SPAM Museum
Austin, MN
A playful museum devoted to the canned meat that began in this town, with interactive exhibits and a wall of cans. It is a quick, quirky stop a short drive from Interstate 90; allow about an hour.
The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is devoted to the canned meat brand made by Hormel, which is headquartered in the city. Its predecessor opened in 1991 as the Hormel Foods First Century Museum, and a larger Spam museum followed in 2001. Since April 22, 2016, it has been located in downtown Austin. Admission is free (as of October 2026).
The roughly 14,000-square-foot (1,300 m²) exhibition has seven galleries, including "Can Central," a section on Spam's role in World War II, and the "World Market" gallery, which shows uses in 44 countries. In the earlier building, a wall of more than 3,300 cans was a main attraction. Staff known as "Spambassadors" hand out samples. With games and hands-on stations, the museum suits families well. Expect about an hour; as a short stop it fits a drive along Interstate 90.
- Nearest town
- Austin, MN
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 43.6686, -92.9786
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Brookside CampgroundMotorhome stopover11 mi from SPAM MuseumMotorhomes
- Adams City Park CampgroundsCampsite15 mi from SPAM Museum · 6 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Gopher Stop CampgroundCampsite18 mi from SPAM MuseumElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Riverside County Park CampgroundCampsite19 mi from SPAM Museum · 10 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowers
- Halvorson County Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from SPAM Museum · 50 pitchesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Lake Louise CampgroundCampsite25 mi from SPAM Museum · 26 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is SPAM Museum?
SPAM Museum is in Austin, MN, at GPS 43.6686, -92.9786. It is about 65 mi from Lake City.
Can you camp near SPAM Museum?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near SPAM Museum?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lanesboro (50 mi), Bily Clocks Museum (61 mi), Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum (65 mi) and Dunning’s Spring (65 mi).
When is the best time to visit SPAM Museum?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)