This Quirky Museum In Austin, Minnesota Is All About SPAM… Nope, Not The Email Kind!
Uncover the fascinating world of Spam at Austin, Minnesota’s must-visit Spam Museum – packed with interactive exhibits and delicious samples! 🥓 #News #Travel #Minnesota
AUSTIN, MN – Step into the world of Spam, where history, culture, and a touch of whimsy blend together in one of southern Minnesota‘s most unique attractions. The Spam Museum in Austin offers a delightful journey through the evolution of this iconic canned meat, with interactive exhibits, fun activities, and even tasty samples.
Whether you’re a die-hard Spam fan or just looking for an offbeat adventure, this museum promises a memorable experience that will leave you craving more.
Explore the Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota
The Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is a quirky and fascinating attraction. It’s dedicated to the famous canned meat product, Spam. This museum, which is free to enter, offers visitors a fun journey through the history of Spam and its impact on world culture.
RELATED: Minnesota Road Trip Ideas: These Are The 11 Best Road Trips And Itineraries
A Brief History of the Spam Museum
The Spam Museum began in January 1991 as the Hormel Foods First Century Museum. It was a small storefront museum celebrating Hormel’s 100th anniversary, located in Austin’s Oak Park Mall. In 2001, the museum shifted its focus entirely to Spam, expanding to a 16,500-square-foot space filled with exhibits, a theater, family activities, and a gift shop.
RELATED: This Man Created Minnesota’s Smallest City… In His House! The Feds Even Recognize It!
In September 2014, the museum temporarily closed to relocate to a more accessible spot in downtown Austin. The new, 14,000-square-foot location opened on April 22, 2016, at 101 3rd Avenue NE.
RELATED: This Is The Midwest’s Most Bizarre Musical Instrument And You Can Easily Make One!
Exciting Exhibits and Galleries
The Spam Museum’s new downtown location features seven main galleries, each offering unique insights and interactive experiences:
- Can Central: The hub of the museum.
- World Market: Showcasing Spam advertising and recipes from 44 different countries.
- World War II Exhibit: Highlighting Spam’s crucial role for American troops during the war.
- Spam Products Around the World: An interactive map of global Spam variations.
- Can Chronicles: Displaying the evolution of Spam cans over the years.
- Spam Brand 101: An interactive exhibit where visitors can learn about the 15 varieties of Spam and compete in assembling mock cans.
The Spam Shop and Spambassadors
No visit is complete without a stop at the Spam Shop. Here, you’ll find hundreds of Spam-branded items and gifts. Volunteer guides, known as Spambassadors, enhance the experience by offering small samples of Spam, known as Spamples, to visitors.
RELATED: Minnesota Moo-seum Extravaganza: Inside The World’s Largest Cow Collection
Know Before You Go: The Spam Museum
- Museum Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Shop Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Admission: Free for all visitors.
- Location: 101 3rd Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912. Check out their website here.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Spam or just curious, the Spam Museum offers a delightful and educational experience for all ages. Plan your visit today!
RELATED: Bizarre, Quirky And Totally Fun Adventures In Minnesota: Land of 10,000 Wacky Places!
