THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTIN CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 301 NORTH MAIN STREET, SUITE 101 • AUSTIN, MINNESOTA • 507-437-4563 • WWW.AUSTINMN.COM
We truly are proud of our town, and want you to find out what makes it special in so many ways. Take your time visiting and enjoying our attractions, relish the varied tasty offerings in our many restaurants, relax and appreciate the great music, theatre and art that abounds here – explore and experience these and all the other pieces that make up our community. Looked at from any perspective, Austin has an astonishing amount to offer. We think you will be surprised and more than satisfied at what you see and do. Be sure to stop by the Discover Austin, Minnesota office at 301 N Main Street, Suite 101 for additional information and assistance.
TABLE OF CONTENTS AUSTIN STATS
Established 1853, incorporated 1856 County Seat of Mower County Area: 11.9 square miles (11.79 square miles land, .11 square miles water)
Population: 24,563 (2015 est) or 24,718 (2010 census) Average temperature: 44.1° F Hottest month: July Average high temperature: 53.8° F Coldest month: January Average low temperature: 34.4° F Average annual precipitation: 34.52 inches Average annual snowfall: 38.7 inches Elevation: 1,184 ft (360 m) Longitude: -92.9739, Latitude: 43.6542
2.......WELCOME TO AUSTIN, MINNESOTA 3.......CONTACT DISCOVER AUSTIN, MINNESOTA 4.......2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6.......PLACES TO STAY 8.......DELIGHTFUL DINING 10.....EXPLORE • COMMON CHORDS • BIKING • CHERT HAPPENS • PARKS & TRAILS • ROLLING REC • SWEET READS 16.....CITY OF AUSTIN MAP 23.....COMMUNITY • THE HORMEL INSTITUTE 24.....THEATRE 25.....DAY GETAWAY 26.....HOST YOUR GATHERING IN AUSTIN 27.....SEASONAL SPORTING FACILITIES 28.....GROUP TOURS 30.....COME WORSHIP WITH US • WEDDING CHECKLIST
2 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau staff is proud to promote tourism for the Austin Area to enhance the economy of the community. We think of ourselves as colleagues to the meeting planners (just located in a satellite CVB office). Our knowledge of the local area and partnership with local vendors can easily create success for everybody, working together for the same goal. Plus we prepare the proposals for FREE! If you have a tournament, reunion, convention, meeting or gathering of any type coming to Austin and would like to distribute welcome bags to the participants, the Austin CVB can provide them for FREE.
Contact us at visitor@austinmn.com or call 507-437-4563
Pictured left to right: Lyna Chidester, Tourism Staff, Nancy Schnable, Executive Director, and Eileen Chao, Office Staff
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 3
2020 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JANUARY 4. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 10. . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – Emily Lavalier & Cora Feist, and Cynder Higgins, Austin ArtWorks Center 10. . . . .Austin Bruins vs St. Cloud Blizzard, Riverside Arena 11. . . . .VEX Robotics, Austin High School 17-18 . .Austin Bruins vs Minot Minotauros, Riverside Arena 24. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center 24-26 . .AYH Tyler Brady Pee Wee A, B, C Tournament, Riverside Arena 25. . . . .PTTP Fishing for a Cure, East Side Lake 26. . . . .Wedding and Event Showcase, Hormel Historic Home 28. . . . .Chicken Dumpling Soup/Chili Fundraiser, Mower County Senior Center 31. . . . .AYH Bantam A, B Tournament, Riverside Arena
FEBRUARY 1. . . . . .Plunging for Pink, East Side Lake 1. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 1-2 . . . .AYH Bantam A, B Tournament, Riverside Arena 2. . . . . .Super Bowl Archery Shoot, Cedar River Archery Club 7. . . . . .Austin Bruins vs St. Cloud Blizzard, Riverside Arena 6-9 . . . .Calico Hutch Quilting Retreat, Holiday Inn Conference Center 7-9 . . . .Pecos Bill and Slue-Foot Sue Meet the Dirty Dan Gang (Matchbox Children’s Theatre), Historic Paramount Theatre 8. . . . . .Paint the Rink Pink – Austin Bruins vs St. Cloud Blizzard, Riverside Arena 9. . . . . .Smashin’ for Cancer Demo Derby, Mower County Fairgrounds 14. . . . .For the Love of Austin Fundraiser, Holiday Inn 14-15 . .Austin Bruins vs Bismarck Bobcats, Riverside Arena 15. . . . .Her Crooked Heart, Historic Paramount Theatre 15. . . . .Foodie Throwdown, Hormel Historic Home 22-23 . .Paul LeDuc’s Endangered Animals Art Show, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 23. . . . .ASO – Beethoven’s Birthday, St. Olaf Lutheran Church 26-29 . .The Importance of Being Earnest, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland
28. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center 28-29 . .Austin Bruins vs Bismarck Bobcats, Riverside Arena
MARCH 1. . . . . .The Importance of Being Earnest, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 4. . . . . .Austin Artist Series – The Hall Sisters, Knowlton Auditorium, AHS 5. . . . . .First Thursday Events – Beer Here!, SPAM® Museum 6-7 . . . .Austin Bruins vs Chippewa Steel, Riverside Arena 7. . . . . .MMA Cage Fights, Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center 7. . . . . .Harris Music Contest, Hormel Historic Home/Historic Paramount 7. . . . . .Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 7. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 13-14 . .Austin Bruins vs Minot Minotauros, Riverside Arena 20. . . . .James Sewell Ballet, Historic Paramount Theatre 21. . . . .Sola Fide Observatory Viewing 25. . . . .Austin Bruins vs St. Cloud Blizzard, Riverside Arena 26-31 . .Calico Hutch Quilting Retreat, Holiday Inn Conference Center 27. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center
APRIL 1-6 . . . .Calico Hutch Quilting Retreat, Holiday Inn Conference Center 3. . . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – Youth Show, Austin ArtWorks Center 3-4 . . . .Austin Bruins vs Bismarck Bobcats, Riverside Arena 3-5 . . . .The Magician’s Nephew (Matchbox Children’s Theatre), Historic Paramount Theatre 4. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 4-5 . . . .Rodgers and Hammerstein (Northwestern Singers Concert), Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 17. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center 19. . . . .ASO – Chang and Brahms, Knowlton Auditorium, AHS 20-24 . .Common Chords – MN Orchestra programs around Austin
4 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
23. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 23-25 . .As You Like It, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 25. . . . .2020 Taste of Nations, Packer Arena 26. . . . .10th Annual Taste of Mower County, Holiday Inn Conference Center 27. . . . .Austin Artist Series – Brass Alliance, Knowlton Auditorium, AHS 28-30 . .MAHLM Conference, Holiday Inn Conference Center 30. . . . .As You Like It, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland
MAY 1-2 . . . .As You Like It, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 2. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 2-3 . . . .3D Archery Shoot, Cedar River Archery Club 15-17 . .Austi-Con V, Holiday Inn Conference Center 16. . . . .American Legion First District Convention, AL Post 91 22. . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – AAA Staff Show, Austin ArtWorks Center 28. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 29. . . . .MN Region 7 SWAP, Holiday Inn Conference Center 29. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center
JUNE 4. . . . . .First Thursday Events – Annual Car Show, SPAM® Museum 10. . . . .Austin Community Band Concert in the Park, Bandshell Community Park 17. . . . .Austin Community Band Concert in the Park, Bandshell Community Park 18-21 . .Mary Poppins, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 18. . . . .Jammin’ @ the Mansion, Hormel Historic Home 19. . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – Melinda Wolff & Flor Soto, Austin ArtWorks Center 20. . . . .2020 Shooting Star Bike Ride 20. . . . .Open House/Seminar, The Hormel Institute 20-21 . .3D Archery Shoot, Cedar River Archery Club 24. . . . .Austin Community Band Concert in the Park, Bandshell Community Park 25. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society
25-28 . .Mary Poppins, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 29. . . . .ArtRocks Open Jam Session, Austin ArtWorks Center 29. . . . .Music @ the Mansion – Terra and Guitara, Hormel Historic Home
JULY 4. . . . . .Independence Day Parade, downtown Austin 11-12 . .3D Archery Shoot, Cedar River Archery Club 16. . . . .Jammin’ @ the Mansion date, Hormel Historic Home 21. . . . .2020 Ag Appreciation Dinner, Mower County Fairgrounds 23. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 23-26 . .We Will Rock You, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 30. . . . .We Will Rock You, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland
AUGUST 1. . . . . .Annual Youth Archery Day, Cedar River Archery Club 1-2 . . . .We Will Rock You, Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland 6. . . . . .First Thursday Events – Luau, SPAM® Museum 11-16 . .Mower County Free Fair, Mower County Fairgrounds 15. . . . .River Rats Car Show, Lafayette Park.
