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 Greibroks
Mini History Farm and County Fair
Five miles South of Oakland, County Rd. 34
507-433-4880
Greibroks is an extensive collection of more than 700
model tractors, trucks, cars, farm machinery, steam
engines, airplanes and other toys assembled in various
theme areas throughout the unique 40-room farmhouse,
owned by Carl and Dorothy Greibrok. Group Tours are
available. Donations are accepted.
 Mower
County Historical Society
Mower County Fairgrounds
1303 6th Ave. SW
507-437-6082
www2.smig.net/mchistory
The history of Mower County and Austin is preserved
in more than 20 individual facilities located on the
Historical Societygrounds. Artifacts and other historical
items are displayed in the Hormel Museum, which is an
original building constructed in the 1890's by Geo.
A. Hormel & Co. Additional attractions include the
Native American Museum with hundreds of tools, clothing
and additional items. Fireman's Museum with Vintage
firefighting equipment, Pioneer Museum, and Arts Museum.
The Rahilly Museum, which features various horse-drawn
carriages, Headquarters building, Rural School Museum
and Communications Museum. The Milwaukee Junction Museum
and depot depict early railroading with a steam locomotive,
caboose and various other railroad cars. Also on display
are the Kehret Wayside Chapel, M-4 Sherman tank and
a replica of the Six-Mile Grove Lutheran Church. An
administration building houses an extensive research
library and the William Tyler Circus which is a miniature
hand made three ring circus.
The Historical Society is open Tuesday- Friday from
10:00am-4pm, year round
 Paramount
Theatre
125 4th Ave NE
507-434-0934
www.paramounttheatre.org
The Paramount Theatre originally opened September 14,
1929, designed for stage theatre and first-run movies.
Using a Spanish Colonial Revival style, the structure
could accommodate more than 900 people in air conditioned
comfort- the first public facility in Austin to offer
this amenity. It is one of four atmospheric theaters
in Minnesota. The theatre showed its last movie in 1975,
and after operating as a comedy club/bar, closed in
1987. In 1992, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts
(AACA) completed acquisition of the theatre and is currently
in the process of restoring the theatre as an art and
film center.
To date, the AACA has almost completely finished the
renovation of the theatre, having installed new carpet
throughout the theatre this past January, and was placed
on the National Register of Historic Places. .
With a capacity of more then 600 people, it will serve
as home to the Matchbox Children's Theatre, as well
as a place to host concerts, films, festivals, recitals
and other events. Tours are available of the remodeled
facility.
 Historic
Hormel Home
www.hormelhistorichome.org
208 4th Ave. NW
507-433-4243
The Hormel Historic Home tells the story of the Hormel family, founders of Hormel Foods, Inc. Come tour the home, restored to turn-of-the-century charm, to learn about George and Lillian Hormel and their son, Jay. Discover the details of life for the Hormel family in the early 1900s through the late 1920s.
Constructed in 1871 by former Austin mayor John Cook, the home is an Austin landmark. From the stately Greek revival front entrance to the unique curly birch split staircase to the marble fireplace with hundred-year-old Tiffany light fixtures, you'll marvel at the Hormel Historic Home. Visitors also love to stroll the beautiful Peace Garden, full of colorful blooms through spring, summer and fall.
The Hormel Historic Home is listed on the Minnesota State Registry of Historic Sites and on the National Register of Historic Places. Open for visitors Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasionally, a private event closes the home to visitors during regular hours. Please call ahead to confirm availability at 507-433-4243. Group tours for 10 or more are welcome and are conducted by appointment.
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 SPAM®
Museum
1101 Main St. North
507-437-5100 or 800-LUV-SPAM
www.spam.com
The SPAM® Museum hosts approximately 100,000
visitors each year. SPAM® luncheon meat: It's
an American Classic, a true brand icon and a piece
of Americana….and now it has its own museum.
The 16,500 square-foot facility features sophisticated
exhibits and displays pertaining to the history
of Hormel foods since its founding in 1891 and
its various products, including the world famous
SPAM® family of products. State-of-the-art
video screens and kiosks are located throughout
the museum.
