At a glance...
26250 Hwy 64A
Lebanon, MO 65536-6797
(417) 532-4338 Park Office
(417) 532-4307 Lodging (address)Acreage: 3,216.74
Year Acquired: 1923
Amenities: camping, canoeing, dining, hiking, lodging, picnicking, rafting,
swimming, trout fishing
In the mid-19th century, settlers found Bennett Spring to be an ideal spot for
grist and flour mills. Today, most people come to Bennett Spring State Park to
struggle with the rainbow trout, or just to marvel at the 100,000,000 gallons of
clear, cool water that gush from the spring each day.
The spring valley - once a popular camping ground for farmers waiting for their
grain to be ground at the mill - still attracts visitors interested in camping,
hiking and canoeing. A Bennett Spring "hike" can be a leisurely stroll along the
tree-shaded spring branch, or an invigorating seven miles to tour an interesting
natural tunnel. Those looking for less rugged pleasures will enjoy the rental
housekeeping cabins, the public swimming pool and the park's rustic dining
lodge.
Fishing enthusiasts will be found casting their lines along the spring branch,
while others visit the exhibits interpreting Missouri's springs and natural
environment at the nature center. Now, at 3,216 acres, the state park that arose
around Peter Bennett's spring continues to delight all comers.
9/6/06 -- Construction continues on the upgrades to Campground 1. The 24 new
campsites should be available by 2007 trout opening. Reservations for these new
campsites (125-148) for stays on or after 2007 trout opening are now being
accepted.
The existing campsites in Campground 1 (101-124) are closed to begin the second
phase of the project, anticipated to be completed by 2008. |