15-16 . .Traditional Only Archery Shoot, Cedar River Archery Club 20. . . . .Jammin’ @ the Mansion, Hormel Historic Home 27. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 28-20 . .9th Annual Austin ArtWorks Festival, Downtown Austin
SEPTEMBER 11. . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – Lori Biwer-Stewart & Tamara Schneider, Austin ArtWorks Center 12-13 . .Sure Shot Archery Challenge, Cedar River Archery Club 12-15 . .74th Annual National Barrow Show, Mower County Fairgrounds 24. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 26. . . . .Fall Harvest Celebration, Mower County Historical Society
OCTOBER 3. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 9-10 . . .Vintage and Antique Sale, Mower County Historical Society 22. . . . .History Happy Hour, Mower County Historical Society 31. . . . .MN Softball Hall of Fame Banquet, Holiday Inn Conference Center
NOVEMBER 7. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 5-16 . . .Calico Hutch Quilting Retreat, Holiday Inn Conference Center 6. . . . . .2nd Floor Gallery Opening – All Members Show, Austin Artworks Center 20. . . . .Hormel Historic Home Holiday Tea, Hormel Historic Home 21. . . . .Soup with Santa and Open House, Hormel Historic Home 27. . . . .Christmas in the City, downtown Austin
DECEMBER 1. . . . . .Christmas in the City, NW 3. . . . . .First Thursday Events – SPAMtastic™ Holidays, SPAM® Museum 3. . . . . .Christmas in the City, SW 7. . . . . .Christmas in the City, East 5. . . . . .Masonic All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast, Masonic Lodge 5. . . . . .Merry TubaChristmas Concert, Historic Paramount Theatre 11-12 . .Christmas in the County, Mower County Historical Society
For the most current and complete information, Sign up for our “What’s Happening in Austin” newsletter or go to www.AustinMN.com
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 5
PLACES TO STAY
HOTELS AmericInn Lodge and Suites 1700 8th St NW, Austin, MN (Exit 178A) www.americinn.com 507-437-7337
Cobblestone Hotel and Suites 1000 16th Ave NW, Austin, MN (Exit 178A) www.staycobblestone.com/mn/austin (888) 693-8262
Days Inn 700 16th Ave NW, Austin, MN (Exit 178A) www.daysinnaustin.com 507-433-8600
Rodeway Inn and Suites 805 21st St NE, Austin, MN (Exit 180B) www.rodewayinn.com 507-433-9254
Sterling Motel 1507 Oakland Ave W, Austin, MN (Exit 177) 507-433-1858
Super 8 1401 14th St NW , Austin, MN (Exit 177) www.Super8.com 507-433-1801
Adventure Bound Camping at Beaver Trails
The Elam House Frank Lloyd Wright Home
21943 630th Ave, Austin, MN 507-607-0620 www.abcamping.com/beavertrails
309 21st St SW, Austin, MN 507-438-9503 www.theelamhouse.com
Austin KOA
Jessie’s House
84259 County Road 46 Hayward, MN 56043 507-373-5170 www.koa.com
27030 Hwy 56, Brownsdale, MN 507-396-4705 www.jessiesguesthouse.com
Brookside Campground 52482 320th St, Blooming Prairie, MN 507-583-2979 www.campatbrookside.com
12385 766th Ave, Le Roy, MN 507-352-5111 www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_louise
1701 4th St NW, Austin, MN (Exit 178A) www.hiaustin.com 507-433-1000
3303 W Oakland Ave, Austin, MN (Exit 175) 507-437-7774
GUEST HOUSE
Lake Louise State Park
Holiday Inn and Conference Center
Red Carpet Inn
CAMPING
Oakwoods Trails Campground
DID YOU KNOW? Austin, Minnesota has OVER 400 hotel guest rooms.
23614 890th Ave, Austin, MN 507-437-6165 www.Oakwoodstrails.com
River Bend Campground 13380 State Hwy 105, Austin, MN 507-325-4637
6 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Jim’s Farm House 27241 Hwy 56, Brownsdale, MN 507-396-4705
Josie’s House 27084 Hwy 56, Brownsdale, MN 507-396-4705 www.josiesguesthouse.com
Rose Pedaler Log Cabin 16931 Hwy 56, Rose Creek, MN 507-434-0500 www.rosepedaler.com
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 7
DELIGHTFUL DINING
Restaurants in Austin, MN are known for their award winning BBQ sauces, French onion soup, raspberry French toast, super spuds, Bloody Mary’s, caramel bars, food challenges and MORE! We invite you to come and sample for yourself.
AMERICAN
BAR & GRILL
Applebee’s
American Legion Post 91
www.applebees.com 1401 18th Ave NW 507-433-4240
Barley’s Family Restaurant * 1207 N Main St 507-396-8400
Johnny’s Skillet * 107 11th Ave NE 507-433-8875
Kenny’s Oak Grill * www.kennysoakgrill.com 307 Oakland Ave W 507-437-4135
Perkins * www.perkinsaustin.com 701 17th Ave NW 507-433-6720
Piggy Blues Bar-B-Que * www.piggybluesbbq.com 323 N Main St 507-434-8485
Sterling Café * 1426 1st Ave SW, Ste 3 507-433-6000
The Old Mill * www.oldmill.net 54446 244th St 507-437-2076
The TenderMaid 217 4th Ave NE 507-437-7907
www.austinpost91.com 809 12th St SW 507-437-1151
B & J Bar and Grill *
The Windrift Lounge www.thewindriftlounge.com 2511 11th St NE 507-437-7132
VFW Post 1216 300 4th Ave NE 507-433-6039
www.bobeejos.com 435 10th St NE 507-437-7897
BAKERY, COFFEE SHOPS & SMOOTHIES
Dusty’s Bar & Lounge
Caribou Coffee
www.bandjbarandgrill.com 114 4th Ave NE 507-433-9830
Bobee Jo’s Bar
422 N Main St 507-396-8446
Eagle’s Aerie 703
www.cariboucoffee.com 1001 18th Ave NW 507-433-1063
BREWERY Angry Hog Brewery www.angryhogbrewery.com 500 23rd Ave NW 507-407-6718
Gravity Storm Brewery www.gravitystormbrewery.com 309 N Main St 507-396-8808
ETHNIC Alicia Bakery & Restaurant 1017 2nd Ave NE 507-437-4860
Bella Victoria www.bellavictoria.com 1801 14th St SW 507-396-8800
107 11th St NE 507-433-8675
Coffee House on Main *
Hoot and Ole’s Tavern
www.coffeehouseonmain.com 329 N Main St 507-433-1200
www.chinastarbuffetaustin.com 1906 8th St NW 507-355-5888
Munch Ice Cream & Snack Lab
El Mariachi
105 11th St SE 507-434-7102
The Bakery II Lounge 113 2nd Ave NE 507-438-6978
Torge’s Live * www.torgeslive.com 1701 4th St NW 507-433-1000
227 N Main St 507-434-5975
The Bistro
El Patron Mexican Grill
RAVE Twister Lounge & Echo Lanes
310 N Main St 507-402-4313
www.echolanesaustin.com 1600 10th Dr SE 507-437-8241
SuperFresh
Japan Panda * www.japan-panda.com 100 14th St SW 507-437-0033
Maya Taqueria/ Restaurante 501 Oakland Ave W 507-396-8081
Tienda y Taqueria Guerrero 301 4th Ave NE 507-437-4106
Top Noodle 501 1st Ave NW 507-355-2267
1910 Fresh Mexican Kitchen 507 1st St NW 507-396-8688
China Star
803 18th Ave NW
1701 4th St NW 507-433-1000
* SPAM® is served at 14 restaurants.
www.elpatronmexicangrill.com 1906 8th St NW, Ste F 507-355-2045
El Sueno 1401 18th Ave NW 507-433-7843
2101 4th St NW 507-437-6554
8 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Austin, Minnesota: The town in Minnesota that has the BEST MEXICAN FOOD EVER! According to Only In Your State, July 2017
THE TENDERMAID CHALLENGE The Tendermaid Challenge started almost 20 years ago. The current record is held by Molly Schuyler who consumed 30 burgers, 80 ounces of water, a bag of chips and a malt in 26 minutes on 7/21/16. To beat the record you must eat at least one more burger than the previous record holder and eat or drink everything else they consumed in 30 minutes or less. Dare you to try the Tendermaid Challenge in Austin, Minnesota!!!
FAST FOOD Arby’s www.arbys.com 1305 18th Ave NW 507-433-2722
Burger King www.bk.com 1409 4th St NW 507-433-1505
Culver’s * www.culvers.com 1800 8th St NW 507-434-0100
Dairy Queen www.dairyqueen.com 1200 Oakland Ave W 507-433-1369
Grinder’s Deli 604 3rd Ave NW 507-433-6806
Hardee’s www.hardees.com 1406 4th St NW 507-396-8470
Jimmy John’s www.jimmyjohns.com 803 18th Ave NW, Ste A 507-396-8300
PIZZA McDonald’s (2 locations) www.mcdonalds.com 1009 Oakland Ave W 507-433-6030
Domino’s Pizza www.dominos.com 106 S Main St 507-437-3030
George’s Pizza
1402 14th St NW 507-434-7810
209 N Main St 507-437-7766
Subway (2 locations)
Godfather’s Pizza
www.subway.com 910 Oakland Ave W 507-433-8785
www.godfathers.com 500 Oakland Ave W 507-437-8269
1309 4th St NW 507-433-1633
Papa Murphy’s
Taco John’s www.tacojohns.com 308 Oakland Ave W 507-433-3870
www.papamurphys.com 402 1st Ave SW #1 507-433-3333
Pizza Hut Wing Street www.pizzahut.com 1004 18th Ave NW, Ste E 507-433-0333
Pizza Ranch * www.pizzaranch.com 1300 18th Ave NW 507-396-2677
Steve’s Pizza * www.pizzaaustinmn.com 421 N Main St 507-437-3249
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 9
EXPLORE
AGRICULTURE
ARTS
BASKETBALL
Ethanol Plants
Austin ArtWorks Center
Austin Youth Basketball
Mower County 507-437-4563 Ethanol production, creating a cost-effective and renewable alternate fuel, is becoming a significant industry in southern Minnesota. Processing corn products instead of exporting raw corn doubles the value of each bushel. There are 3 Ethanol Plants within 45 minutes of the Austin Community. Group tours of 10 or more can be pre-arranged.
300 N Main St 507-434-0934 / www.austinareaarts.org Enjoy an art gallery and classrooms on the second floor, studio and clay cavern complete with wheels and kiln in the basement, and a retail section that features lots of unique and beautiful items on the main floor. The ArtWorks Center hosts classes and activities throughout the year for all ages and skill levels, as well as book signings, concerts, jam sessions and more; and is open to groups looking for meeting space or special craft sessions.
www.austinyouthbasketball.org
Wind Farms Mower County 507-437-4563 The Austin area is well-known for being a major player in the Wind Industry. There are multiple wind farms in the county and over 350 wind turbines total. Visit a farm and learn why wind power is currently the fastest growing source of electricity production in the world.