You will be treated to a video presentation of
"SPAM® a Love Story" in an auditorium
that will accommodate up to 42 people. The tour
of the museum takes about one and a half hours.
(For tour groups of 20 or more, arrangements can
be made by the Austin Convention and Visitors
Bureau.)
The SPAM® Café offers a unique opportunity
to larger groups of people visiting the Museum,
for a wonderful SPAM® meal. A variety of meals
are available, with advance reservation through
the Austin CVB.
Another area of the Museum houses The SPAM®
Shop, where a wide variety of apparel and merchandise
with the SPAM® and Hormel logos can be purchased.
The exterior of the building incorporates an
"old market" design featuring an attractive
brick façade, decorative window awnings
and a large bronze statue of a farmer with his
pigs going to market.
The hours of the SPAM® museum are Mon.-Sat.
10:00am-5:00pm, and on Sundays 12noon-4pm. The
museum is closed on Mondays Labor Day through
April 30 and the following holidays: New Year's
Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day,
and Christmas Day.
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Austin High School Museum
301 3rd Ave. NW
507-433-0428
View a collection of memorabilia that highlights significant
events or programs about Austin High Schools history.
Chert Quarry
Northeast of Grand Meadow
507-437-6082
The Grand Meadow archaeological site is a prehistoric quarry where Native Americans extracted chert to be used in the manufacture of stone tools. At the time of its use, the site consisted of hundreds of pits dug into the ground to reach a deposit of chert nodules. The chert, known as Grand Meadow chert, is a satiny-to-waxy chert that ranges from light to dark grey in color. Chert, colloquially called flint, was prized by Native Americans. Archaeologists have recovered projectile points dating as early as 8000 BC that are made of Grand Meadow chert, but its greatest use was during the late prehistoric period, circa AD 1000 to AD 1300. Prehistoric Native American tools manufactured of Grand Meadow chert are widespread in southern Minnesota, northern Iowa and southwestern Wisconsin.
Modern land-use, especially agriculture, has destroyed most of the Grand Meadow chert quarry. A seven-acre woodlot preserves 88 intact quarry pits. In 1994 the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry Archaeological District was accepted for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. In that same year, the Archaeological Conservancy purchased the remaining portion of the Grand Meadow chert quarry and dedicated it as a permanent archaeological preserve. Because of the fragile nature of the archaeological features, the quarry is not open to the general public, but is mentioned as a point of interest in the area.
Freund House and Store
County Rd. 5, Johnsburg
The house and store are the oldest commercial establishment
in this German Catholic community. The building was
built in 1895, replacing the first store and saloon
built by Peter Freud and his wife in 1880. The store
closed its business in 1967.
GAR Hall
South Main Street, Grand Meadow
507-437-6082
This is one of only two Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)
halls remaining in Minnesota. GAR Post 130 was organized
January 23, 1885, with 16 charter members. It was named
for a soldier, killed in the Civil War, from the village
of Hamilton. In 1889, the Women's Relief Corps, which
was Booth Corps No. 62, was organized. On August 17,
1889, the group decided to build a hall which they occupied
that fall.
Mower County Veterans Memorial
Mower County courthouse lawn
201 Main St. N.
Located in the northwest corner of the Mower County
Courthouse lawn, this memorial honors armed forces veterans
who gave their lives so others could live in freedom.
Groundbreaking of this monument was held Memorial Day,
May 28, 1990. The memorial was dedicated on Veteran's
Day Nov. 11, 1992.
Prairie School Banks
Adams, Grand Meadow, LeRoy
Constructed between 1910 and 1924, these structures
were influenced by the Prairie School of Architecture
style, displaying a number of distinctive styles and
interpretations.
First American State Bank of Grand Meadow: Formerly
known as the Exchange State Bank, this structure was
the first bank building designed by the firm Purcell
and Elmslie, who were students of Louis Sullivan, on
of America's greatest architects. Built in the early
1900's this bank was constructed in the characteristic
style of the Prairie school and remains much as it did
when built.
