Banning State Park to Close for Nearly Year
Minnesota's Banning State Park will close most of its parking areas and trails on November 9, 2026, with the campground shut until May 2028.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in National Parks
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will close most of Banning State Park, including all parking areas and hiking trails, on November 9, 2026, for nearly a year of improvements. The park's campground closed in September 2026 and will remain closed until May 2028.
Why it matters
Park infrastructure is struggling to support visitor numbers that have tripled since 2020, prompting the planned upgrades. Minnesota residents who visit the park will have limited access during the closure period.
The park covers more than 6,000 acres along the Kettle River near Sandstone and was created in 1963. The snowmobile trail on the north and west sides and the Eldon climbing area remain open during the closure.
The players
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that manages Minnesota's state parks, including Banning State Park, and oversees its improvement and closure schedule.
The details
Planned improvements include expanded parking, new restroom and campground shower facilities, and accessibility upgrades. The Eldon climbing area at the south end and the snowmobile trail along the north and west sides stay open, while the ruins of a historic sandstone quarry and former town site are part of the park's history.
Timeline
September 2026: The campground closed.
November 9, 2026: Most of the park, including parking and trails, closes.
Summer 2027: Some parts may reopen if construction allows.
October 2027: Day-use areas are set to reopen.
May 2028: The campground reopens.
Season Trajectory
The closure reflects a broader pattern of Minnesota state parks managing rising visitor demand through extended infrastructure projects. Banning State Park's tripled visitor numbers since 2020 place it among the parks now needing major investment to keep pace.
Visitors planning trips to Banning State Park should avoid the closed areas and campground until the scheduled reopenings. The open snowmobile trail and Eldon climbing area offer alternatives during the closure period.
The takeaway
Travelers should plan ahead for limited access at Banning State Park through May 2028, checking reopening dates before booking trips. Campground reservations should wait until the scheduled May 2028 reopening.
What happens next
Day-use areas at Banning State Park are set to reopen in October 2027, and some parts may reopen in summer 2027 if construction allows.
Further reading
Explore more about National Parks across Minnesota to see how other sites manage growing visitor demand.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MPR News.
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