ASTRONOMY
ANTIQUES
BASEBALL
Olde Tyme Antiques
Austin All Stars Baseball
50422 262nd St 507-437-3343 / www.oldetymeantiques.com
Twice is Nice 417 N Main St 507-433-5353
ARCHERY
Sola Fide Observatory 180th St, 5 miles south of Austin 507-437-7519 www.hormelnaturecenter.org/sola-fide-observatory
www.austinallstarsbaseball.com
Austin Greyhounds 901 S Main St (Marcusen Park) www.austingreyhoundsbaseball.com
Austin Youth Baseball 507-433-1649
Cedar River Archery Club 54691 270th St 507-438-7619 / www.cedarriverarchery.com For 3D public shoot dates go to www.facebook.com/ CedarRiverArcheryClub. • February 2 – Super Bowl Archery Shoot • May 2-3 – 3D Archery Shoot • June 20-21 – 3D Archery Shoot • July 11-12 – 3D Archery Shoot • August 1 – Annual Youth Archery Day • August 15-16 – Traditional Only Archery Shoot • Sept 12-13 – Sure Shot Archery Challenge
Outdoor Basketball Courts 507-433-1881 / www.austin.ci.mn.us Riverside Arena Parking....... 501 2nd Ave NE Rotary Centennial Park........ South Main and 8th Ave SE Sherman Park ..................... 14th St and 6th Ave NW South Grove Park ................ 21st Ave and 4th Dr SW Orchard Creek (1/2 Court)... 16th Ave SW Murphy Creek (1/2 Court) ... 7th St and 24th Ave NW
BIRDING Austin Audubon Society 1903 5th Ave NW 507-433-9387 The Austin area is one of the few places where Oak Savanna, an important wildlife habitat for sustaining many kinds of birds, can still be seen. Birding areas include the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Taopi Native Prairie area, and Lake Louise State Park. Also, be sure to check out the 2 Scientific and Natural Areas: Shooting Star Prairie and Wild Indigo Prairie.
CANOEING / KAYAKING Canoes and kayaks are a great way to view and enjoy the scenic Cedar River State Water Trail and area wildlife. Launch in the Cedar River and enjoy miles of beautiful scenery.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center – Canoe and Kayak Rental 1304 21st St NE 507-437-7519 / www.hormelnaturecenter.org
DID YOU KNOW?
Picturesque and historic Marcusen Park has been creating community and family memories for 70 years. Not only notable for being the home field for Austin’s town ball teams, it has witnessed a legendary home run hit by the Twin’s Kent Hrbek and games played by fellow MLB players Paul Molitor, Dave Winfield, and Austin’s own Mike Wuertz. It is also the first Minnesota community field with LED lighting.
10 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Public launch sites: Driesner Park ............. 8th St SE Ramsey Dam .............. 3504 11th Pl NE Marcusen Park ........... 901 S Main St Mill Pond ................... 600 N Main St East Side Lake ............ 8th Ave and Oakland Pl NE Riverwood Landing .... intersection of 180th St and 536th Ave, 5 miles south of Austin
COMMON CHORDS: Minnesota Orchestra to perform in Austin Austin is excited to announce that the Minnesota Orchestra will be coming to town as part of their Common Chords project, a multi-year endeavor that establishes partnerships between the Orchestra and Greater Minnesota cities, each culminating in its own unique residency. The Austin residency marks the ensemble’s first visit to Austin since the 1970s, and will feature Minnesota Orchestra musicians performing at more than a dozen events in and around the city from April 20 to 25, 2020. All Common Chords residency events are being organized by a steering committee of Austin residents chaired by Bonnie Rietz, representing a broad cross-section of the community, with assistance from Orchestra staff. A complete schedule of Minnesota Orchestra musician activities will involve visits to schools, businesses, and civic and cultural organizations. In the culmination of the week’s events, the Minnesota Orchestra, led by Associate Conductor Akiko Fujimoto, will perform a special program for area students on Friday, Apr 24 at 1 pm in Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School, in addition to the full-Orchestra community performance at 7 pm on April 25, also in Knowlton Auditorium. For information about tickets for the April 25 evening performance, please call 507-437-4563.
The Minnesota Orchestra, which was founded in 1903, makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, the Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra is recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras, presenting nearly 175 concerts in a typical season. It is heard live by some 300,000 people each year, including thousands of students who attend Young People’s Concerts each year. The Orchestra has toured regionally, nationally and internationally, earning rave reviews in music capitals around the world, and is heard on radio stations across the country on award-winning broadcasts produced by Minnesota Public Radio and distributed nationally and internationally. It has received many awards for adventurous programming and much acclaim for its vast collection of recordings, which date back to the 1920s. In 2014, the Orchestra earned its first Grammy Award for a recording of two Sibelius symphonies. It was most recently nominated for a 2018 Grammy for its recording of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. The Minnesota Orchestra first performed in Austin in 1947 with its fourth Music Director Dmitri Mitropoulos conducting. It subsequently returned for more than a dozen visits through the years, but the most recent of these was nearly 50 years ago. The Common Chords project is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Providing Austin with best-in-class higher education since 1940.
A member of Minnesota State | riverland.edu
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 11
SCHINDLER WAY
BIKING
WELCOME TO
SCHINDLER’S WAY
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
An asphalt trail laid mostly on top of abandoned railway. Bike-friendly for all ages and abilities. New expansion connects the trail to the Austin city bike trails, for a total of over 40 miles. Shooting Star Trail Ride will be June 20, 2020.
MTB trails — USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
North Loop 0.65 mi
Ride to your ability, control your bicycle. Wear protective gear. Ride on open trails only. Trail will be closed if too wet. Ride through puddles, not around them. Obey signs and warnings. Keep to trail. Always yield trail. Stop at trail crossings.
Ridge 0.74 mi
Leave no trace.
Prairie 0.72 mi
No motorized vehicles. No hiking. No dogs. Report hazardous trail conditions to Austin Park & Rec at 507-433-1881.
MOWER
16 COUNTY
Cedar Side 0.86 mi
Be safety conscious; it’s your responsibility. You assume the risk of injury that may occur when using the bike trail.
Austin City Trails
Cedar Side 0.86 mi Future Trail North Loop 0.65 mi Paved Bike Trail Prairie 0.72 mi Ridge 0.74 mi South Way 0.96 mi Easier Difficult Ride Direction
READ THIS INFORMATION
. . . . . . . . . . .
Shooting Star Trail
LEGEND Future Trail
P Paved Bike Trail
507-433-1881 Austin is becoming a well-known destination for biking enthusiasts. We offer over 13 miles of hard surfaced trails that connect you to many locations in the city.
South Way 0.96 mi
Rydjor Bike Museum 219 N Main St 507-433-7571 / www.rydjor.com View the history of bicycles displayed on the 16-foot walls inside the shop. Each of the 84 bicycles has its own story, beginning with the 1868 “Boneshaker” and including one of the late Robin Williams’ bikes. View the evolution of bicycles up to the most current styles.
DID YOU KNOW?
Austin, Minnesota has been awarded Honorable Mention for being a SHOOTING STATE Bike Friendly Community fromSTAR the League of American Bicyclist. See the Austin City Bike Trail Map on pages 16 & 17 BIKE TRAIL
57 ¬ «
56 " )
SHOOTING STAR BIKE TRAIL 2 ¬ «
·
7 ¬ «
16 ¬ «
Brownsdale
Dexter 250 ST
¬ « 16
56 " )
570 AVE
600 AVE
90 ¦ ¨ §
Austin Airport
205 ST
3 ¬ «
EXIT 189
Elkton
0
16 " )
Miles 2
1
3 ¬ «
19 ¬ «
14 ¬ « 9 ¬ «
¬ « 640 AVE
190 ST
180 ST
160 ST
19 ¬ «
620 AVE
770 AVE
8 ¬ «
Adams to Taopi - 4 miles Taopi
I A¬ « *Æ I I 9
18
Taopi to
140 ST
130 ST
125 ST
17 ¬ «
54 ¬ « STATE LINE RD
12 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
9 ¬ «
115 ST
730 AVE
720 AVE
710 AVE
700 AVE
690 AVE
680 AVE
670 AVE
660 AVE
640 AVE
6 ¬ «
53 ¬ «
30
120 ST
110 ST
Lake Louise 14 ¬ « State Park
I A ¬ *Æ I Q « I I AÆ
722 AVE
7 ¬ «
650 AVE
630 AVE
5 ¬ «
120 ST
11 ¬ «
11 ¬ « Leroy - 9.4 miles
56 " )
130 ST
6 ¬ «
750 AVE 155 ST
150 ST
Adams
I A *Æ I I¬ «
7 ¬ «
140 ST
160 ST
9 ¬ «
665 AVE
150 ST
150 ST
610 AVE
600 AVE
22 ¬ «
7 ¬ «
755 AVE
56 " )
155 ST
780 AVE
4 ¬ «
170 ST
Rose to Adams- 6.4 miles
720 AVE
HW Y5 6
710 AVE
4 ¬ « AT E
700 AVE
ST
675 AVE
19
660 AVE
I Q¬ AÆ «
740 AVE
Rose Creek
4 ¬ « 590 AVE
175 ST
650 AVE
180 ST
160 ST
Lyle
63 £ ¤
55 ¬ «
200 ST
Creek - 9 miles
185 ST
575 AVE
8
13 ¬ «
630 AVE
28 ¬ «
55
13 ¬ «
EXIT 187
56 Austin to Rose " ) 195 ST
570 AVE
218 £ ¤
58 ¬ «
20 ¬ «
EXIT 183
215 ST
I A I Æ * I Q Æ
Finished Trail Future Trail Parking Grand Meadow Picnic¬ «Area ¬ « Restroom Camping/Lodging
620 AVE
¬ «
58 ¬ «
7 ¬ «
19 ¬ «
220 ST
46 ¬ «
ÆI Q A *Æ I I ¬ «9
230 ST
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Austin
45
24 ¬ «
610 AVE
235 ST
61 ¬ «
240 ST
580 AVE
555 AVE
16 ¬ «
16 " )
245 ST
16 ¬ «
LEGEND
2 ¬ «
260 ST
765 AVE
270 ST
LeRoy
110 ST
755 AVE
To Lansing
I A 12 ¬ «
BIKE MS: Ride Across Minnesota 2020
Founded in 1990 out of the recognition that cycling is Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota, is a five-day bicycle one of the most popular recreational activities in the Unittour coordinated by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society ed States, Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota has attracted with cyclists traveling hundreds of miles across the state thousands of participants over the to raise awareness and funds to help years and allows participants to test cure multiple sclerosis (MS). The 31st their endurance while helping make annual Ride Across Minnesota will a difference. In 2019, Ride Across take place July 26-31, 2020, and will Minnesota cyclists raised more than take cyclists through the city of Aus$575,000 to fund MS research and tin, MN, which hasn’t occurred since support programs and services that 2011! The event is expected to bring help people and families affected by together more than 400 participants MS live their best lives. Even more, accompanied by a few hundred volBike MS: Ride Across Minnesota has unteers, friends and family members raised an estimated $20 million over to cheer on those pedaling for a cause. the last 30 years. Multiple sclerosis is an unpreThe first medication to treat MS dictable, often disabling disease of was not introduced until 1993. But the central nervous system, with no known cure. Symptoms vary from Long-time participant and Austin resident, Mary, has thanks to research, there are now 17 ridden in all 30 Bike MS: Ride Across MN rides, and different medications available, inperson to person and range from helped raise nearly $25,000. cluding oral medications released in numbness and tingling, to mobility 2010, so events like this really make a difference. To learn challenges, blindness and paralysis. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States, and it affects wom- more or register to join Bike MS: Ride Across Minnesota, visit Bike MS.org. en three times more than men.