First bank of LeRoy: Built in 1914, this is
a strong, but small example of a Prairie school style
bank. The firm of Purcell and Elmslie also designed
this facility. Tours available: 507-324-5260.
First National Bank of Adams: The first National
Bank of Adams was in business from 1917-1924. It was
the last of four small banks designed by Purcell and
Elmslie. Tours available: 507-582-3639
Rydjor Bike Museum
219 Main St. N.
507-433-7571
The past is alive at Rydjor Bike Shop. View the history
of bicycles displayed on the 16-foot walls inside the
shop. The original tin ceilings and maple floors make
for a great setting to find the bicycle of your childhood,
or to go back in time to the turn of the century when
bicycles were big business and at the forefront of technology.
Each of the more then 50 bicycles has its own story,
beginning in 1868 with the "Boneshaker." View
the progress through the evolution of bicycles up to
the most current cutting edge styles. Rydjor Bike Shop,
founded in 1973, was chosen as one of the top 100 out
of 6,000 bicycle dealerships in North America by VeloBusiness
magazine in its April 2000 issue. Open daily, except
Sundays.
Austin Public Library
323 4th Ave. NE
507-433-2391
The spectacular $4 million dollar library, totaling
26,800 square feet, opened in September 1996. Overlooking
the historic Mill Pond and adjacent to Horace Austin
Park, the library features more than 90,000 volumes
which include a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.
Various services are available, including personal computers,
internet access and audio-visual equipment. Glass-lined
reading "porches" on tow sides of the structure
offer a comfortable and appealing area to relax and
read. A beautifully etched granite emblem placed on
the floor near the entrance was donated by the Ladies
Floral Club, which established the city's first library
in 1869. A meeting room for 100 people and a smaller
meeting room can be reserved.
Hormel Institute
801 16th Ave. NE
507-433-8804
Originally established in 1942, in a corner of the stable,
at the Hormel family estate, on the east edge of Austin,
the institute has become one of the nation's leading
lipid research centers. Lipids, including fatty acids
and the complex lipids that comprise biological membranes,
play important roles in health and disease, including
heart disease and cancer. The work of the institute
faculty and staff, who are experts in biological chemistry,
biophysics, cellular and molecular biology and nutrition,
is of medical importance.
LeRoy Public Library
605 Broadway St. N.
507-324-5641
Constructed in 1915, this is the only example of the
small town Carnegie-type Classical Revival style library
building left intact in Mower County. Andrew Carnegie's
fortune was estimated to be as large as half a billion
dollars when he retired and sold his steel plants in
1901. Form that time; he devoted himself to philanthropy,
giving away most of his wealth to support public libraries
and education. Thousands of communities across America
were able to construct libraries because of his financial
assistance.
Sola Fida Observatory
Five miles south of Austin
507-437-7519
The observatory, located on three acres of land, was
donated to Austin by a local doctor in the fall of 1991.
Inside the 12-foot ash dome is a 10-inch refractor telescope
with a five-inch refractor mounted on the top. The facility
is open to the public one or two Saturdays a month when
volunteers are available to show visitors constellations
and other celestial bodies.
Each July, the observatory is the site of the annual
"Star Party" when astronomers from throughout
the United States spend a weekend examining the stars.
Arthur Winfield Wright House
300 4th Ave. NW
507-437-6082
Constructed prior to 1874, this two-story house is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. Mower County's
earliest example of Italiante style, the structure is
characterized by a low pitch roof, extended eaves supported
by decorative brackets and tall, narrow windows, set
in rounded arches. This Wright style was designed for
a narrow urban lot. Arthur Winfield Wright was an Austin
realtor, banker, business person and attorney.
Historic Roosevelt Bridge
Between 4th St. SW & 8th Ave. SE
Spanning the Cedar River, this limestone bridge was
constructed by the Mower County highway Department from
1933-34 as part of the CWA project #1726.
