Our Place Recreation Center
We would like to acknowledge The United Way of Mower County for their generous support of this program.
View the current Program Guide.
Our Place Recreation Center is a social enrichment and skill-development center dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our Place is Austin's and Mower County's premier educational, recreational and social facility for this very deserving population.
Located in Austin, Our Place serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Austin and surrounding communities. We are open 5-6 days a week, and offer programs for youth, adults and senior citizens. Most of our members have some degree of intellectual or developmental disabilities, however, many program participants have secondary disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Prader-Willi, Down Syndrome, visual and hearing impairments and/or emotional and behavioral disorders.
At Our Place, we believe that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve more opportunities for education, skill building, friendships and fun. All our programs have a dual focus: they are designed so that participants can acquire new skills and so that they can have the chance to socialize with peers.
For individuals who are affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities, Our Place represents a nurturing, welcoming second home of sorts. It is a place where they can feel they truly belong, and where new opportunities, new challenges and new friendships await them.
Do you want to have fun and be involved in the community? LIFE Mower County's Our Place Recreation Center gives you opportunities to have fun, learn social skills and participate in community activities. Give your self confidence a boost and develop lifelong friendships. These are some of the fun things you can do:
Located in Austin, Our Place serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Austin and surrounding communities. We are open 5-6 days a week, and offer programs for youth, adults and senior citizens. Most of our members have some degree of intellectual or developmental disabilities, however, many program participants have secondary disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Prader-Willi, Down Syndrome, visual and hearing impairments and/or emotional and behavioral disorders.
At Our Place, we believe that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities deserve more opportunities for education, skill building, friendships and fun. All our programs have a dual focus: they are designed so that participants can acquire new skills and so that they can have the chance to socialize with peers.
For individuals who are affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities, Our Place represents a nurturing, welcoming second home of sorts. It is a place where they can feel they truly belong, and where new opportunities, new challenges and new friendships await them.
Do you want to have fun and be involved in the community? LIFE Mower County's Our Place Recreation Center gives you opportunities to have fun, learn social skills and participate in community activities. Give your self confidence a boost and develop lifelong friendships. These are some of the fun things you can do:
- Join friends for overnight, weekend or week-long excursions to places like water parks, camping or theme parks.
- Enjoy day-trips to nearby cities, fairs and festivals and tourist attractions.
- Attend a variety of events such as professional sporting events, movies, concerts, or dinner theater.
- Have fun in activities like camping, hiking, ballgames, swimming or miniature golf.
- Make friends at weekly and monthly activity nights at Our Place, including games, dinners, crafts and theme parties.
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Our Place Recreation Center Amenities:
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Day Trips:
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- 2008 - 2019, Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, 2021- 2025: Brindley's Harbor Resort on Leech Lake, Walker, Minnesota
- 2012: Duluth, Minnesota (Attractions: Lake Superior Zoo, Glensheen Mansion, North Shore Scenic Railroad, Vista Fleet Boat)
- 2013: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Attractions: Milwaukee Boat Tour, Miller Brewery, Pabst Mansion)
- 2014: Omaha, Nebraska (Attractions: Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and Activities, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Durham Museum, Heartland of America Park and Fountain, Bridge Beats Outdoor Concert)
- 2015: Green Bay, Wisconsin (Attractions: Waterboard Warriors Water Ski Show, Neville Public Museum, National Railroad Museum, Lambeau Field)
- 2016: Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota (Attractions: Mall of America, Como Zoo, Mill City Museum, Fort Snelling)
- 2017: Quad Cities, Iowa & Illinois (Attractions: Field Of Dreams, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Niabi Zoo, Celebration River Cruise, John Deere Pavilion and Gift Shop)
- 2018: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (Attractions: Tommy Bartlett Water Ski Show, Original Wisconsin Ducks, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Top Secret and Pirates Cove Mini Golf)
- 2019: Rapid City, South Dakota (Attractions: Corn Palace, 1880 Train, National Presidential Wax Museum, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, National Air and Space Museum, Badlands National Park, Wall Drug, Bear Country USA)
- 2020: Des Moines, Iowa - Cancelled due to COVID-19
- 2021: Mackinaw City, Michigan - Postponed to 2022 due to COVID-19
- 2022: Mackinaw City, Michigan (Attractions: Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw Island, Mackinaw Bridge Museum)
- 2023: Duluth, Minnesota (Attractions: Great Lakes Aquarium, Glensheen Mansion, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park)
- 2024: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin (Attractions: Lost Canyon Horse Tours, Original Wisconsin Ducks, Dells Upper Boat Tour, Wisconsin Dells Trolley Scenic City and History Tour)
- 2025: Kansas City, Missouri (Attractions: Union Station, Arrowhead Stadium/Kauffman Stadium, National WW1 Museum and Memorial, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Jesse James Birthplace and Bank Museum, Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, Hallmark Visitors Center, City Hall Observation Deck)
- 2026: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Attractions: Falls Park and Visitor Center, Arc of Dreams, USS Battleship South Dakota Memorial, Reptile Adventure Zoo, Butterfly House and Aquarium, Great Plains Zoo)
Building Confidence. Growing Independence. Living Your Best Life.