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 13
MORE TO EXPLORE
DISK GOLF Driesner Park South Oakland PL SE 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us 18 chain-basket course.
Todd Park 11th St NE 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us 27 chain-basket course.
Cedar River Country Club
Hormel Historic Home
18 miles SE of Austin on Hwy 56, Adams 507-582-3595 / www.cedarrivercountryclub.com
208 4th Ave NW 507-433-4243 / www.hormelhistorichome.org The stately Hormel Historic Home, built in 1871, was the residence of the George A. Hormel family from 1901 to 1927. The house was extensively remodeled and modernized by the Hormels in 1902, including the installation of stained glass windows, leaded glass beautifully accenting the decorative woodwork, and the front pillars, imported from Italy. Now restored to early 1900’s décor (including Tiffany light fixtures and Greek marble fireplace), the 14-room home is open for guided and self-guided tours. For those looking for a special venue for a meeting, reunion, reception or other event, the Hormel Historic Home manages a banquet facility with a full range of amenities. Check out the coupon on page 15
Meadow Greens 25239 540th Ave 507-433-4878 / www.meadowgreensgc.com
HISTORY Grand Army of the Republic Hall Post 130
Chrest Kennels and Dog Boarding
207 S Main St, Grand Meadow 507-437-6082 / www.mowercountyhistory.org Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the GAR Hall is one of only two remaining in Minnesota. Booth Post 130 was organized January 23, 1885 with 16 charter members, and the building was constructed in 1891. The hall houses Civil War memorabilia from the post and the surrounding area. Tours by appointment. • GAR Open House during Meadowfest 2020: June 27 & 28 • Fall Open House at the GAR: September 5
59060 327th St, Waltham, MN 507-951-8180 / www.chrestkennels.com
Mower County Historical Society
DOG BOARDING / BATHING / BAKERY All Fur Dogs 503 27th Ave NW 507-355-3647 / www.facebook.com/AllFurDogsMN
Bubbles ‘N’ Bows 1015 4th Ave NE 507-433-0003
Hickory Lake Boarding Kennels 88089 258th St 507-396-0145 / www.hickorylakeboardingkennels.com
Pet Authority 803 18th Ave NW 507-396-2770 / www.thepetauthority.com
Pet Supplies Plus
1303 6th Ave SW 507-437-6082 / www.mowercountyhistory.org The Mower County Historical Society preserves the history of Mower County using 17 buildings and 11 outdoor themed exhibits. Take a tour of an original building from the early days of George A. Hormel and Co., explore steam engine locomotive 1004, or search for your ancestors in the Research Library. The Administration Building and Research Library are open year-round. The Historical Society is perfect for family outings, student groups, and those who just want to see what it was like “in the old days.” • Open to the Public. • Site tours available May thru September, TuesdayFriday at 1:00pm or by appointment.
1001 18th Ave NW, Suite 100 507-460-7700 www.petsuppliesplus.com/Store/MN/Austin/Austin/4108
HOCKEY Austin Bruins Hockey Team 501 2nd Ave NE, PO Box 451 507-434-4978 / www.austinbruins.com Austin’s own Junior League Hockey team plays 28 home games at Riverside Arena.
507-438-6777 / Austin.pucksystems2.com
1400 10th Dr SE, Suite A 507-433-0089
Austin Packer Classic Hockey Tournament dates: Jan 24-26, 2020 – Pee Wee A, B, C Feb 1-2, 2020 – Bantam A, B * Tournaments are held primarily at Packer Arena
GOLF I-90 at 1202 28th St NE 507-437-7631 / www.austincountryclub.net
The same dining room set of tables and chairs has been in the Hormel Historic Home since 1901.
Austin Youth Hockey
Rocko’s Retreat
Austin Country Club
DID YOU KNOW?
DID YOU KNOW?
The Mower County Historical Society is FREE during the Mower County Free Fair, August 11-16, 2020
14 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
CHERT HAPPENS!
Explore the world of chert and stone tools at the Mower County Historical Society in Austin and experience their newest exhibit, Prehistoric Mower County-featuring the Maynard Green Collection. Visitors to the exhibit learn about the first people to ever live in or travel through the area and how tools made from chert were important in their lives. What is chert? AND who was Maynard Green? Grand Meadow Chert, a type of cryptocrystalline quartz, was probably discovered along the banks of what was Bear Creek around 7000 years ago. Tools made from Grand Meadow Chert have been found all over Minnesota and the surrounding region. The wide variety of projectile points, knives, scrapers, and flakes made from many other materials discovered near the quarry suggests the site was part of an exchange network among prehistoric people who traveled long distances to obtain Grand Meadow Chert. Maynard Green, long-time resident of Grand Meadow, recognized something special about the site in the early 1950’s. Finally, after thirty years of trying, he convinced archaeologists and curators from the state archeology office in St. Paul to visit the site and take a look. Green later said, “they ‘pert near went crazy!” when they saw the quarry for the first time. This visit led to a period of documenting, map-making, and studying the entire site. The Grand Mead-
ow Quarry Archeological District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and is currently owned by the Archeological Conservancy. The Grand Meadow site is unique in Minnesota because it was in continuous use throughout virtually the entire period of human existence on the continent. Grand Meadow Chert was used extensively for stone tools from the middle of the Archaic Period through the time of early contact with European explorers and traders. Archaeologists know this because all of the tools and flakes found around the quarry combined with the tools made from Grand Meadow Chert found in other sites across the region form a kind of stone tool technology timeline. The Mower County Historical Society acquired Maynard Green’s collection from his family in early 2019. The collection consists of 843 chipped stone points and tools as well as several examples of scrapers, bifaces, knives, drills, and arrowheads. Prehistoric Mower County-featuring the Maynard Green Collection opened during the Mower County Fair in August 2019 and is located in the Administration Building at the Historical Society on the Mower County Fair Grounds. Visitors are welcome to visit the collection and learn more about Maynard Green and Grand Meadow Chert yearround during regular Historical Society hours. Come see why we say “Chert Happens”!
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 15
DISCOVER AUSTIN, MINNESOTA
HORMEL HISTORIC HOME
SPAM ® MUSEUM
SWEET READS
MOWER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
RYDJOR BIKE
16 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
AUSTIN CITY TRAILS
JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER
ARTWORKS CENTER
HISTORIC PARAMOUNT THEATRE
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 17
PARKS & TRAILS
Austin City Parks City of Austin Park and Recreation 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us Austin, Minnesota maintains 28 city parts comprised of almost 900 acres which provide venues for picnics, hiking, sports, reunions, and more. Bustad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bandshell Community . . . . . . . . . . Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Decker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early Morning Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . East Side Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Galloway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honor Guard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horace Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaufman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaFayette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LaFayette East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Murphy’s Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Driesner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northwest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orchard Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rotary Centennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley Theel Memorial . . . . . . . . . South Driesner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sterling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Todd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whittier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wildwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worlein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8th St SW and 14th Ave SW 4th St SW and 9th Pl SW 8th St NE and 15th Ave NE between 10-12th St SW and 11th Ave SW 19th St NE and 6th Ave NE Oakland Pl NE 8th Ave NE and Oakland Pl NE 8th St SW and 2nd Ave SW 8th St NE and 8th Ave NE N Main St 8th St SE and 11th Ave SE S Main St and 8th Ave SE S Main St and 7th Pl SE 7th St NW and 24th Ave NW 8th St SE and Oakland Pl SE 12th St NW and 13th Ave NW 26th St SW and 16th Ave SW Main St and 8th Ave SE 14th St NW and 6th Ave NW 400 25th St SW Oakland Pl SE 21st Ave SW and 4th Dr SW 17th St SW and 5th Ave SW 12th St SE and Oakland Pl SE 11th St NE and 21st Ave NE 7th St SE and 3rd Ave SE 10th St NE and 16th Ave NE 606 1st Dr NW
Austin Dog Park 500 block of 2nd St SE Fenced in, off-leash dog park where canines can exercise and play in a clean, safe, dog-friendly environment. Separate areas for large and small dogs, water faucet, shelter area.
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 1304 21st St NE 507-437-7519 / www.hormelnaturecenter.org This 518-acre center features hardwoods, pine forest, restored prairie, Dobbins Creek and ponds, a three-story observation tower, ten miles of hiking, crosscountry ski and snowshoeing trails, and a one-third mile paved trail that is handicapped accessible. The new, expanded Interpretive Center houses interactive exhibits, classroom spaces, a separate children’s discovery area, two red-tailed hawks, a barn owl, and other critters. The staff offer many programs that include wildflower and bird hikes, cider pressing, maple syruping, monarch tagging, hawk and bird talks, bird banding, beekeeping and honey making, and more.
Lake Louise State Park 12385 766th Ave, Mower County Rd 14, LeRoy 507-324-5249 / www.dnr.state.mn.us 1,168-acre park that contains two spring-fed streams forming the headwaters of the Upper Iowa River. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, and interpretive trails. Features wildflowers, picnic shelters, recreation vehicle dumping station, horse campground, regular campground, sandy swimming beach, and carry-in boat or canoe access. The park is noted as being the oldest recreational site in Minnesota.
Spruce Up, Austin Tree Trek East Side Lake at the intersection of 5th Ave NE and Oakland Pl NE www.spruceupaustin.org/tree-trek This half-mile Tree Trek features 75 trees and spruce recommended for Minnesota, each one identified with a marker that provides additional information.
