Location: Austin
Top Things to do in Austin
Countries
What to do and see in Austin, Minnesota (MN): The Best Free Things to do
Austin is a city in Mower County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 24,718 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Mower County. The town was originally settled along the Cedar River and it has two artificial lakes called East Side Lake and Mill Pond. The town was named for Austin R. Nichols, the first settler in the area.
Restaurants in Austin
1. Sweet Reads
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By dailyvault - Gurnee, United States
After stopping at the Spam museum, I happened to notice there was a bookstore across the street, and even though other people in our group weren't immediately keen on going in, I insisted we at least give it a quick look. Are we glad we did! If you walk in thinking you're going to find a selection like what Borders used to have, you're going to be disappointed. But, if you go in just to see what kind of treasures will jump out at you that you forgot you ever wanted to own or read, then Sweet Reads is the perfect store for you. The woman who was behind the counter - who I'm guessing was the owner - was extremely friendly and helpful, describing everything we could find and how to determine the prices. She also pointed out the Berenstain Bears museum at the back of the store, which brought my fiancee and myself back to our childhoods with some of the items in the collection. The biggest selling point for Sweet Reads is that, when you buy a book from them, they don't simply put it in a plastic bag and hand it to you. No, the two books we purchased were individually wrapped in brown paper, sealed, and tied up with ribbon. It was like we were being handed gifts; these are the simple, unexpected touches which make a person want to continue to go back to a business. I don't know the next time we will be in the Minneapolis area, but I can guarantee that as long as Sweet Reads is open, it will be on our "must stop there" list of things to do!
2. Spam Museum and Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 656 reviews
This 14,000 square foot museum features 9 SPAMtastic galleries with interactive games and photo opportunities. Admission is free to all visitors.
Reviewed By Y3191UJbks - Rochester, United States
While I boast that this was a free activity, I would pay to walk through this museum. My partner and I did our own self guided tour (they do offer free tours with SPAMbassadors) and learned a lot about the history of Hormel from the war to the different delicacies made in different countries with SPAM. The gift shop is really cool, we purchased the SPAM variety pack so we can try them all. Went on a weekday so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. They also have many kids activities if you need somewhere inside for the kiddos to play.
3. Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Home to over 10 miles of hiking trails that take visitors through over 500 acres of prairies, wetlands and forests. An observation tower provides a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding preserve. The Interpretative Center offers a variety of displays, hands on exhibits and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Live educational animals allow visitors to get up close to some exciting native species. The Childhood Room features a library, puzzles, games and a great view of the bird feeders. The Jay C Hormel Nature Center offers ski and snow shoe rental in the winter, kayak and canoe rental in the summer and many special events year-round.
Reviewed By AquatenniiaT - Combined Locks, United States
This nature center had good trails, and we arrived at the height of butterfly season! We also saw a weasel as we hiked toward the observation tower.
4. St. Augustine's Catholic Church
5. Austin ArtWorks Center
6. Buffy The Cow
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By bjanavice - Brevard, United States
If you go to the SPAM museum then definately take a side trip to take a picture of the cow. She is huge and only like a mile from the SPAM museum.
