Benning Park in Minnesota closes almost all trails and campsites
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced an extended closure of Benning State Park, located between Ascov and Finlayson. Access to most facilities will be suspended starting November 9 due to extensive construction for the safety of visitors.
All hiking trails, the ranger station, campground, Teacher's Overlook climbing area, picnic areas, and parking lots will be closed during the work. However, the Eldon climbing area with parking near Robinson Quarry, state snowmobile trails, and water slides near Highway 23 and Robinson Quarry Park will remain open.
The project includes doubling the parking capacity in the day zone, creating inclusive toilets, water sources and picnic areas. The campsite will build modern sanitary facilities, showers, dishwashing areas and modernize tent sites. The updated day zone is planned to open in October 2027, and the campsite will welcome its first guests approximately in May 2028.
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As an alternative for overnight stays during the usual seasonal period from May 1 to October 31, the Willow River Campground, located nearby in the General Andrews State Forest, will continue to operate.