Hormel Family Burial Site
Oakwood Cemetery
1800 4th St. NW
George A. Hormel, founder of then named Geo. A. Hormel
& Co. (Hormel Foods Corporation) in 1891, died June
5, 1946, at his home in Bel Air, California, after suffering
a stroke two days earlier. He was 85 years old. He is
buried beside his wife, Lillian, who passed away a few
months earlier on March 23 at the age of 78. They had
been married 54 years. Both of their funerals were held
at the Hormel Historic Home.
Jay. C. Hormel, son of George and Lillian, and the
second president of Geo. A. Hormel & Co. is also
buried in Oakwood Cemetery. He died August 30, 1954,
at the age of 61 years old, after a series of heart-related
illnesses. Jay was the mastermind of numerous marketing
concepts and products, including SPAM® luncheon
meat.
Mousenik Launch Site
Red Rock Township
This was the site of the earliest rocket launches in
the U.S. On January 15, 1957, members of the Austin
Rocket Society, comprised of teenage students from Pacelli
High School in Austin, launched a 4-foot, 10-inch tall
rocket that contained a live mouse into space. This
event took place nine months before Russia launched
the first earth satellite Sputnik I on October 4, 1957.
The Mower County rocket, dubbed Mousenik I, achieved
an altitude of 1,642 feet and traveled over 220 miles
per hour. Unfortunately, the mouse did not survive.
This noteworthy feat attracted national attention after
ABC television news reporter David Brinkley visited
the area to report on the historic event. In 1958, the
society launched Mousenik II, setting a new altitude
record of 3,250 feet.
Buffy the Cow
111 5th Place SE
This fiberglass Guernsey cow has stood on top of this
dairy building since 1965. About 20 feet long and 15
feet tall, the brown and white cow stands approximately
35 feet off the ground. Shortly after the cow was put
in place, 5,000 entries were submitted to the "name
the cow" contest, "Buffy" was the winner!
Cedar Grove Orchard
North of Austin, Hwy 218
507-437-6483
Enjoy more then 20 varieties of apples, including Haralson,
Red Baron, Honey Gold, Honey Crisp, Fireside, sweet
16, Regents and Cortland. Open Saturdays and Sundays:
11:00am-3:00pm.
Farmer John's
RR1, HWY 218 N
There are numerous activities to join in at Farmer John's.
Strawberry picking in June, Tomatoes in August and September
and a variety of vegetables are available for picking
throughout the summer. The pumpkin patch opens September
23 and is open from 10am until dawn. Many sizes and
varieties are available. Free horse drawn carriage rides
on Sundays. No admission fee.
Pajolo Alpacas
51057 155th St.
507-437-1561
Imagine gentle animals with large brown eyes, soft muzzles
and luxurious fiber at the highest peaks of Chile, Peru
and Bolivia. Nestled high in the Andes, these docile,
graceful, soothing and almost mythical creatures produce
a dense, yet extremely fine, high quality fiber to be
transformed into superb quality wearing apparel. All
sweaters, hats scarves and socks are hand knitted. Teddy
bears and jackets are also available.
Hambone Blues Jam
Annual Blues Festival and Classic Car Show held
in Austin. Sponsored by Piggy Blues BBQ.
www.hambonebluesjam.com
Summerset Theatre
507-433-0595
This community theatre group holds three performances
each year at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland
Community College.
Matchbox Children's Theatre
507-434-0934
This group performs a variety of children's plays, encouraging
youngsters to experience live theatre. Productions are
held September through March at the Paramount Theatre.
Riverland Community College Theatre
507-433-0595
Three different productions are held throughout the
school year at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland
Community College.
Austin Area Commission for the Arts
507-434-0934
This community-wide group promotes Austin's arts and
cultural environment. This group is also spearheading
the restoration at the Paramount Theatre. The commission
also coordinates an area-wide arts calendar.
Austin Artist Series
507-433-7701
This group arranges several major performances presented
each season. The performances are held at Knowlton Auditorium
and are for season ticket holders only.
