Bennett Spring State Park

09/26/2026

Happy free fishing day ladies!!! 🐟🎣

Stop by the Nature Center throughout the day for multiple events.

Sammy, the bald eagle will be here from 10am-12pm.

Fly tying ALL DAY!

Program on Endangered Animals at 2pm.

09/25/2026

UPDATE: The boat ramp and BSSP 1 Rd are now open.

The wooden bridge is now open for pedestrian fishing access via Campground 1, but the north side of the bridge and Bramwell access are still closed due to construction on the other side. The new vehicular bridge also remains closed at this time. Please do not cross construction barriers (flagging or fencing) until they have been removed by the contractors.

09/23/2026

PICKING UP PAWPAWS:

Challenge 4: In the comments, share your favorite pawpaw hunting story and a photo of the oddest shaped pawpaw you've ever found!

Fun Fact: The pawpaw tree was designated as Missouri's state fruit tree in 2019.

09/21/2026

We're celebrating Halloween early this year 🍬🐟

Join Bennett Spring on Oct 9-11th for our Halloween event "Tricks, Treats, and Trout". We will offer free "spooky" programming all weekend long! More October events will be posted soon.

09/18/2026

On September 22, 2026, Bennett Spring State Park is anticipating an interruption to all water services to the park due to construction. This interruption will begin around 6:15 a.m. and may last for several hours. Guests should take steps to ensure they have the water they need for this period. This interruption will also impact availability of restroom facilities.

Send a message to learn more

09/18/2026

Do you like working with your hands, being outdoors, and protecting natural resources? Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon is hiring and we are looking for a hands-on, versatile team player to help keep one of our busiest parks running!

Job Posting: https://tinyurl.com/43t356vw

09/16/2026

PICKING UP PAWPAWS:

Challenge 3: In the comments, post a photo of a pawpaw tree with fruit on it and share with us a zebra swallowtail caterpillar or butterfly!

Fun Fact: Last week, you learned that pawpaw leaves are toxic to most animals. The Zebra Swallowtail and Pawpaw Sphinx caterpillars are both insects that only eat leaves from this tree. They are immune to the toxin, much like monarchs are immune to toxic milkweed. This is one reason why pawpaw trees are so important!

09/09/2026

PICKING UP PAWPAWS:

Challenge 2: In the comments, submit a drawing you made of a pawpaw tree and its leaves. Next, post a photo of a large pawpaw leaf next to your hand for size.

Fun Fact: Did you know? The leaves from a pawpaw tree contain a chemical that acts as a natural neurotoxin and insect deterrent. This protects the tree from being eaten by most insects and herbivores, like deer.

09/07/2026

The splash pad is now CLOSED for the season.

It will reopen Memorial Weekend in 2027.