy-winning ball, this park is a terrific choice because of its open and tranquil atmosphere.
Baseball diamonds, a Disc golf course with six holes, and basketball courts can be used.
Visit this park if you like to participate in sports or observe them.
And the best way to experience this park’s trail routes is to wander around it if you enjoy the blend of nature and urban living.
Each path enters and exits the park while winding; calm your thoughts and exercise your intuition.
Additionally, Austin’s yearly fireworks display is held in this park.
Address: 500 4th Avenue NE Austin, MN 55912
11. Bring Your Friends to Austin Country Club
Credit: AustinCountryClub / Facebook
There is more to country clubs than merely enormous golf fields.
The city’s country club was established in 1919 by George A. Hormel. He was the inaugural Club president as well.
George also started the famed Corporation of Hormel Foods.
A well-designed and kept golf course may be found at Austin Country Club. The perfect club looks like the Austin Country Club.
Through years of hard effort and dedication, members of the group have put in a lot of effort to give the club a style and feel that is distinctly their own.
In the midst of imposing oak trees and towering pine trees, this exclusive, member-owned golf course offers scenic surroundings and stunning vistas.
It has 18 holes course that is exquisitely sculpted out of the surrounding landscape and offers
an exceptional round of golf.
The Dobbins Creek carefully winds all the way through, catching stray shots.
The first level of this chic new clubhouse is home to a sophisticated restaurant and a members-only bar.
You can discover an official event location upstairs where ceremonies like wedding receptions and baby showers are held.
Additionally, members get access to a tennis court as well as a pool.
Address: 1202 28th St NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
12. Spend Family Time at Lions Park
Credit: Zaubee / zaubee.com
Family time can be enjoyed together in Lions Park.
The neighborhood group provides two (2) pavilions with power and picnic tables, which also maintain the park’s tidy restrooms.
For the enjoyment of families, it also features a variety of play structures.
For people of all ages, it’s a great location.
The park includes enough parking and all amenities to guarantee every guest’s pleasant and safe visit.
Kids can have fun on the playgrounds.
Parents or grandparents can go to the park to exercise while the grandchildren play.
The entire region encircles the Cedar River’s banks, where there is always a breathtaking view.
Lions Park is located at East Oakland Avenue.
Address: 151 Louisiana Ave N, Golden Valley, MN 55427, United States
13. Mower County Historical Society, Austin, MN
Credit: MowerCountyHistoricalSociety / Facebook
The historical society in Mower County is a good resource for anyone interested in learning more about a historically significant community like Austin.
As wealthy and modest as the background it encompasses is the Historical Society’s past. The structure was built in 1947 as a monument to the local pioneering farmers and laborers.
Several other buildings have been added to the society’s campus since then, as well as tours are now offered for a modest price.
Visitors can explore the mine and the buildings that serve as life-size reconstructions of bygone times, including a schoolroom, a church room, and a garage full of antique sleighs and buggies, or conduct historical research using photographs, records, newspapers, and other recorded papers.
Address: 1303 6th Avenue, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-6082
14. Roll a Strike at Echo Lanes
Credit: EchoLanes / Facebook
A fun place to bowl with loved ones and friends is Echo Lanes.
Customers can use a 34-lane track with automated scoring, bumpers, and ramps for children at this all-inclusive bowling alley with 34 wood lanes.
Darker hours are illuminated by strobe lighting.
With your family, friends, coworkers, or even by yourself, you may enjoy a comprehensive bar in this entertainment area, which serves delicious food and beverage.
League matches take place every day of each week, from Sunday through Saturday.
You may hang out with your pals in the pool hall beside the alleys.
They offer arcade games here in addition to conventional bowling.
Address: 1600 10th Dr. SE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
15. Explore the Local Arts Scene at Austin ArtWorks Center
Credit: AustinArtWorksCenter / Facebook
The urban and contemporary art facility known as Austin ArtWorks Center is tucked away in the wonderful city of Austin, north of Main Street.
The Austin ArtWorks Center is a cozy, friendly structure with three striking, multi-story buildings.
Local musicians and those who are enthusiastic about the arts come together in this center.
The center also showcases amazing pieces of international art.
The Clay Studio, a contemporary workspace with pottery wheels, premium clay, and more, can be found on the Austin ArtWorks Center’s lower level.
Within this floor, there are also galleries with six-week displays from established and up-and-coming artists as well as from private collectors.
The on-site school, office space, and lounge area are all located on the upper floor for the convenience of art enthusiasts.
This adaptable structure is ideal for organizing a grand party or fostering a sense of neighborhood.
Address: 300 Main St N, Austin, MN 55912, United States
16. Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Credit: JayC.HormelNatureCenter / Facebook
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center was initially a mansion in 1927. After Austin City bought it, further land was added, bringing the Nature Center’s total area as a haven for wildlife to 520 acres.
The paths can be hiked today; they are accessible even if the facility is closed. Center for nature is now home to raptors injured or abandoned.
Youngsters from birth to age 18 can enroll in any summertime educational or fun course.
Each summer, family programs are also offered to teach the entire family about environmental issues such as water treatment, conservation, animals, and the environment.
1304 21st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912, Phone: 507-437-7519
17. See Fantastic Plays and Movies at Paramount Theatre
Credit: ParamountTheatre / Facebook
The Paramount Cinema was constructed in 1929 by Wagner Construction.
For the residents of Austin, this eerie cinema was a theater that showed first-run films.
The Paramount Theatre has 914 seats, a pit for the orchestra, and a tiny stage.
In 1928, a tornado demolished the previous Park Theatre.
The damaged theater was then used as the basis for the Paramount Theatre by Minneapolis’ Ellerbe & Co.
The Paramount was created and constructed by the building company.
They also incorporated conventional components to produce a magnificent atmospheric design that had a facade with Baroque influences.
You may see painted depictions of canine and avian figures on the ceiling.
Enjoy the theater’s Exterior Spanish Baroque while you wait.
Between 1930 and 1940, The Paramount gained notoriety as an important cinema house.
The theater became one of Austin’s most renowned locations for live entertainment.
Address: 125 4th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, United States
Conclusion
Austin, MN, is brimming with entertaining things to do while you’re on vacation.
No matter why you choose to visit, you won’t experience a dull minute in this beautiful city.
There are lots of things to do in Austin that will make visitors happy.
To make your vacation more enjoyable, you should start arranging it now.
Travel to Austin, MN, right away!