Mower County: Prairie, Parks and History

On the shore of Lake Louise, Lake Louise State Park has a sandy beach. The park also includes restored tallgrass prairie with big bluestem, Indian grass, and other prairie plants. This combination makes the lakeshore and prairie vegetation tangible nature themes for a stay in Mower County.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The picnic shelter at Lake Louise State Park has picnic tables and electrical outlets. Hikers and horseback riders use the Lake View Trail, while the park’s equestrian area serves as the starting point for the horseback riding trail network. Fishing is a popular activity in the Group Camp Bridge area. Along with scenery and picnic facilities, the park offers a variety of trails and recreational activities.

The Shooting Star State Trail runs through Lake Louise State Park. A paved trail connects it to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin, which spans more than 500 acres of prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. Native wildflowers and grasses are a special feature of the Shooting Star State Trail and the Shooting Star Wildflower and Historic Route Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 56. Trail conditions can change, so it’s a good idea to check the current trail status before your outing. Parking for the Shooting Star State Trail is available at Lake Louise State Park; a vehicle permit is required. Check the current requirements before you go.

Other parks offer different kinds of activities. Shirley Theel Memorial Park has a walking path about half a mile long, while Todd Park has an 18-hole disc golf course. For a sense of scale, compare the distances: the walking path is about half a mile long, while the Shooting Star State Trail is paved for about 29 miles between LeRoy and Austin. The comparison is between a park walking path and a paved section of trail, and can help you plan outings based on the distance you want to cover.

Museums and Historic Sites

The SPAM® Museum features interactive exhibits with quizzes and games. These elements give the exhibits a playful character. Built in 1871, the Hormel Historic Home preserves the legacy of George A. and Lillian Hormel’s family. While the museum centers on interactive exhibits, the home’s historical significance lies in this family’s legacy. The Lake Louise Dam tells another specific historical story: it was built in 1925 after its predecessor was swept away in a flood in the early 20th century. The historical range therefore extends from a dated residence to family history and the dam’s origins.

The Mower County Historical Society offers tours at 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday during its regular tour season, from May to September. If you’d like to include a tour in your day’s plans, take the season and time into account and check the schedule before your visit.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Austin, Pipestone County, Hennepin, Pennington County, Morrison, Le Sueur County, Olmsted, Scott.

For the main travel overview: Minnesota.