60° and Clear
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Most of Banning State Park Will Close November 9 for Accessibility and Visitor-Facility Improvements
Day-use areas are expected to reopen in October 2027, while the campground is scheduled to remain closed until May 2028.
SANDSTONE, MN (October 24, 2026). Most of Banning State Park will close to visitors beginning November 9, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Friday, as construction expands from the campground into day-use areas.
The work will affect a familiar destination for Twin Cities residents visiting the Kettle River corridor. The planned closures cover most trails, parking areas and other facilities, although designated exceptions will remain available.
The DNR says the park’s annual visitation has tripled since 2020. The improvements are intended to address that demand while making more facilities usable by visitors with disabilities.
The day-use project includes accessible picnic areas, toilets and water spigots, along with improvements to trails and parking.
Two Different Reopening Dates
Visitors should distinguish the day-use construction schedule from the campground project.
The DNR anticipates reopening the improved day-use area in October 2027. The campground is scheduled to reopen in May 2028.
The agency says it will look for opportunities to permit some day use during summer 2027 as construction allows. That possibility is not a commitment that particular trails or amenities will open earlier.
According to the construction page, parking work will double the capacity of the existing lot and create an additional lot near a trail crossing.
Campground Improvements Extend Beyond Standard Restrooms
The new campground shower building will include accessible single-occupancy showers, family-assist restrooms, an adult changing station and dishwashing facilities. Several campsites will also be upgraded for accessibility.
The campground closed September 8. In its earlier announcement, the DNR said the closure included 33 campsites and a camper cabin and was expected to continue throughout the 2027 camping season.
The agency identified St. Croix and Moose Lake state parks, along with several state forest campgrounds, as alternatives. Those facilities have their own seasons, reservation arrangements and available amenities, which visitors must check separately.
What Will Remain Available
The Eldon climbing area will remain open, with parking at Robinson Quarry Park in Sandstone. It should not be confused with the Teacher’s Overlook climbing area, which is included in the closure.
Designated snowmobile routes through the park will remain available, but the DNR says there will be no trail parking inside the park.
The park’s own Kettle River water access will close. Nearby access points include the Highway 23 location and Robinson Quarry Park.
Funding and Visitor Updates
The DNR identifies $500,000 in Get Out MORE funding for day-use improvements and $2 million from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund for the campground project.
Visitors should consult the Banning construction page and current park alerts before traveling. A familiar route or access point may no longer be available once the November closure begins.
STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA
Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.
SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe
MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life