Northwestern Singers
www.northwesternsingers.org
507-437-4563
The Northwestern Singers is a non-profit, comunity chorus
for men and women 18 years of age and older. They perform
two major shows each year in January and in May, sing
at area church services during the Lenten season, and
host an annual silent auction fund-raiser which includes
an evening of entertainment showcasing several local
groups. Half of the proceeds from the fund-raiser are
donated directly to the Austin school music programs.
Austin Swing Band
507-433-8505
This group of local talented musicians was organized
in 1993. They perform music that was arranged during
"Big Band" era.
Austin Symphony Orchestra
507-433-5647
This orchestra, which has more than 175 local musicians,
has offered performances from Sept. through March for
over 45 years.
Austin Symphony Chorus
507-433-5647
More than 100 talented area singers make up this group
that presents a number of major choral productions throughout
each year. This group also performs "Handel's Messiah"
every other year.
Austin Community Band
507-433-3180
Comprised of local musicians, this group holds three
performances during the summer, one of which is their
July 4 finale. Two jazz band performances are held in
June and July.
The SPAMETTES® Singing Group
507-437-4563
This famous singing group has entertained Americans
solely about the world-renowned SPAM® luncheon meat,
a registered trademark of Hormel Foods Corporation.
Making their first performance at the SPAM® Jam
in Austin in 1991, these ladies have performed at a
wide variety of functions. The group sings about SPAM®
in a wide variety of musical styles including; 50's
rock 'n' roll, Beatles and country western.
Insynque Quartet
507-437-8736
This all female group has performed together since 1994,
using many different styles of music with close and
unique four-part harmony. This group has sung for groups
ranging from 10 to 2000 people. "Heaven to Earth",
released by Insynque Quartet, are available on Compact
discs and cassettes for purchase.
Second Eddition
507-433-3279
This singing group, which uses music from the Big Band
era, was established in the spring of 1987 in conjunction
with the 50th anniversary of SPAM® luncheon meat.
These women are reminiscent of the Hormel Girls musical
group that toured America in the mid 1940's and early
1950's.
Art Galleries:
Austin Area Arts Center
Oak Park Mall
507-433-8451
A place for artists of every level. Visit the art gallery
at the Oak Park Mall Wed, Thurs. and Fri. 11:30a.m.
5p.m. and Sun. 12:30-4:30p.m.
Eva Deli Studio
105 7th St NW, Austin
437-7779
www.evadeli.com
Over 200 oil paintings cover the walls of the studio.
Refreshments and music elevate the casual atmosphere.
Eva Deli's studio offers art in the abstract.
Granle's Custom Frame and Art Gallery
421 Main St. N.
507-433-7443
www.granles.com
Lou's Forever Framing and Art Gallery
317 Main St.
507-434-9381
ABC
Bingo
105 Maple Ave., Mapleview
507-433-1503
Bingo and pull tabs are available five days a week.
Elks Lodge
102 1st Ave. N.E.
507-437-4020
Public bingo games every Tuesday at 6:30p.m. Club rooms
open 3p.m.-midnight.
Knights of Columbus
211 1st St. S.E.
507-433-1492
Public bingo games every Friday at 6:45 and every Sunday
at 1:00p.m.
VFW
300 4th Ave. N.E.
507-433-6039
Public bingo Mondays at 7p.m.
Historic Paramount Theatre
125 4th Ave NE
507-434-0934
www.paramounttheatre.org
The Paramount Theatre originally opened September 14,
1929, designed for stage theatre and first-run movies.
Using a Spanish Colonial Revival style, the structure
can accommodate more than 600 people in air conditioned.
The Paramount serves as home to the Matchbox Children's
Theatre, as well as a place to host concerts, films,
festivals, recitals and other events. Tours are available
of the remodeled facility.
Frank W. Bridges Theatre
Riverland Community College
1900 8th Ave. NW
507-433-0595
Located at Riverland College, this venue serves as home
to the Riverland Community College theatre groups as
well as the Summerset Theatre Group.
