Unique. Fun. And charming. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of a day trip to Austin, Minnesota. You’ll enjoy places and experiences that you won’t get to anywhere else. And it truly is a hidden gem of the state. The people are beyond friendly and you’ll find plenty of places to both relax and have a good time.
How Far is Austin MN from Minneapolis?
Austin Minnesota is about 100 miles south of Minneapolis and it takes roughly an hour and 45 minutes to get there. That said, it’s the easiest drive in the entire world via 35 and seems like you’re there in no time. A trip here from the Twin Cities can definitely be done in a day.
Best Things to Do in Austin MN
*Note: I do include ways you can help support all of these small businesses during the pandemic. Though the restaurants are take-out only, others are running as normal. Please be sure to check on recent updates before traveling to Austin, Minnesota.*
Breakfast at Kenny’s Oak Grill
Where are the best places to eat breakfast? Old school diners, of course. Enter Kenny’s Oak Grill, a diner started back in 1965 that serves made-from-scratch deliciousness in a fun and friendly environment. Seriously, the servers here are next-level kind. And the french toast? It doesn’t even need syrup. Like…not a drop. Grab a classic breakfast with eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and for your side, Cinnamon Fritter French Toast—yes, even if sweet isn’t your jam. You won’t regret it.
HOW TO SUPPORT: Kenny’s is currently doing carry-out, 7 days a week from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.
Hike at Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Ready for some hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing? Head over to Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and enjoy the great outdoors. The 500 acres of prairie, forest, and wetland habitat is home to tons of wildlife so keep your eyes peeled while you meander the grounds.
When there’s snow, it’s an open space with groomed trails and they have very affordable rates for renting snowshoes and cross country skis! Get them for 3 hours and $5/$6, respectively—plus, no Minnesota ski pass is required. What a good deal for some fun, outdoor exercise.
HOW TO SUPPORT: While some events and the building are closed, you can still get out for a hike. And rentals will be available this year.
More Winter Hikes You’ll Love? Read Where to Hike During Minnesota Winter
Warm-Up & Relax at Daisy Blue Natural Wellness
Soothing scents of peppermint and honey. Soft lotions and scrubs. A Himalayan Salt Sauna. Daisy Blue Natural Wellness is all of the good vibes. Located right in downtown Austin, this wellness center is the most perfect stop after a hike through the nature center.
Relax your body in the salt sauna which is made complete with a washcloth soaked in eucalyptus/mint water that you can use to cool back down. It’s all tingly and magical and helps avoid the “sticky” feeling when putting your clothes back on. After your experience, make sure to shop around for products with all clean ingredients.
HOW TO SUPPORT: Daisy Blue’s is still open. Make sure to book an appointment, wear a mask, stay socially distant, and wash your hands! For some extra love, purchase products online! Their lotions are amazing.
SPAM Museum
Yep, you read that right. And yep, that SPAM…the stuff in the can lol. If you make it to Austin, Minnesota, you kind of have to stop in the SPAM Museum just to say you did—it’s free admission. I’ll be honest, I had never eaten spam before this experience but after learning so much about it (there are 15 varieties, it’s sold in 44 countries, and it’s very popular in Hawaii), I gave it a try at home. I chose to have it as breakfast meat fried up with some eggs. Overall, not nearly as weird as I thought. But very salty! As they say, don’t knock it until you’ve fried it!
HOW TO SUPPORT: Unfortunately, the SPAM Museum is closed for the shutdown. Follow them online. And buy SPAM!
Rydjor Bike Shop
Whether you are an avid biker or not, Rydjor Bike Shop is a fun place to stop in and look around. They have a ton of cool bikes on display, all of the gear you could ever want, a backroom for tune-ups and repairs, and even a one-wall museum of old, classic bikes. The highlight? One of Robin Williams’ 87 (!!!) bicycles.
HOW TO SUPPORT: This “transportation company” is still running as usual. Take normal precautions. And maybe pick up a new quarantine hobby with a purchase!
Grab Beers at Gravity Storm Brewery
Looking for some Hawaiian, beachy, Jimmy Buffet vibes? Head on over to the brewery for some beers and a good time. Their beverages are a great price ($6 for 20 oz pint) and they have a variety of brews—all named after Jimmy songs! I had the Volcano which had a smokey, jalapeno flavor and was awesome. Color of the Sun, a Kolsh, is another light, easy option. If you’re hungry, your only choice is popcorn, but they are totally cool with you bringing food in. That said, keep reading for what should you bring with you to eat…
HOW TO SUPPORT: The brewery has growlers and crowlers available for take-out. They even have koozie’s for them! 🙂
Piggy’s BBQ
This pulled pork, you guys. Oh my goodness. When I’m picking a restaurant, I typically don’t choose BBQ but wow, Piggy’s did not disappoint in the slightest. Both the pulled pork and brisket were done very well, but the pulled pork is what sticks with me. They have homemade sauces to dip in and a fantastic cornbread with honey butter. It’s located right downtown.
HOW TO SUPPORT: Piggy’s is offering take-out. Just call ahead and it’ll be ready for you when you get there. Hours are 3 PM-8 PM (Mon-Thur) and 11 AM-8 PM(Fri-Sat).
Dessert at Tendermaid
What a cool spot this is. I would love to come back in the summertime when their outdoor space is full of happy people enjoying the weather and ordering burgers (with a spoon!?) and malts. Tendermaid has been open for 80+ years, serving up loose meat burgers (like crumbly, not a patty – it’s actually healthier) in a super fun, old-school environment. They also serve some of the best malts around if you are looking to cure a sweet tooth. If you make it down to Austin, Minnesota, do not miss this place.
HOW TO SUPPORT: They are open for take-out. Hours are 11 AM-4 PM.
Take a Day Trip to Austin Minnesota
This town definitely flies under the radar considering how many unique and fun things there are to do in Austin, MN. Grab a friend and make a day of it.
