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Most of Minnesota's Banning State Park Closes for Construction
Day-use areas are due back in October 2027 and the campground in May 2028; the snowmobile trail and Eldon climbing area stay open.
Most of Banning State Park in Sandstone, Minnesota, closed to the public on Monday, November 9, as construction began, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says. The closure covers most recreation in the park, including all parking areas, hiking trails and the public water access on the Kettle River inside the park. The campground already closed on September 8.
Two areas stay open: the designated snowmobile trail along the park's north and west sides, with no trail parking inside the park, and the Eldon climbing area, reached from parking at the south end of the park in Sandstone. Paddlers can use nearby accesses, including one at the north end of the park at Highway 23 and the landing at Robinson Quarry Park just south of the park.
The work adds accessible picnic areas, an expanded parking lot and a new lot at a trail crossing, accessible trails, vault toilets and water spigots, plus a new shower building and accessible campsites. "Our annual visitation has tripled since 2020," said park supervisor Clarissa Payne. "The improvement projects will expand our capacity and improve the visitor experience."
The day-use area is planned to reopen in October 2027, with some parts possibly open for day use in summer 2027 if construction allows. The campground is scheduled to reopen in May 2028. The project is funded with $500,000 from Get Out MORE and $2 million from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund.
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