HISTORIC BANNING MILLS POLICIES

PLEASE NOTE: The card you use to book AND the cardholder's government-issued photo identification MUST be present at check-in for BOTH activities and lodging. We cannot check you in without verifying both your ID and the card used to book the reservation.

The full charge at the time of booking is required.

Cancellation Policy

The credit/debit card used at booking and a government-issued photo ID matching the cardholder's name are required at check in. If you are unable to provide both of those at check in, or email us photos of those prior to check in, the reservation will be forfeited with NO refund.

Requests to cancel must be emailed to info@historicbanningmills.com. Cancellations will not be processed over the phone though you are welcome to call with any questions. We will then send an emailed cancellation notice. Please make sure you have this to verify that we did get your cancellation request. If you DO NOT receive the cancellation notice, please call, or email us to resend it. Please keep the cancellation notice for your verification records!

Cancellations made 7 days or more in advance of the reservation date will receive a full refund minus a $20 processing fee.

Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance of the reservation date will receive a refund of the balance after the following fees:

  • Overnight accommodations: The amount of the first night stay will be retained
  • Activities: 50% of total activities cost will be retained
  • $20 processing fee

Transfer option: Less than 7 days in advance of the reservation date you may transfer your balance to a gift card (valid for 5 years) after the following fees:

  • $25 for accommodations.
  • $5 per person per activity.

No refunds or transfers are offered for the following:

  • Cancellations or “no-shows” on the day of your reservation.
  • Participants don’t meet the listed physical requirements or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

We highly encourage you to buy travel insurance which will assist you in case of last-minute cancellation needs. Because we are a small country inn, cancellations within 7 days make it extremely difficult to rebook those openings we have held for you. Sometimes, unforeseen things come up. Being prepared with travel insurance helps alleviate those last-minute surprises.

Group Reservation and Cancellation Policy

We welcome groups and offer a discount for groups of 10 or more. Bring your company, camp, church, or any group of friends and family!

There can only be one point of contact and payment for your group. The person who made the reservation must be present to check-in and have the card used to make the reservation and an ID with the name used to make the reservation.

When making your reservation, we require 25% of the payment (non-refundable) at the time of booking and the remaining %75 must be paid at least 14 days prior to your reservation date.

For group cancellations less than 14 days prior to your reservation we will refund 50% of the total reservation cost minus a processing fee to the card used to make the reservation. This request is valid beyond 24 hours from the start of your reservation.

We offer a transfer option 24 + hours in advance of the reservation date. A transfer fee of $250 will be charged at the time of the transfer and a new date must be booked within 6 months of the original date.

Under 24 hours all reservations are considered final, and no refund will be given. Much preparation is required, and expenses are incurred to accommodate each scheduled tour and due to limited space others have likely been turned away for your tour time. Please notify us as soon as possible if changes need to be made to your reservation.

Requests for cancellations/transfers must be submitted via email. The easiest way to do so is to reply to your confirmation email. You may also email directly to info@historicbanningmills.com 

Gift Certificate Terms & Conditions

  • Gift cards are valid toward any service, activity or lodging at Historic Banning Mills
  • CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE
  • Gift certificate promotions expire one year from issue date and cannot be used toward existing reservations. After expiration the gift card will be good for the value on the card but will no longer be good for the discounted promotion. EX. If you purchase a level 4 for $99 deal and it expires, the gift card is still good for $99 but the level 4 tour is normally $169 so the remainder would need to be paid.
  • Must be redeemed by a person 18 years of age or older.
  • Gift cards can not be used to purchase gift cards/certificates.
  • Paid dollar amount will hold its value for five years from the date of purchase.
  • When a reservation is made with the card, the cancellation policies will apply and the gift card may be lost.
  • Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • Please view the website for weight and physical limitations.
  • Restrictions may apply for adventure tours.
  • Prices are subject to change without notice.
  • Customer will be responsible for costs and fees associated with dormancy, non-use or difference in promotional vs current pricing after the one-year expiration.
  • Gift cards that have been redeemed WILL NOT be transferred, reused or reissued.
  • Our standard cancellation policies apply

Property Policies

  • Our facility is in a historic and beautiful natural setting. Our trail systems and grounds are not considered "improved”, and we leave them as natural as possible. Therefore, when out and about the property, there are potential inherent risks to consider such as stumbles, falls, collisions, sprains, fractures, cuts and abrasions, insect, animal, and snake bites as well as bee stings, allergic reactions to plants and or animals, heat or cold injuries, blisters, sore muscles, severe injuries, and possible death. These risks are not all inclusive or considered complete.
  • Banning Mills is a conservation center and historic site. All wildlife, plants, driftwood, artifacts and any other natural or man-made features are protected and may not be moved or disturbed. Do Not climb on the historic structures. Please leave these for others to enjoy. Treasure hunting in any fashion is prohibited. Fines may be incurred.
  • Banning Mills is not responsible for the loss of money, valuables or other personal property.
  • Banning Mills, their employees, subcontractors, officers, or directors of the organization are not responsible for injury, accidents, loss or death that you, and/or your guests/family/friends incur due to the result of accidents or as a result of any type of alcohol consumption on your, or your guest’s part.

