Courtesy: Minnesota Deaprtment of Natural Resources
CARLTON, Minn. -- Due to extensive flood damage the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that Jay Cooke State Park will remain closed indefinitely. The DNR is cancelling all reservations through October 31, 2012. Full refunds are being made to customers and reservations will not be taken until further notice.
State Highway 210 remains closed due to flood damage. The highway is the only vehicle access into the park and is impassable due to mudslides and washed-out sections of road.
The DNR estimates that there will be a loss of $175,000 in camping and lodging revenue while the park is closed. A full estimate on repair costs at the park is not yet available.
Damage to actual park structures was minimal and no people were injured, but the park's iconic swinging bridge over the St. Louis River was badly damaged. The popular Willard Munger State Trail, a paved bike route, was also severely damaged and water and sewer service remain down.
The DNR is urging people to not go near Jay Cooke State Park because conditions are still unsafe.
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