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Jay C Hormel Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 558 Google reviews · Running trail in Austin, Minnesota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 9 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Jay C Hormel Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Free expanse of prairie and woodland with hiking trails, an interpretive center and an observation tower.
What runners say about Jay C Hormel Nature Center
“The trails are well kept and the nature center is beautiful with interactive stations.”
“The Hormel Nature Center in Austin, MN, is a beautiful and tranquil destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.”
“Whether you’re walking along the serene shore of Bean Lake or exploring the forested trails, the park provides plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.”
“A great spot to take kids of all ages.”
The Hormel Nature Center in Austin, MN, is a beautiful and tranquil destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts. Spanning over 500 acres, the center offers a diverse range of landscapes, from woodlands to prairies, wetlands, and scenic trails.
Awesome!!!! I was so Happy to find this place, since we were doing a delivery for Hormel. What a treasure, Thank you everyone for your hospitality & answering my questions. I did my personal best here, walked 8 miles I love that you have motorized wheelchair for people in need, enjoy nature also.
Beautiful, beautifully maintained nature preserve with great trails. Nice new info/learning center, as well as an events building. Jay C Hormel Nature Center is a wonderful gift to the community. I've been there more times than I can count. Part of my childhood and my child's as well.
Love this place. Helps me set myself up for rest of the day! Great easy trails. plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the view and wildlife.
Trail conditions & character
“The Hormel Nature Center in Austin, MN, is a beautiful and tranquil destination for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.”
“I did my personal best here, walked 8 miles I love that you have motorized wheelchair for people in need, enjoy nature also.”
“There is a mixture of paved and unpaved paths and a mixture of landscapes.”
“Whether you’re walking along the serene shore of Bean Lake or exploring the forested trails, the park provides plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.”
“I did my personal best here, walked 8 miles I love that you have motorized wheelchair for people in need, enjoy nature also.”
Plan your run at Jay C Hormel Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance9 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitehormelnaturecenter.org
- Phone+1 507-437-7519
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 1–5 pm |
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