Austin, Minnesota: SPAM Museum is all about the pork product
Growing up in Nebraska, it wasn’t uncommon to eat SPAM for lunch or dinner. When we moved to Fremont, which has a Hormel’s plant, it also wasn’t uncommon to smell the company’s product being made. It seemed every summer, a slow “aroma” from the Hormel plant whiffed its way across the city of about 22,000.
We used to joke that SPAM was made from “Spare Parts And Marrow.” As a kid, I’m not so sure that wasn’t correct. Today, Hormel proudly boasts that its most popular product is made from some of the finest parts of a pig – shoulder parts and ham. It’s a precooked item, so you can eat it cold or warmed up.
SPAM was added to the roster of George Hormel Company’s roster in 1937. It soon grew into a worldwide treat. During World War II, the meat was part of American military members’ menus.
Its worldwide popularity had to lead to something big, right? Like, maybe, a museum to explore all-things SPAM? Indeed, it did. The original SPAM Museum opened in Austin, Minnesota, in the early 1990s. However, with SPAM a popular tourist attraction, a standalone museum was built in 2002.
The need for a new building became necessary. The SPAM Museum moved into its new digs a couple of months ago. We have long wanted to visit the SPAM Museum, and the opportunity presented itself during a Minnesota road trip. We were not disappointed.
The museum tells the story of the Geo. A. Hormel Company, its products and the explosion of SPAM’s popularity. The Hormel Company opened its doors in 1891. It changed its name to Hormel Foods in the early 1900s.
Hormel arrived in Austin after having worked as a traveling salesman. He borrowed $500 to open a meat market in the southern Minnesota town. From a meat market to a multi-billion dollar enterprise, Hormel Foods produces about 3,000 products. You may know some of them – Dinty Moore Stew, Chi-Chi’s salsa and Skippy peanut butter.
The museum offers an interactive tour of its history and products. As soon as you enter the museum, you are greeted by a display of the famous blue cans with yellow letters. A display offers fun facts about SPAM. Did you know that 12.8 cans of SPAM products are eaten every second?
SPAM is beloved worldwide, with products showing up in 44 countries. It’s a favorite in countries, such as England, Japan, Australia and China. The Philippines has a restaurant focused on SPAM, featuring items such as SPAM burgers and SPAM spaghetti.
Hawaii is perhaps the state that loves SPAM most, even more so than its native Minnesota. Hawaiians’ love for the salty meat dates back to World War II. Soldiers and sailors stationed there would share the meat with locals. Their love affair with SPAM grew from there. You can even order SPAM sandwiches at Hawaiian McDonald’s.
SPAM fans create personal items from the cans. The museum shares some of the creations, including a dress ensemble and guitar. Yes, a dress AND a guitar.
Any Monty Python fans out there? Of course, you are. We all remember “SPAM-a-Lot,” the musical based on the meat. It’s highlighted at the museum. Ah, Monty Python. How cool is that? A food item from our area that’s been featured by the British ensemble, alongside “The Holy Grail,” etc.?
Sir Can-A-Lot serves as the company’s mascot and spokesperson. He started promotion SPAM products in 2012.
Speaking of SPAM products, did you know there are 15 flavors? Teriyaki, jalapeno, bacon, Portuguese sausage, black pepper and chorizo are among the flavors. You can get recipes for cooking with SPAM and create all kinds of cool dishes with the different varieties.
We picked up some cookbooks and SPAM flavors for family and ourselves. I’m looking forward to making the time to make a cookbook recipe with the teriyaki and chorizo flavors we brought home.
I could go on and on about the SPAM museum and its foodsake. But, you need to visit for yourself. We strongly recommend checking out the SPAM Museum in Austin. I’ve already promised one of the daughters that if she wants to go, I’m there with her.
For more information on the SPAM Museum, please visit www.spam.com, www.exploreminnesota.com or www.austinmn.com.