18 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
A Tree Ceremony was held during the 2019 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener in Austin where a Pin Oak tree was dedicated in honor of Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz. The Pin Oak is the Governor’s favorite tree due to the leaves not falling until the spring.
AUSTIN PARK AND RECREATION’S NEW ROLLING REC PROGRAM Rolled out for the first time in the summer of 2019, this summer program is a unique recreational opportunity made possible through a creative transformation of a former maintenance van. Now, many people who otherwise might have difficulty taking advantage of many of the Park and Recreation programs are able to enjoy them right in their own neighborhoods. The Rolling Rec Van makes it easy to bring summer recreation activities to the people, and can set up at many of Austin’s 28 city parks. The van is packed with a variety of games and activities for all ages, including kickball, parachute activities, Tug-o-war ropes, Rock-Paper-Scissors relays, kite flying, games of tag, bean bag boards, hula hoops and jump ropes, juggling balls, footballs, bubbles, and even dancing and singing inspired by tunes played through APAC Austin’s portable speakers. For the hottest of days, enjoy throwing water balloons, running through sprinklers, and chasing each other with squirt guns. The van can also be stocked with goodies and snacks to share after the activities! Park and Recreation staff accompany the van and lead the participants in these fun activities. Every Friday from June through August, the van is at a different area in Austin. For more information, or to rent for your special occasion, please call 507-433-1881.
The Hormel Institute’s cancer research is for you, for Minnesota, and beyond.
community, every cancer, every person matters.
Every
100% of every dollar donated goes directly to cancer research. www.hi.umn.edu
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 19
MORE TO EXPLORE
HUNTING
LIBRARY
3 Arrows Hunting Preserve
Austin Public Library
78590 125th St, LeRoy 507-438-3313 / www.huntthreearrows.com
323 4th Ave NE 507-433-2391 / www.austinpubliclibrary.org The only public library with a copy of the Heritage Edition of the St. John’s Bible. Full calendar of events online. Check out books, music, DVD’s, iPods, even a telescope!
Cedar Valley Conservation Club 25026 US Hwy 218, Austin 507-437-4537 / www.cvcc-austinmn.com Opportunities for shooters of all ages and levels of experience - trap, skeet and 5-stand sporting clays; rifle and pistol ranges for practice; youth shooting programs.
LOCAL FLAVOR Farmer John’s
Mower County - 14 Wildlife Management Areas
90537 273rd St 507-437-9180 / www.farmerjohnspumpkinpatch.com
507-359-6200 / www.dnr.state.mn.us
Knauer’s Meat Market
Cartney: Deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl Cary Creek: Deer, small game, pheasant Deer Creek: Deer, small game, pheasant Lena Larson: Deer, small game, pheasant LeRoy: Small game, pheasant Lyle-Austin: Deer, small game, pheasant Mentel: Deer, small game, pheasant, turkey (closed to all firearms hunting but open to archery hunting and trapping) Ramsey Mill Pond: Deer, small game, pheasant, waterfowl, turkey Red Cedar River: Deer, small game, forest birds, pheasant, waterfowl, turkey Rose: Deer, small game, pheasant, turkey Rustic Retreat: Pheasant Schottler: Deer, small game, dove Schrafel: Deer (restrictions – this area is closed to trapping and firearms hunting) Schwerin Creek: Deer, small game, pheasant
121 1st Ave NW 507-433-2575 The building was built in 1886 and purchased by the Knauer family. Known for their beef jerky and great steaks, this unique market continues to serve many loyal customers.
SPAM® Museum 101 3rd Ave NE 800-588-7726 / www.spam.com The SPAM® Museum tells the amazing story of the Hormel Foods Corporation, the only Minnesota Fortune 500 company outside of the metro area, featuring the famous, versatile, and historic SPAM®. Enjoy audio, video, traditional and interactive displays that are educational and fun for all ages. The on-site SPAM® Gift Shop offers all varieties of SPAM® and over 400 SPAM®themed items. FREE admission!
2101 4th St NW 507-437-6554 SuperFresh is a family-owned business incorporating a garden center, bakery, and gift items galore.
DID YOU KNOW?
SuperFresh Produce, Bakery and Garden Center is famous for serving the state’s largest donuts.
Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store 407 N Main St 507-396-8660 / www.sweetreadsbooks.com Sweet Reads is not your average book and candy store – it’s a unique experience! You’ll find new and used books, local and regional authors, magazines, old-fashioned candies, frozen treats, a selection of Minnesota and Austin novelty items, jams and jellies from the local hermitage.
The Nativity House 606 Oakland Pl NE 507-437-4563 A local family displays over 900 complete nativity scenes from 42 different countries in and around their home during the holiday season. Seasonal tours by prearrangement.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
ICE SKATING
Driller MMA Cage Fights 1701 4th St NW 507-433-8000 Driller MMA Cage Fights – enjoy the Upper Midwest’s premier professional boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) events. March 7 – Austin Holiday Inn and Conference Center
City of Austin Park and Recreation 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us Kaufman (outdoor) – Bring your own skates Galloway (outdoor) – Bring your own skates Riverside Arena (indoor) – Open to the public on specific dates, skate rental available. Year round ice. Packer Arena (indoor) – Open to the public on specific dates, skate rental available.
SuperFresh Produce, Bakery and Garden Center
FIRST THURSDAY EVENTS AT THE SPAM® MUSEUM • March 5 – Beer Event • June 4 – SPAM® Car Show • August 6 – Hawaiian Luau • December 3 – SPAM® Can Decorating
20 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
MUSIC Austin Artist Series Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School 301 3rd St NW 507-440-6030 or 612-272-8653 www.austinartistseries.org
ROLLERSKATING
SWEET READS
Rohler Rink 316 Market St SE, Brownsdale 507-567-2133/www.rohlerrink.com
Minnesota Southbound Rollers www.minnesotasouthboundrollers.com Minnesota Southbound Rollers is Austin’s own women’s flat-track roller derby league, and offers action-packed, family-friendly fun while providing charitable donations from the proceeds of ticket sales. Bout and event schedules posted on their website.
SCIENCE The Ultimate List of Local Bookstores:
51 MUST-SEE BOOKSTORES ACROSS THE US By: www.bookbub.com
For a book lover, there’s nothing quite like the quintessential charm of local bookstores. They bring the community together with their warm and friendly atmospheres that make us want to stay for hours. Who doesn’t love to nibble on some candy while enjoying a sweet read? We know we do, and so does Sweet Reads in Austin, Minnesota. Grab a bag and pack it full with all you can eat (beware a sugar high!) then settle in with your favorite book or listen to a local author talk! Sweet Reads is the home to the largest collection in the world of Berenstain Bear memorabilia.
The Hormel Institute 801 16th Ave NE 507-433-8804 / www.hi.umn.edu The Hormel Institute is a world leader in cancer research on the prevention and cure of cancer through the study of food agents and cell functions. The recent expansion doubles the lab space and includes a state-of-the-art Live Learning Center. Summer Open House Date: June 18
SERVICE CLUBS American Legion Post 91 . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Audubon Society . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Jaycees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Shrine Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagles Aerie 703 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Izaak Walton League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kiwanis Noon Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kiwanis Early Risers Club . . . . . . . . . . . . Lion’s Morning Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lion’s Noon Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Masonic Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Order of the Eastern Star . . . . . . . . . . . Rotary Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Toastmasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VFW Post 1216 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zonta International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
507-437-1151 507-433-9387 507-440-6147 507-437-7292 507-433-8675 507-433-2735 507-219-1452 507-438-7027 507-434-0080 507-434-2225 507-433-2533 507-440-1909 507-437-4563 507-481-4469 507-433-6039 507-437-8773
SHOPPING Austin Artist Series: one of the largest and longest running arts series in the Midwest, offering quality entertainment to the Austin area for 76 years! • March 4 – The Hall Sisters (Pop, Folk, Gospel) • April 27 – Alliance Brass (Dynamic Brass Quintet)
Austin Community Band www.facebook.com/austincommunityband A community based organization for musicians of all types. • Concerts held June 10, 17, 24 and July 4 for Independence Day
Austin Symphony Orchestra 507-460-8032 / www.austinmnsymphony.org Austin is proud to have had its own symphony orchestra since 1957, showcasing local talent and bringing in world-class musicians to provide incredible performances. • February 23 – Beethoven’s Birthday, 2 pm at St. Olaf Church • April 19 – Chang & Brahms!, 2 pm at Knowlton Auditorium, Austin High School
Northwestern Singers www.northwesternsingers.org Northwestern Singers brings community members together to do what they love most - sing, featuring shows with different themes that range from classical to pop and American Bandstand to Lawrence Welk. • April 4-5 – Rodger & Hammerstein at Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Campus
PAINTBALL Splat! 17722 US Hwy 218 507-279-1096 / www.splatpaintballfield.net
QUILTING Quilting Retreats Austin Holiday Inn Conference Center 507-377-1163 / www.calicohutchquiltshop.com Enjoy fun-filled days of quilting with friends, plus free demos, massage therapists, etc.
Exit 177 North – you will find shopping opportunities galore, strip malls, a wide variety of local and chain restaurants, a multi-screen cinema, specialty shops, grocery stores, auto parts, salons and more! Check out the coupon for Games People Play Sports on page 5. Exit 177 South – explore one of the original strip malls in Minnesota, about 3 miles south of the exit – a truly unique experience with a distinctive blend of “just what you’re looking for” gifts, eateries, shops, hardware store, pharmacy, and essential items.
2020 Quilting retreats: • February 6 - 9 – Honolulu Lulu • March 26 - April 1 – There’s No Place Like Gnome • November 6 - 16 – Olympics
Exit 178A – takes you to the historic, picturesque downtown, a charming area of quaint shops and boutiques offering one-of-a-kind specialty products. Indulge in local flavors at a variety of restaurants. Refresh and rejuvenate at one of the revitalizing spas or salons. Take a relaxing stroll around the Mill Pond and enjoy some coffee or ice cream from one of the local shops.
RACING
Exit 179 – convenient shopping for groceries, household items, and more.
