AUSTIN, Minn. (AP) — The museum dedicated to the canned meat product Spam is moving to downtown Austin.

Hormel Foods Corp. officials announced Tuesday that Austin's biggest tourism attraction will move from its spot near the corporate headquarters in Austin to the downtown area.

The Austin Daily Herald reports city leaders lauded the future move as the museum regularly draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and it could have a large economic impact for nearby businesses.

Hormel will likely begin construction late this year or the beginning of next year. If all goes well, the new Spam Museum will open in spring 2016 in time for Hormel's 125th anniversary.

Hormel Foods CEO and President Jeff Ettinger says at least part of the old museum could be turned into office space.

More From US 103-3