Austin Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the southern part of Minnesota, Austin is a charming city that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a vibrant community. Nestled in the heart of Mower County, this destination is known for its welcoming atmosphere and plethora of outdoor activities.

One of the city's highlights is the beautiful Austin ArtWorks Center, a hub for local artists and a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The center features a gallery showcasing various exhibitions, workshops, and events throughout the year. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local art scene and even purchase unique pieces to take home as a memento of their trip.

For those who appreciate the great outdoors, Austin boasts an abundance of parks and recreational areas. The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is a popular spot for nature lovers, with its extensive trail system that winds through forests, wetlands, and prairies. It's a haven for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Austin as well. The Hormel Historic Home, a magnificent Victorian mansion, offers guided tours that delve into the city's rich past. Visitors can learn about the Hormel family's influence on the community and gain insights into Austin's industrial heritage.

Food lovers will be delighted by Austin's diverse dining scene. From classic American fare to international cuisines, there's something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the chance to savor the city's famous SPAM Museum, where you can learn about the history and cultural impact of this iconic canned meat product.

In addition to its local attractions, Austin also serves as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of southeastern Minnesota. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the scenic Root River Trail, a 60-mile-long trail that winds through picturesque valleys, charming small towns, and breathtaking countryside.

Alternative names: Established: 1853 (171 years ago)Population: 24.6 thous.Area: 12.65 mi²Elevation: 1201 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 43°40'11"N, 92°58'30"W

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MinnesotaUnited States

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Austin Top Attractions

Austin Attractions - What to See and Explore

Austin offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: SPAM Museum, East Side Lake, St. Augustine's Church, Hormel Historic Home. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
SPAM Museum
The Spam Museum is an admission-free museum in Austin, Minnesota, dedicated to Spam, a brand of canned precooked meat products made by Hormel Foods Corporation. The museum tells the history of the Hormel company, the origin of Spam, and its place in world culture.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
East Side Lake
East Side Lake is a 40 acres reservoir in Austin, Minnesota in western Mower County, which is in the southeast part of the state. It is one of two man-made lakes in Mower County, which is one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. The majority of the lake is only 5–6 feet deep.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Augustine's Church
St. Augustine's Church is a Roman Catholic church in Austin, Minnesota, United States, located in the Diocese of Winona. Completed in 1896, both the interior and exterior have been well-preserved, showcasing a distinct Gothic Revival architecture style. The large sanctuary can accommodate more than 600 people.

Museum • Event space • History museum
Hormel Historic Home
The Hormel Historic Home, also known the Cook-Hormel House or simply The Hormel Home, is a historic Italianate style home with Classical Revival facade located in Austin, Minnesota. The home was built in 1871 and was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theatre is located at 125 4th Avenue NE, Austin in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The theater was built by Wagner Construction as an atmospheric theatre in 1929 to great fanfare, being the by first movie palace in Austin accommodating 914 seats with a small stage and orchestra pit.
Park
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is a municipal nature preserve on the north-eastern corner of Austin, Minnesota, comprising more than 500 acres of restored and remnant prairie, hardwood forest, wetlands and meandering streams.
Library
Austin Public Library
The Austin Public Library is a public library in Austin, Minnesota. It is a member of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating, the SE Minnesota library region.
43°40'43"N • 92°56'19"W
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Nature and wildlife • Trail • Park
43°40'4"N • 92°58'26"W
The Arc Mower County
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Day trips

Austin – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Austin, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Rochester Public Library (Rochester), Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Rochester), Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo (Byron).

35 milesNE
Library
Rochester Public Library, Rochester
The Rochester Public Library is a library in Rochester, Minnesota. It is a member of Southeastern Libraries Cooperating, the southeast Minnesota library region. It is the largest public library in an 11-county consortium.
35 milesNE
Church, Modernist architecture
Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Rochester
The Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is a cathedral of the Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. It is the co-cathedral and a parish church of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester.
33 milesNE
Nature park and a zoo with native animals
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo, Byron
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo are a campground and zoo located in Olmsted County, Minnesota north of the city of Byron, and about 4.5 miles west of Rochester. It houses over 30 species of animals, most of which have injuries that would prevent them from surviving in the wild. All of the animals are native to Minnesota.
36 milesNE
Body of water, Park, Lake
Silver Lake, Rochester
Silver Lake is a small, freshwater reservoir in Southeastern Minnesota.
35 milesNE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Rochester Art Center, Rochester
The Rochester Art Center is a contemporary arts center in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. The Center offers exhibitions of local, national and international art, as well as tours, classes, and workshops.

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Best Time To Visit Austin

Learn when is the best time to travel to Austin weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June, August and December.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Austin?

The top attractions to visit in Austin are:

What is the best time to visit Austin?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June, August and December. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.