56 Speedway 25707 St Hwy 56, Brownsdale 507-440-3824 / www.56speedway.com
Chateau Speedway 54219 266th St, Lansing 507-440-8238 / www.chateauraceway.net
Deer Creek Speedway 25262 US Hwy 63, Spring Valley 507-346-2342 / www.deercreekspeedway.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Sterling Mall is one of Minnesota’s original strip malls.
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 21
MORE TO EXPLORE
SKATE PARK Austin Skate Park 2 840 Hormel Century Parkway 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us In-line skaters and skate boards can enjoy a free outdoor Tier 1 park.
SKIING / SNOWSHOEING Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
YMCA of Austin 501 4th Ave NE 507-433-1804 / www.ymca-austin.org An indoor 6 lane, 25 yard pool for lap and open swimming.
TRANSPORTATION AB Taxi 1015 4th Ave NE 507-434-9689
1303 21st NE 507-437-7519 / www.hormelnaturecenter.org Enjoy 10 miles of well-groomed trails through the Nature Center’s woodland and prairies. Cross country skies and snowshoe rentals available – no MN ski pass required.
Austin Aeroflight
SNOWMOBILING
Austin Municipal Airport
Mower County has approximately 200 miles of state 12-foot wide snowmobile trails that are groomed regularly, and connect with more than 800 miles of trails in Southern Minnesota. To view a map of area trails, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snowmobiling/interactive_ map/index.html.
SPAS / SALT SAUNA Daisy Blue Naturals Wellness 311 N Main St 507-396-8137 / facebook.com/daisybluenaturalsAUSTIN
Golden Tress Salon and Day Spa 104 11th Ave NW 507-433-2291 / www.goldentress.com
710 21st St NE 507-433-1813 / www.austinaeroflight.com A full-service FBO offering both Jet A and 100LL fuel services, flight training, ground instruction, and air rides.
710 21st St NE 507-433-1813 Austin Municipal Airport is a public-owned, public-use airport with a mile-long paved runway. Heated hangar protects the aircraft in all weather conditions.
Austin Shuttle Service 702 36th Dr SW 507-279-3240
Land to Air Express (507) 625-3977 www.landtoairexpress.com Bus service that connects Austin to Minneapolis/St. Paul
The Cedar River became a Minnesota state water trail in 2011, and runs 25 miles from East of Lansing through Austin on down to the border of Iowa. This designation enhances its value as a historic, beautiful corridor and location for recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
WATERWAYS Cedar River State Water Trail 1408 21st Ave NW (Cedar River Watershed District Office) 507-434-2603 / www.cedarriverwd.org www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/cedarriver/index.html Part of Minnesota’s state water trail program, the Cedar River Trail runs for about 25 miles from the village of Lansing to the Minnesota-Iowa border, providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
East Side Lake
Quick Ride Taxi Service, LLC
8th Ave and Oakland Pl NE 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us Located along Oakland Place East, this lake, created by a historic dam, features a public boat launch, playground equipment, shelters, picnic area, gazebo and walking trail.
805 5th Ave NE 507-433-9055
Mill Pond
airport and to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester
SWIMMING
S.M.A.R.T. (Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit)
Austin Municipal Swimming Pool
2801 Oakland Ave W 1-855-762-7821 / www.smartbusmn.org
700 N Main St 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us This outdoor Olympic-size pool features a wading pool, splash pad, and climbing wall.
DID YOU KNOW?
Atlantis Swimming Federation – hosts swim meets and throughout the summer. For event dates go to www.teamunify.com
700 N Main St 507-433-1881 / www.ci.austin.mn.us A .88 mile bike/walking trail circles this beautiful pond, with interpretive signs along the path explaining some of the history this part of Austin played in the grown of the city. Note the distinctive Flood Wall with commemorative plaques celebrating notable community members.
WINERY Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery 78757 St Hwy 16, Spring Valley 507-346-7300 / www.fourdaughtersvineyard.com
22 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
MEDIA
Austin Public Schools
Austin Daily Herald Newspaper
401 3rd Ave NW 507-460-1900 www.austin.k12.mn.us
Austin High School 301 3rd St NW 507-460-1800
Ellis Middle School 1700 4th Ave SE 507-460-1500
IJ Holton Intermediate School 1800 4th Ave SE 507-460-1525
Banfield Elementary School 301 17th St SW 507-460-1200
Neveln Elementary School 1918 Oakland Ave E 507-460-1600
Southgate Elementary School 1601 19th Ave SW 507-460-1300
Sumner Elementary School 805 8th Ave NW 507-460-1100
Woodson Kindergarten 1601 4th St SE 507-460-1400
Community Learning Center 912 1st Ave NE 507-460-1700
Pacelli Catholic Schools Pre-School, Elementary, Middle and High Schools 311 4th St NW 507-437-3278 www.pacellischools.org
Riverland Community College 1900 8th Ave NW 507-433-0600 www.riverland.edu
THE HORMEL INSTITUTE
310 2nd St NE 507-433-8851 www.austindailyherald.com
Mower County Shopper 3405 Oakland Ave W 507-437-7731 www.mowercountyshopper.com
KAAL TV 1701 10th Pl NE 507-437-6666 www.kaaltv.com
KSMQ Public TV 2000 8th Ave NW 507-481-2095 www.ksmq.org
KAUS 1480 AM 18431 St Hwy 105 507-437-7666 www.myaustinminnesota.com
US Country 99.9 FM 18431 St Hwy 105 507-434-3699 www.myuscountry.com
MEDICAL Mayo Clinic Health System – Austin 1000 1st Dr NW 507-433-7351
Mayo Clinic Health System Express Clinic 1307 18th Ave NW (HyVee) Walk-in clinic
The Hormel Institute has remained true to its mission for over 75 years: To further scientific knowledge and share that knowledge with the world. We have had the opportunity to advance science through research focused initially on food safety and preservation in 1942, later moving to world recognized lipid research, and today we are known for our innovative contributions to cancer research. The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota is a leading cancer research department of UMN and part of the Masonic Cancer Center, an NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our scientists are focused on accelerating answers to cancer by determining the basic molecular mechanisms of cancer development and finding better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. In 2017 The Hormel Institute launched Nature Partner Journal (npj) Precision Oncology, an online-only, open access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research describing the significant and cutting-edge research covering all aspects of precision oncology. The transformative building expansions of 2008 and 2016 provided tremendous new opportunities to advance research and develop worldwide collaborations – and progress truly continues daily. We are deeply thankful these research opportunities are in a field where the work accomplished by our scientists are for the improvement of human health – where advancements and discoveries can be celebrated by one and all, around the world. The mission of The Hormel Institute is to conduct research and provide education in the biological sciences with applications in medicine and agriculture. In pursuit of this mission, and as intended by its founders, The Hormel Institute generates fundamental knowledge and disseminates it to the scientific community worldwide. It also serves as a center of technical and educational expertise for the benefit of the Austin community, the surrounding region and the State of Minnesota.
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 23
THEATRE
Frank W. Bridges Theatre
Historic Paramount Theatre
Summerset Theatre
1900 8th Ave NW 507-433-0595 / www.riverland.edu/theatre 2020 Performances: Feb 26-29, March 1 – The Importance of Being Earnest April 23-25, May 1-2 – As You Like It
125 4th Ave NE 507-434-0934 / www.austinareaarts.org The Historic Paramount Theatre is one of only four “atmospheric theatres” remaining in Minnesota. It originally opened in September, 1929 and was designed for stage theatre and first-run movies. After several “re-purposing” the theatre was purchased by the Austin Area Commission for the arts and restored to the original décor representing the courtyard of a quaint Spanish village with twinkling stars and rolling clouds overhead. Fully functioning theatre with a varied schedule of events and seating capacity of over 600.
1900 8th Ave NW www.summersettheatre.org 2020 performances (at Frank W. Bridges Theatre): June 18-21 & 25-28 – Mary Poppins July 23-26, 30-31 & August 1-2 – We Will Rock You
Matchbox Children’s Theatre 211 1st St SE 507-437-9078 / www.matchboxchildrenstheatre.org 2020 Performances (at the Historic Paramount Theatre): Feb. 7-9 – Pecos Bill and Slue-Foot Sue Meet the Dirty Dan Gang April 3-5 – The Magicians Nephew
For 2020 performances, go to www.austinareaarts.org
View the Berenstain Bears Collection! The Largest Known Collection in the World!!!
• New and Used Books • Special Local Authors of Many Genres • Nostalgic and Fun Candies • Gift Certificates 407 • Minnesota / Local Gifts - Mittens and Jewelry - Painted Rocks - Carmelites Soaps & Jams - Artistic Cards - Inukshuks and Feather Clips - Much More!
N. Main St. • Austin 507-396-8660
Open Monday-Saturday 11-6 p.m. Most Sundays 12-4 p.m.
Watch for the 2020 author visits, story times and club schedules on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sweetreadsbooks) and the website (www.sweetreadsbooks.com)
24 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Cinemagic 7 1302 18th Ave NW 507-433-9191 / www.cinemagictheatres.com
DAY GETAWAY
TODDLER ADVENTURES Testimonials that have been tried and proven to be true. My philosophy with toddlers is that they should be physically worn out as much as possible. To really do it right, you need agendas for good weather and bad weather. In good weather, park at the Austin Public Library. Walk down the hill to the playground at Horace Austin State Park. My daughter Josie loves the rocking dinosaur and the tornado slide. You can keep moving by following the walking trail around Mill Pond. Or climb the hill to play the musical instruments at the top of the berm behind the playground. Time for lunch? Grab loosemeat beef burgers, chips and hand-made ice cream shakes at the Tendermaid to go and eat in the park. Still running? The Austin Municipal Pool is next door and the day rates are affordable for an afternoon visit. They even have a special rate for the toddler-focused splash pad area.
Whether it’s rain, snow or heat keeping you indoors, you can find great toddler spaces indoors, too. The SPAM® Museum boasts a great kid play area. My daughter es-
pecially likes the kid-sized kitchen with play food. I like grabbing lunch at Steve’s Pizza for classic thin-crust pizza (try the Mama Mia) and kid-friendly pasta. If your little one is not great at staying seating in a restaurant, ask for a table upstairs where a small video arcade provides room to run. Still running? The Austin Public Library has an early literacy toddler area with puzzles, toys and building blocks. My kids love a mini-puppet stage in the children’s area complete with dozens of animal puppets to play with.