Knowlton Auditorium
Austin High School301 NW 3rd St.
507-433-0300
Knowlton Auditorium, located at Austin High School,
seats up to 1800, has great acoustics and is home to
the Austin Symphony, Austin Artist Series and many other
concerts and plays.
CineMagic Cinema 7
Oak Park Mall
1301 18th Ave. N.W.
507-433-9100
www.cinemagicmedia.com
State of-the-art facility featuring five auditoriums,
stadium seating, rocker seats and stereo sound.
 Austin
municipal swimming Pool
Main St. North
507-433-1881
Enjoy an Olympic-size pool with a 104-foot long waterslide
with one "S" Curve for individuals at least
48 inches tall. A wading pool is available for children
less then 42 inches tall. Many levels of swimming lessons
are provided, including adaptive aquatics instruction.
Specific times are set aside for adult and teenage late
night swimming. Regular pool hours are 1-5pm and 6:15-9:15p.m.
from early June through mid August. Seasonal memberships
are sold at the Austin Park and Recreation office.
Austin
Youth Activity Center
Riverside Arena
800 21st St. N.E.
507-433-1881
Youth ages 11-18 years old can enjoy pool, foosball, table
tennis, basketball, chess, board games, internet access,
electronic dart boards, and large screen televisions.
Closed during the summer.
The Rec Center
Ellis Middle School
501 2nd Ave NE
507-433-1881
Various exercise options are available, including swimming,
basketball, volleyball and climbing wall. Open Saturdays
and Sundays, January through March.
YMCA
704 1st Dr. N.W.
507-433-1804
This large facility, remodeled in 1998, has programs
for everyone, from active older adults to infants. It
includes two indoor tennis courts, two gymnasiums, six
lane indoor swimming pool, fitness room, 1/10 mile indoor
running/walking track, four racquetball/handball courts
and walleyball courts. A state-of-the-art wellness center
features strength training equipment, free weights and
a large assortment of cardiovascular equipment. Licensed
preschool and school age child care are available. In
addition, lessons are given in swimming, gymnastics,
and tennis. One-on-one fitness consulting is also available.
Apollo III Batting Cages
3010 Oakland Ave W.
507-437-4211
Five lit baseball and softball batting cages available
24 hours. Coin operated or specific times can be purchased.
Games People Play
701 18th Ave. N.W.
507-433-7593
This are includes two full basketball courts, one half
basketball court and two sand volleyball courts.
East Side Lake
Located along Oakland Place East, the man-made lake
features a public boat launch, playground equipment,
shelters and a gazebo.
Austin Skate Park
Hormel Drive Parkway
In-line skaters and skate boarders can enjoy an outdoor
Tier 1 park established by the Austin Area Skaters Association.
Lake Louise State Park
Mower County Rd. 14
507-324-5249
1,168 Acre Park that contains to spring-fed streams
that form the headwaters of the Upper Iowa River. The
park offers 11.6 miles of hiking trails, 9.7 miles of
horse trails, one mile interpretive, 9.3 miles of snowmobile
trails and 3.2 miles of cross country ski trails, wildflowers,
picnic shelters, recreation vehicle dumping station,
horse campground, campground, sandy swimming beach and
carry in boat or canoe access.
Parks...
Chateau
Speedway
54219 266th St. , Lansing
507-433-4578
Dirt oval track, 3/8-mile long. In operation since 1956,
the facility is one of the areas oldest. Races are held
every Friday night during the summer, beginning at 8p.m.,
with special events throughout the season in street stock,
super stock, pure stock, mod-four and modified.
Deer Creek Speedway
U.S. 63, Racine
507-346-2342
This state-of-the-art 3/8-mile dirt oval track, with
high banks opened in 1996. It is located on approximately
70 acres of land. Races are held every Sunday in the
summer, beginning at 7p.m. Races include dwarf, mod-four,
modified super stock and street stock.
Echo Lanes
507-437-8241
1600 10th Dr. SE
www.EchoLanesBowling.com
This newly remodeled 36-lane bowling alley, host several
state associations and local tournaments, features daily
special events, including moonlight, casino and rock
& roll bowling. Game room and food service available.
