Learn about Austin on an Architectural Tour

This itinerary is best anytime of the year

Welcome to Austin! Located in Southeast MN only 12 miles north of the Iowa border and approximately 100 miles south of the Twin Cities metro area, making Austin a perfect group tour destination. You will find Austin enroute to many popular places such as the Black Hills, Mall of America, Wisconsin Dells, and Historic Bluff Country also in southeast MN. Not only is SPAM™Town USA a gateway to many popular destinations, but you will be pleased to discover Austin is a great destination of its own!

Day one

9:30 – 11:00 am
The entertainment begins when your costumed guide joins you for great jokes, lots of fun sharing and of course the great history and sites of Austin, Minnesota – SPAM town USA!

11 – 12:00 pm

Start downtown with Hastings Shoe Store.  Built in 1868, it was the site of the original courthouse and county offices. There is a lot of history in the building that Bendixen’s Jewelry calls home.

12 – 1:00 pm

A great place for a trendy lunch is the Brick House Coffee House, built in 1858, the same year that Minnesota became a state. It is one of the oldest homes in Austin, with a 1930’s addition that was carefully built to duplicate the original style.

1 – 1:30 pm

St. Augustine’s Catholic Church’s parish was established in 1857.  The cornerstone of the present Gothic design building was laid in 1894.  Beautiful stained glass windows are one of its most distinctive features.

1:30 – 1:45 pm

The First United Methodist Church started in 1856, is celebrating its 150th birthday right along with the city of Austin!

1:45 – 2:15 pm

Tour the Arthur Winfield Wright House, now a private residence. Records show it was built before 1874 and is the earliest, most intact example of Italianate styling in Mower County. The detailing is unusual with narrow gables, paired corbels, and heavily corniced window and door moldings.

2:15 – 2:45 pm
The Hormel Historic Home was built in 1871, and bought in 1901 by George and Lillian Hormel.  The stately 18-room home had extensive remodeling in the Classical Revival style and houses many original family heirlooms and photographs.  The brand new banquet hall and conference center created seating for an additional 200. (Contact the Austin CVB for information about their newly added “Cooking Tips and Trends”. Classes that have been added – in partnership with the Hormel Home.)

2:45 – 5:30 pm

Check into one of Austin’s group friendly hotels. Whether your group is looking for a full service hotel or something a bit simpler, Austin’s hotels know how to make your groups time in Austin comfortable.

5:30- 7:30 pm

Dinner tonight will be at the Old Mill Restaurant. Enjoy excellent food in a scenic, relaxing and historic setting.

7:30 pm

End your touring day at the Sola Fide Observatory, a program of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. Under the direction of a specialist, you can view the night sky with its numerous stars and constellations.

Day two

9-12 pm

Your second day begins with a journey up the road to Rochester and a tour the Gerard Mansion.
The mansion of Jay Catherwood Hormel, son of George and Lillian. This 97 room chateau was designed by Harold H. Crawford, the architect responsible for many prominent buildings in Rochester, MN. Many original pieces still exist in this French style home. The mansion today is used as a treatment center for troubled youth. Tours can be arranged only by the CVB with advance notice.

“Tour planning made easy” is the goal of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.