MOTHER DAUGHTER DATE MUST DO’S Sometimes a mother and her daughter need some one-on-one time. For my daughter Danica (10) and I, Downtown Austin provides some of favorite quality time. We start at Sangha Yoga & Wellness for a class together. It’s a welcoming, non-judgmental space for yogis of all levels of experience. Our favorite classes are Barre which includes ballet moves and Heated Yoga Sculpt which brings aerobics and strength training to the mat. After yoga, we cool down at the Coffee House on Main with iced coffee and Italian soda. Sometimes we can’t resist a scone! If it’s time for a full lunch, we sneak out of downtown and get sushi at Japan Panda. Try the Marilyn Mon-roll, it’s my favorite. Now we are fueled up to shop til we drop. Grab a parking spot on Main Street and stroll to these five spots at your leisure. Twice is Nice is a second-hand clothing shop plus stylish home decor and antiques. My favorite find there is an embroidery sampler from 1809 that hangs in my daughter’s bedroom. Just next door at Real Deals, find
clothes, shoes and jewelry that is new and fresh for the season plus home decor and small furniture. As you’d imagine from the name, the prices are very reasonable.
Next we go to Sweet Reads. Danica finds books by YA authors she loves and a candy temptation - bacon bubble gum is a favorite. I stock up on $1 and $2 books to donate to kids in need and sometimes I treat myself to a new novel from a wide selection of Minnesota authors. Then zip across the street to the SPAM® museum gift shop. Even though we visit a lot, there is always something new to see. Danica loves the Hello Kitty SPAM® sushi making kit we scored there a few years ago Stroll a few more store fronts down to visit the Austin Art Works Center. They have classes available, art work galleries galore or many unique gifts in the retail area We can’t leave Main without a stop at Daisy Blue Naturals where just stepping inside and smelling the candles and soaps boosts your mood. It’s a great spot to find a gift for the person in your life who needs some pampering. Don’t let our suggestions limit your shopping downtown - I could give you a list of five more of the best spots to go. Follow your muse and discover Austin’s uniqueness! – Testimonial by Laura H.
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HOST YOUR GATHERING IN AUSTIN
Austin has an abundance of awesome attributes that make it a unique place to host your future gatherings. American Legion
Eagles Aerie 703
809 12th St SW 507-437-1151 Seating Capacity: 150
107 11th St NE 507-433-8675 Seating Capacity: 180 www.foe.com
Austin Country Club 1202 28th St NE 507-437-7631 Seating Capacity: 475 www.austincountryclub.net
Austin Public Library 323 4th Ave NE 507-433-2391 Seating Capacity: 125 www.austinpubliclibrary.org
Austin Public Schools
Knowlton and Christgau Auditoriums, gymnasiums 301 3rd Street NW 507-460-1800 Seating Capacity: 1400 - 2000 www.austin.k12.mn.us
Bella Victoria 1801 14th St NW 507-396-8850 Seating Capacity: 300
Historic Paramount Theatre 125 4th Ave NE 507-434-0934 Seating Capacity: 620 www.paramounttheatre.org
Holiday Inn & Austin Convention Center 1701 4th St NW 507-433-1000 Seating Capacity: 500 www.hiaustin.com
Hormel Historic Home 208 4th Ave NW 507-433-4243 Seating Capacity: 200 www.hormelhistorichome.org
Ideally located in southern Minnesota at the junction of Interstate 90 and State Highway 218, Austin is easily accessible from almost anywhere. We excel at conventions, conferences, district or regional meetings, training seminars, family reunions, class reunions, military reunions, weddings or any other occasion you might have in mind. Austin has numerous modern facilities that can be set up in in a variety of ways.
Izaak Walton Cabin, Todd Park 11th St NE 507-433-1881 Seating Capacity: 109 www.ci.austin.mn.us
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 1304 21st St NE 507-437-7519 Seating Capacity: 150 www.hormelnaturecenter.org
Minnesota Army National Guard
Mower County Historical Society Pioneer Bldg. 1303 6th Ave SW 507-437-6082 Seating Capacity: 100 www.mowercountyhistory.org
Mower County Senior Center 400 3rd Ave NE 507-433-2370 Seating Capacity: 290 www.mcs-inc.org
Pacelli Catholic Schools Auditorium
800 21st St NE (507) 434-2757 Seating Capacity 320 www.minnesotanationalguard. org
511 4th Ave NW 507-433-8859 Seating Capacity: 209 www.pacellischools.org
Mower County Fairgrounds
Riverland Community College
700 12th St SW 507-433-1868 Seating Capacity: varies www.mowercountyfair.com
1900 8th Ave NW 507-433-0528 Seating capacity up to 150, 330 in Frank W. Bridges Theatre www.riverland.edu
HOW DISCOVER AUSTIN, MN HELPS “We know the local area, have built the partnerships with local vendors and together we can communicate and create success for everyone,” says Nancy Schnable, Director at Discover Austin, Minnesota “At our office, we strive to make a meeting planner’s job hassle-free and stress-free. The clients we work with become friends. When you provide excellent service time and time again, people begin to trust you. It’s easy to call a friend and plan a meeting knowing that it’s in good hands.” 26 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Salvation Army - Austin 409 1st Ave NE 507-437-4566 Seating Capacity: 140 www.salvationarmynorth.org/ community/austin/
The Hormel Institute Live Learning Center 801 16th Ave NE 507-433-8804 Seating Capacity: 250 www.hi.umn.edu
Veteran’s Pavilion, Band Shell Community Park 104 9th Pl SW 507-433-1881 Seating Capacity: 250 www.ci.austin.mn.us
VFW Post 1216 300 4th Ave NE 507-433-6039 Seating Capacity: 225
SEASONAL SPORTING FACILITIES
Austin is honored to welcome many sporting enthusiasts throughout the year. We offer some incredible facilities for various activities. Austin City Bike Trails/ Shooting Star Trails
Cedar River Watershed District
Austin, Minnesota 507-433-1881 • Biking www.ci.austin.mn.us
1408 21st Ave. NW 507-434-2603 • Canoeing • Kayaking • Fishing www.cedarriverwd.org
Austin Country Club 1202 28th St NE 507-437-7631 • Golf - 18 holes/Driving Range www.austincountryclub.net
Austin Public Schools 301 3rd St NW 507-460-1800 • Basketball - 5 courts • Volleyball - 5 courts • Wrestling • Swimming • Diving www.austin.k12.mn.us
Austin Municipal Pool Austin, Minnesota 507-433-1881 • Swimming • Splash Pad • Diving • Climbing Wall www.ci.austin.mn.us
Marcusen Park 901 South Main Street 507-440-2059 • Baseball www.marcusenpark.com
Meadow Greens Golf Course 25238 540th Ave 507-433-4878 • Golf - 27 holes • Driving Range www.meadowgreensgc.com
Driesner Park Oakland Pl SE 507-433-1881 • Disc Golf - 9 holes www.ci.austin.mn.us
Packer Arena
Echo Lanes 1600 10th Dr SE 507-437-8241 • Bowling www.echolanesaustin.com
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 1304 21st St NE 507-437-7519 • Cross Country Running • Cross Country Skiing • Snowshoeing • Canoeing / Kayaking • Hiking www.hormelnaturecenter.org
601 7th Street NE 507-433-1881 • Figure Skating • Ice Hockey • Roller Derby • Archery www.ci.austin.mn.us
Riverland Community College Austin, Minnesota 507-433-1881 • Baseball - 4 diamonds • Softball - 1 diamond • Basketball - 1 court • Batting Cage - 1 • Soccer - 1 field • Volleyball - 2 courts www.ci.austin.mn.us
Riverside Arena 501 2nd Ave NE 507-433-1881 • Figure Skating • Ice Hockey www.riverland.edu/athletics
Splat! Paintball Field, LLC 17722 US Hwy 218 South 507-279-1096 • Paintball www.splatpaintballfield.net
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2017 Austin, Minnesota was in the top 10 for Kraft Hockeyville, America’s Most Passionate Hockey Community.
Todd Park 11th St and 21st Ave NE 507-433-1881 • Disc Golf - 21 holes • Soccer • Baseball • Softball • Sand Volleyball www.ci.austin.mn.us
Wescott Field 301 3rd St NW 507-460-1800 • Tennis • Football • Track/Field • Soccer • Seasonal Dome www.austin.k12.mn.us
YMCA of Austin 501 4th Ave NE 507-433-1804 • Swimming • Gymnastics / Tumbling • Tennis • Indoor Track • Basketball • Volleyball www.ymca-austin.org
HOST YOUR SPORTING EVENT IN AUSTIN Austin, MN has many different spaces and facilities for you to host your sporting events for all seasons! During the spring/summer time we have many parks and recreational spots. Enjoy baseball/ softball/disc golf at Todd Park, swim meets at Austin Municipal Pool, or bike races held on Schindler’s Way Mountain Bike Trail and golf at the country club or Meadow Greens. During the fall/ winter, you could plan a hockey tournament at our Riverside or Packer arenas, an indoor soccer/football/kickball tournament at the seasonal dome located at Wescott Field and have fun bowling at Echo Lanes. Any season, any sport, we got it! Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 27
GROUP TOURS
28 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Austin, Minnesota is a special community with an astonishing abundance of unique attractions, events, and activities that will keep you busy for your entire visit. Allow us to help customize these incredible experiences for your next trip. ONE-OF-A-KIND ITINERARY H 10:30 AM – SPAM® Museum Tour: Please don’t eat the exhibits. Yes, it’s real. The SPAM® Museum is stuffed with interactive exhibits that bring the iconic history of the SPAM® Brand to life like you’ve never seen it before! Go behind the scenes and behind the can for an experience adults and kids will savor. See what’s trending in our pork-filled world, email yourself delicious recipes and share your SPAM® brand story for a chance to become part of our exhibits. Explore the SPAM® brand across the globe. Travel to Japan, U.K., Philippines, South Korea, Latin America, China and Hawaii. Find out what 6 simple ingredients make SPAM® classic, then work the assembly line. Learn the history of Hormel Foods Corporation from its inception and stand behind the actual desk of company founder George A. Hormel. Following the tour we will have time to explore the gift shop. H 11:30 AM – Sweet Reads: Is not your average book & candy store – it is truly a unique experience. You will find new and used books, local and regional authors, old-fashion candies, frozen treats and a selection of Minnesota and Austin novelty items. Plus, come and witness the world’s largest collection of Berenstain Bear memorabilia. H 12:00 PM – Lunch at Gravity Storm catered by Piggy Blues: Gravity Storm Brewery brews their own beer right here in Austin, MN. The bar area is set up to look like a tiki bar from a tropical paradise, and most of the beers are inspired by Jimmy Buffet songs such as their Pencil Thin Mustache IPA or License to Kill Maibach. Piggy Blues BBQ can cater for groups as small as 5 and up to 2500. Their motto is “Where you can eat pig or eat like a pig!” Their signature dish is the Pulled Pork Lip Smackin’ Sandwich. H 1:30 PM – Rydjor Bike Shop Museum: Each of the 84 bikes displayed on the 16 foot walls inside the store has its own story. You will witness the evolution of bicycles beginning with the 1868 “Boneshaker” up to one of the late actor Robin Williams’ personal bikes H 2:00 PM – ArtWorks Center: A space to learn, create, display, and perform in all artistic avenues. The space includes the county’s only public clay studio with kiln, three galleries, an artists’ lounge, and a retail space supporting local artwork. They offer classes for group tours of various artistic opportunities – painting, glass work, crafts, knitting, fabric art, and more. H 3:30 PM – SuperFresh Garden and Produce Center: A family-owned business providing bakery goods, gifts galore, and a fabulous garden center. They are famous for serving the state’s largest donut. A nice relaxing stop for group tours to sample their cookies and sip on their flavor of the day tea.
