Winter can sometimes feel like it drags on and on, especially with gray skies, bare trees, and frosty temperatures. While we might start counting down to spring before winter officially arrives, we still have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and have fun during the coldest months of the year. If you're mulling over how to spend one of your free winter days, head to Bennett Spring State Park, the perfect winter destination in Lebanon, Missouri.
Bundle up for a day trip to Bennett Spring State Park, an idyllic winter destination, especially if you're searching for a bit of solitude.
While the park can get incredibly crowded during the warmer months, you'll likely find it's much quieter in the winter.
Home to Bennett Spring, the state park is perhaps best known for its trout fishing, an activity that draws anglers all year.
If you're visiting between mid-November and mid-February, bring your gear for a bit of catch-and-release fishing. The regular season typically runs from the beginning of March to the end of October.
Check out the exact dates and permits required for trout seasons in Missouri.
Not really into fishing? Slip on a comfy pair of hiking shoes, and explore one of the nearly half-a-dozen trails that meander through the 3,216-acre Missouri state park.
If you're up for a challenge, set off on the 7.4-mile Bennett Spring Natural Tunnel Trail. Just be prepared to deal with some tricky terrain, including rocks and tree roots.
Snow can hide some of those challenges, so you might want to bring along winter hiking poles.
The highlight of the park's most popular trail, the Natural Tunnel spans 296 feet.
Along the way, you'll pass wildlife, a historic cemetery, and a rock overhang.
For a short and sweet winter hike, head out on the .03-mile Oak Hickory Trail. The kid and dog-friendly trail is akin to a walk through the woods.
Learn more on the official website of Bennett Spring State Park.
Have you been to Bennett Spring State Park, an idyllic winter destination in Lebanon, Missouri? What did you do during your visit? Let us know in the comments! Yearning for even more adventures? Add some of the best hidden gems in Missouri to your bucket list.
Before you head out on any adventure, don't forget to charge your smartphone or pack your camera; you never know what unforgettable photo ops await.
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