LIFE Mower County’s Living My Best Life program empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to develop the practical skills they need to live more independently and confidently in their community.
This six-week, hands-on learning experience combines fun, interactive lessons with real-world practice. Participants explore key areas of everyday living — from personal care and healthy cooking to budgeting, safety, and job readiness — in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Through guided instruction, group discussions, and meaningful activities, adults learn how to:
Each session is designed to build confidence, encourage independence, and help participants take pride in their abilities. With support from caring staff, volunteers, and peers, adults of all abilities discover that they can truly live their best life — one step at a time.
LIFE Mower County’s Living My Best Life program empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to develop the practical skills they need to live more independently and confidently in their community.
This six-week, hands-on learning experience combines fun, interactive lessons with real-world practice. Participants explore key areas of everyday living — from personal care and healthy cooking to budgeting, safety, and job readiness — in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Through guided instruction, group discussions, and meaningful activities, adults learn how to:
- Take care of themselves and build healthy routines
- Make smart choices about food, money, and safety
- Communicate effectively and maintain positive relationships
- Explore job and volunteer opportunities that match their interests
- Set personal goals and celebrate their progress
Each session is designed to build confidence, encourage independence, and help participants take pride in their abilities. With support from caring staff, volunteers, and peers, adults of all abilities discover that they can truly live their best life — one step at a time.
- Discovering Who I Am & Self-Care
- Healthy Living & Cooking Basics
- Money Management
- Communication & Relationships
- Safety & Community Skills
- Work, Volunteering & Goal Setting
Welcome to The Sensory Oasis, a calming and supportive space at LIFE Mower County designed for individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This peaceful environment provides a range of sensory experiences that foster relaxation, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Features of The Sensory Oasis:
Access and Cost:
The Sensory Oasis is available for free use to both LIFE Mower County members and non-members. We believe everyone should have access to a calming, inclusive space that supports their sensory needs. Families who use The Sensory Oasis are welcome to make a donation if they choose—your generosity helps us maintain and improve this valuable resource for the community.
Whether you're looking for a break from the noise of everyday life or a dedicated space to support sensory regulation, The Sensory Oasis offers a safe and soothing place to recharge.
Features of The Sensory Oasis:
- Soothing Lighting: Adjustable lighting helps create a peaceful, customized atmosphere.
- Tactile Surfaces: A variety of textures provide gentle sensory input.
- Calming Sounds: Soft, ambient music and nature sounds encourage relaxation and focus.
Access and Cost:
The Sensory Oasis is available for free use to both LIFE Mower County members and non-members. We believe everyone should have access to a calming, inclusive space that supports their sensory needs. Families who use The Sensory Oasis are welcome to make a donation if they choose—your generosity helps us maintain and improve this valuable resource for the community.
Whether you're looking for a break from the noise of everyday life or a dedicated space to support sensory regulation, The Sensory Oasis offers a safe and soothing place to recharge.