H 4:00 PM – Check into the Hotel: Austin offers over 400 hotel rooms to relax and rejuvenate. Lodging options in Austin, MN include Holiday Inn, Days Inn, AmericInn, Cobblestone Hotel, Red Carpet Inn, Super 8 and RodeWay Inn & Suites. H 5:30PM – Dinner at The Old Mill: This 1850’s former flour mill is located on the Cedar River and overlooks the Ramsey Dam. It is one of the most historic and well-regarded restaurants in Southern Minnesota. There is a very warm and casual atmosphere where you are able to wine, dine, and relax in the dining room. Group menus arranged through Discover Austin, Minnesota. H 7:15 PM – Paramount Theatre: One of only four remaining atmospheric theatres remaining in Minnesota. The Paramount is designed to represent being in the courtyard of a quaint Spanish Village with twinkling stars and rolling clouds overheads. Group tours available to watch a short film while sipping a soda and munching on some popcorn. H 9:00 PM – Arrive back at the hotel.
DAY 2 H 9:00 AM – Hormel Institute: Cancer has affected so many people and now you can tour The Hormel Institute, a world leader in cancer research focusing on the study of food agents and cell functions. Experience a 3D simulation of molecules, view into the research labs and see a microscope so large it has its own special space. H 10:00 AM – Jay C Hormel Nature Center: Visit the new 7 million dollar interpretive center which includes exhibits such as Creatures of the Night, Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Forest Ecology, Live Birds of Prey, Soil is Habitat / Prairie Exhibit, Pond Ecology & Macroinvertebrates. A geological timeline wraps all the way around the main exhibit space, with images and information about the billions of years of Earth’s history. H 11:00 AM – City Tour: Be introduced to local points of interest and lesser known or quirky sites around the city that may merit further attention! Your step-on guide for the City Tour will stay with you for the rest of your scheduled day PLUS you get a SPAM® cookbook! H 11:00 AM – Hormel Historic Home & lunch: Discover the stately 14-room home of the George A. Hormel family (founder of Hormel Foods Corp). Built in 1871, the home features stained glass windows, decorative woodwork, front pillars imported from Italy, Tiffany light fixtures and a Greek marble fireplace. Following the tour, a group lunch will be provided in the banquet center. H 1:00 PM – Depart Austin
We look forward to helping you make many memories in Austin, MN by creating a FREE custom itinerary for your group. For more information or to schedule a tour contact Discover Austin at 507-437-4563 or tourism@austinmn.com. Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 29
COME WORSHIP WITH US
WORSHIP
CHRISTIAN
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Lighthouse of Hope
Kingdom Hall
1200 13th Ave NW 507-433-2642
ASSEMBLY OF GOD
2909 Oakland Ave W
2115 5th Ave SE 507-437-6441
St. Olaf’s – ELCA
Cornerstone 1403 1st Ave SW 507-433-7008
BAHA’I Bahá’í Faith of Austin 2103 13th St SW 507-437-1456
BAPTIST
Living Bible Church
LATTER DAY SAINTS
306 2nd St NW 507-433-8857
CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
St. Paul’s Evangelical – CLC
Austin Church of Christ
404 31st St NW 507-433-9042
2100 16th St SW 507-433-8191
LUTHERAN
St. Peter’s Evangelical
301 4th St SW 507-481-0221
103 2nd St SW 507-433-2894
Cedar River Church of Christ
Grace Baptist Church of Austin
1006 12th St SW 507-437-4927
1700 W Oakland Ave 507-437-2473
EPISCOPAL
CATHOLIC Queen of Angels 1001 Oakland Ave E 507-433-1888
St. Augustine’s 405 4th St NW 507-437-4537
St. John’s – LCMS
Christ Episcopal Church 301 3rd Ave NW 507-433-3782
EVANGELICAL FREE Faith Evangelical Free 1800 12th St SW 507-437-1000
St. Edward’s
INTERDENOMINATIONAL
2000 Oakland Ave W 507-433-1841
Crane Community Chapel 1111 9th St NE 507-433-5844
Beautiful Savior – WELS 2103 8th St SW 507-437-6461
PRESBYTERIAN USA Westminster Presbyterian 802 4th St SW 507-433-3258
SALVATION ARMY Salvation Army Corps Center 409 1st Ave NE 507-437-4566
56937 220th St 507-433-6709
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Trinity Evangelical – WELS
Austin Congregational UCC
22980 630th Ave 507-433-4006
1910 3rd Ave NW 507-433-2301
2001 6th Ave SE 507-433-3445
METHODIST
FUNERAL HOMES
Holy Cross – LCMS
Bethlehem Free Church
Grace Lutheran – ELCA
300 16th St NE 507-437-2107
1500 4th Ave SE 507-433-3705
Our Savior’s – ELCA
First United Methodist
1600 Oakland Ave W 507-437-4516
204 1st Ave NW 507-433-8839
Red Oak Grove
PENTECOSTAL UNITED
30456 Mower Freeborn Rd 507-437-3000
Keys to Life Apostolic Church 501 2nd St SE 507-437-8806
30 | Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com
Clasen-Jordan Mortuary 209 2nd Ave NW 507-433-5727 www.clasenjordan.com
Mayer Funeral Home 600 2nd St NW 507-433-1817
Worlein Funeral Home 1801 4th St NW 507-433-5000 www.worlein.com
WEDDING CHECKLIST
12+ months before
q Choose a wedding date q Pick your wedding party q Plan your budget q Take engagement pictures q Order save the dates q Start compiling a guest list q Choose venues for your ceremony and reception q Have an engagement party!
10-12 months before
q Create a wedding website q Mail the save the dates q Shop for Bridesmaid and Flower girls’ dresses q Book ceremony and reception venues q Book officiant q Research florists, photographers and music. q Purchase wedding dress & veil
8-10 months before q Order wedding invitations q Block hotel rooms for guest. See pages 6-7 q Reserve day of transportation q Set up cake tastings q Finalize guest list q Choose bridesmaid/flower girl attire and accessories q Register for gifts q Take engagement photos q Start planning honeymoon
6-8 months before
q Gather addresses for invitations q Book your honeymoon q Book accommodations for wedding night. See pages 6-7 q Buy wedding bands q Book florist
q Book remaining vendors (DJ, videographer, photographer, etc.) q Order wedding cake q Research wedding favors q Book hair stylist/ makeup artist q Meet with your officiant and plan the ceremony q Book rehearsal dinner venue
4-6 months before
q Choose grooms and groomsmen attire and order q Plan welcome bags for out of town guests q Schedule dress fittings and alterations q Decide on playlist (including a do not play list) for your DJ q Order Favors
2-3 months before
q Mail invitations q Send rehearsal dinner invitations q Apply for marriage licenses q Meet with the wedding officiant and review ceremony details q Decide on content for programs q Finalize timeline for ceremony and receptions q Purchase wedding party gifts for bridal party, parents, and for each other. q Finalize reception menu with caterer and order menu cards if needed. q Create a schedule for your wedding day to distribute to vendors and wedding party q Purchase reception/ceremony decor q Purchase accessories for your dress fittings q Write wedding vows
4-6 weeks before
q Contact guests who have not RSVP’d q Create seating chart
q Final dress fitting/ pick up dress q Confirm honeymoon reservations q Pick up marriage licenses q Order thank you notes q Pick up wedding rings q Have a bachelorette/bachelor party q Have a bridal/couples shower
1-2 weeks before
q Provide caterer with final head count q Confirm arrival times q Get final haircut and color q Provide image list to photographer q Last review of music with DJ/band q Provide any readers scripts for readings
2-3 days before
q Put together a Wedding day emergency kit q Enjoy a mani/pedi q Pack for the wedding day and honeymoon q Arrange for a reliable person to transport wedding gifts after reception q Organize tips and final payments for vendors
1 day before
q Deliver welcome bags to the hotel q Last minute check to make sure everything laid out and packed for your wedding day (dress, accessories, rings, and marriage license) q Attend wedding rehearsal and dinner q Give your wedding party their gifts q Get your beauty sleep – rest up for the bid day tomorrow!
Wedding Day!
q Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water q Give Best Man wedding rings and officiant fee q Get hair and make-up done (wear a button-down shirt) q Take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy the day you’ve spent so much time planning q Get Married!
After the Wedding
q Write and send out thank you cards q Dry clean/preserve wedding dress q Legally change name on all documents and accounts q Enjoy Married Life!
Discover Austin, Minnesota | 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 | 507-437-4563 | www.AustinMN.com | 31
Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau 301 North Main Street, Suite 101 Austin, Minnesota 55912