After I visited Southeast Minnesota, friends and relatives naturally asked me what I did. When I mention the Spam Museum, they think I’m kidding.
Well, I kid you not.
The admission-free Museum in Austin honors Hormel Foods Corporation and its Spam brand. Both have a lot to convey.
When I walked in, a young lady dressed in blue, with the trademark SPAM embroidered across her blouse, greeted me, and handed me a map of the 14,000-square-foot Museum.
The World Market, where visitors can learn about the advertising and use of Spam and Spam recipes from 44 different nations and regions, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, and China.
A World War II-themed exhibit explains the importance of Spam as a staple for American troops. The “Can Chronicles” shows the evolution of the Spam can, and Spam Brand 101 is an interactive exhibit where visitors learn about 15 varieties of Spam.
There are several games, interactive videos, and hands-on activities.
And, let’s not forget The Spam Shop offering hundreds of Spam-branded items and gifts.
In addition to the t-shirts, ballcaps, banks, socks, earrings, aprons, sunglasses, and a myriad of other Spam-branded apparel and souvenirs, guests can also buy different flavors including: Classic, Lite, Low Sodium, Turkey, Teriyaki, Hot & Spicy, Hickory Smoke, Bacon, Gochujang, Spam with Tocino Seasoning, and Jalapeno, Maple, Tocino, and Spam with Real Hormel Bacon, and Korean BBQ.
What began as a dream of German immigrant George A. Hormel in the late 1880’s has grown into a worldwide empire.
Not only is the Spam Museum educational and engaging, but it’s also fun!
For more information about the Spam Museum, click here. For more information about visiting Austin, click here.
