The popular Spam Museum recently reopened in a brand new, 14,000-square-foot facility in downtown Austin, just in time to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Hormel Foods, which makes the famous spiced, canned meat. Visitors will find interactive and informative exhibits about the iconic product, including showings of the famously wacky “Spam” sketch and song by Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
When the first SPAM® Can came off the production line in 1937, the world was forever changed. This revolutionary new product won over the hearts of soldiers, world leaders, celebrities, chefs, kids and parents. Gracie Allen, Dwight Eisenhower, Margaret Thatcher and Monty Python all have sung praises of SPAM® products. And future generations continue to enjoy it as a versatile, high-quality and great-tasting meal-time favorite. The whole world can’t get enough of the iconic taste and the effortless meal creativity contained within this little blue can.
This museum visit is sure to make you hungry, so visit one of the 10 restaurants in the historical downtown area. Take a moment to explore the Austin ArtWorks Center, Sweet Reads (a classic bookstore with old fashion candy directly across the street from the SPAM® Museum), or Rydjor Bike Museum, displaying the history of bicycles on 16-foot walls inside the shop, with each of the 84 bicycles telling its own story including the 1868 “Boneshaker” and one of the late Robin Williams personal bikes. And you will find many other boutiques that offer one-of-a-kind specialty products. Be introduced to local points of interest and lesser-known or quirky sites that might merit further attention on an Austin City Tour. Plus you get a SPAM™ cookbook.
For dinner, wine, dine and relax with the camaraderie of your family and friends. Options include The Old Mill, a 1850’s former flour mill on the Cedar River overlooking the Ramsey Dam and is one of the most historic and well-regarded restaurants in southern Minnesota, or the Austin Country Club, located on a well-kept, heavily wooded, picturesque, challenging USGA 18-hole golf course with a beautiful clubhouse and fine amenities. Our professional, friendly staff is committed to making each visit a pleasant experience.
The next day, visit a wind farm. The Austin area is well known for being a major player in the Wind Industry. There are multiple wind farms in the area and over 1,500 wind turbines total. Visit a farm and learn why wind power is currently the fastest-growing source of electricity production in the world. For lunch, saddle up the group and head out to an incredible buffet including SPAM® pizza in addition to an unlimited variety of other pizza, fried chicken, potatoes, salads, desserts, and more.
Save time for shopping at the Sterling Shopping Center, a truly unique experience with a distinctive blend of “just-what–you’re looking-for” gifts, decor, fashion, and more.
Home of the original "Spam"