Austin

Austin is the county seat in Mower County in southeastern Minnesota and sits along the Cedar River at roughly 360 meters (1180 feet) elevation. Two man-made lakes, East Side Lake and Mill Pond, shape the cityscape along the waterway.

The settlement began in 1853 when Austin R. Nichols established the first homestead and later gave the place his name. Official incorporation followed in the years after and marked the start of urban development.

The symphony orchestra performs at the downtown theater and adds regular concerts to the community calendar throughout each season. Performances draw listeners from across the region and feature a range of classical repertoire.

The town is accessible by several main highways and offers access to walking trails along the river and around the lakes. Visitors can explore downtown on foot and find shops, restaurants and public buildings within walking distance.

The Hormel research institute partners with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic and focuses on cancer research in specialized labs. The facility draws scientists from different countries and expands the research capacity of the region.

Location: Mower County

Inception: 1853

Elevation above the sea: 360 m

Website: http://ci.austin.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 43.66660,-92.97486

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:54