 Austin
Country Club
28th St. NE
507-433-7736
18-holes/driving range
Cedar River Country Club
18 miles Southeast of Austin Hwy 56
507-582-3595
18-holes/ driving range
Meadow Greens
4th St. NW
507-433-4878
18-holes/driving range
Ramsey Golf Course
6th St. N.E.
507-433-9098
18-holes/driving range
Oaks Golf Course
Hayfield
507-477-3233
18-holes/driving range
Riverside Arena
501 2nd Ave N.E.
507-433-1881
This multi-purpose air-conditioned building features
a 17,000 square-foot sheet of ice from September
through March. Additional uses for the arena include;
basketball, volleyball, banquets, concerts, tradeshows,
reunions, wedding receptions, and circuses. |
Packer Arena
601 N.E. 7th St.
507-4331881
This new arena was opened in the fall of 2002. It
is 17,000 square-feet and features brand new sound
systems and many other wonderful amenities. Arena
is a multipurpose and available for a wide variety
of events. |
Todd Park
11th St. N.E.
507-433-1881
This large complex features a total of 10 ball diamonds
with nine lit softball diamonds and one unlit 14-year
old baseball diamond in two separate locations,
each with its concessions stand. The park also includes
playground equipment, sand volleyball courts, 18-hole
disc golf course and four open pavilions. The complex
also has three regulations size soccer fields. |
Riverland Community College Complex
507-433-0600
Four diamond complex. |
Wescott Field
Community Athletic Facility that includes a state-of-the-art
nine-lane Mondo track, three competition soccer/football
fields, a baseball field and six tennis courts.
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 Jay
C. Hormel Nature Center
1304 21st St. N.E.
507-437-7519 Enjoy viewing wildlife at this 278-acre center that
feature hardwoods, restored prairie, ponds, pine forests
and Dobbins Creek. Nine miles of pea gravel, grassy
trails, as well as a one-third mile paved trail for
the handicapped, enable visitors to reach much of the
facility, including a three-story observation tower.
Canoe rental is available for on-site use. During the
snowy winter months the trails are groomed and tracked
for cross-country skiers. Ski rental are available at
the center seven days a week.
The Nature center's interpretive Building enables visitors
to see the textures of furs, antlers, bones and fungi.
An interactive quiz board encourages individuals to
test their skills at skull flower, animal tracks and
bird identification. Snakes, salamanders, toads and
an indoor bee hive are the living displays inside the
building. Another building on site is the Rudy Reupner
Audititorium, which is available for rental for meetings
or other functions.
Naturalist staff also gives programs that include wild
flower hikes, cider pressing, maple syruping, astronomy
and more.
 An
extensive pedestrian trail system has been created and
is developing in Austin. 3.3 miles of hard surfaced pedestrian
path circle the Mill Pond and the surrounding area.
Another segment of pedestrian paths totals over 2 miles
in length, starting at the Hormel Century Parkway and
finishing at Community Park. Additional trails to the
Nature center and East Side Lake are planned for the
future.
The Shooting Star Wildflower Trail will run between
Ostrander, LeRoy, Taopi Adams and Rose Creek, eventually
connecting in Austin. The first segment opened in 1998
and runs from LeRoy to Lake Louise State Park. Plans
for the Blazing Star Trail, a non-motorized trail in
Albert Lea, to eventually pass through Hayward and into
Austin to hook up with the Shooting Star Trail.
Mower
County has approximately 200 miles of state grant-in-aid
12 foot wide snowmobile trails that are groomed regularly.
These trails connect with more than 800 miles of trails
in Southern Minnesota.
Todd
Park
11th St. N.E.
27-chain basket course located throughout the wooded and
rolling terrain of the park. Course maps are available
at Austin Park and Recreation. No fees.
Driesner South
8th St. S.E.
Rigorous 9-chain basket course. Course maps are available
at Austin Park and Recreation. No fees.
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