Adventure Policies

Times:

Please arrive at Banning Mills at least 30 minutes before your scheduled event. We do try to leave as promptly as possible and if you are late, you may miss your tour time. We cannot guarantee you a place on the next tour. If you miss your tour time, there will be no refund given. Please understand that we DO NOT guarantee that you will go out promptly at your scheduled time. We have no control over weather pop- ups, unforeseen circumstances, or how guests will react to the course. Some adventures are quicker or shorter than the estimated tour time while others may take longer, depending on group size and physical abilities. Tour times are estimated and include gear-up and training. Make sure you take this into consideration as you plan your tour with us: please be patient, especially with others in your group, because you are going to be glad you did!

Dress Code:

Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter - Loose, comfortable clothing. Shorts/Capris/Jeans are acceptable. We would suggest a longer short. Please remember you are wearing a lower body harness that will lift your clothing up somewhat. Please do not wear short shorts, tube tops or halter type tops due to the gear you must wear. Shoes - No open toed, flip flops, sandals, or backless shoes. We do not allow fived-toed shoes either. Tennis shoes, walking/hiking boots are acceptable. Kayaking: water shoes or shoes with a back strap are required. No bare feet or flop flops allowed. Please feel free to bring your camera, only if you have a neck or wrist strap though. Remember: if you have the wrong shoes on, you will not be able to go on the tour, but you will be charged!

Weather Policy:

We will not run tours in thunderstorms, high winds, or "close-in" lightning (3 miles). It is important to remember that foul weather in your area does not necessarily mean foul weather at Banning Mills. Please call first if you have concerns about the weather. We will call only if we are certain your tour will not run. In some cases, tours may be postponed, allowing for some weather systems to pass. Sometimes tours might end up being on hold from 45 to 60 minutes due to weather pop ups. When you are planning a tour with us, please take this into consideration. If we do not call you, the tour is still " a go". If you do not show up, that will be considered a no show and the cancellation policy will kick in.

Participant Restrictions:

Please review all weight requirements before booking each activity. The tours require a moderate amount of exertion. These adventures are not recommended for those with heart problems, severe respiratory problems, musculo-skeletal difficulties or if you are more than 3 months pregnant. You must be able to use both upper and lower extremities. Some of our Eco-Spider SWINCARs are equipped for persons with reduced mobility. These must be requested upon making your reservation. Weight and age restrictions are listed with each adventure. If you have any questions about listed restrictions, please call us.

Right of Refusal:

DO NOT consume alcohol the day of your tour time. We reserve the right to cancel your tour due to alcohol consumption and you will be charged for the tour if this occurs. Please understand that this is for your safety and the safety of our guides and other guests.

Media Release:

By participating in our tours, you hereby grant Historic Banning Mills the non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free right and permission to use any photographs or videos taken by our team or fellow travelers during the tour, without further compensation to you, for promotional purposes. This includes but is not limited to, the use of such media in social media posts, website content, and Google posts. You acknowledge and agree that these photographs or videos may be used in various marketing materials to showcase the unique experiences provided by our tours. We will ensure that your privacy is respected and will not disclose any personal information along with these pictures or videos. If you have any concerns regarding your media usage or would like to opt out of this agreement, please notify us in advance. Your participation in our tours implies your acceptance of these terms. Thank you for understanding and being a part of our exciting journey!

Lodging Policies

  • Check in is between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Please note that we do NOT guarantee check in at 4pm. We will do our best but sometimes things happen, and rooms may be delayed for checking in. Because we are not a 24-hour facility, you must be here by 10 p.m. for guest services to check you in. Lodging guests receive a gate key for reentry after hours and gates close at 10 p.m.
  • Check out is 11 a.m.
  • If you must cancel, you must email that request to us.
  • Please note that coupons cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion offered.
  • We cannot not guarantee specific room numbers. We reserve the right to move rooms as necessary as long as it is the same type.
  • We have free Wi-Fi in the main lodge and surrounding area. There are many locations on property that do not get a signal. We do not guarantee you will have Wi-Fi in your room.
  • Room rates posted on the website are for double occupancy. Additional charges will be applied as follows: $15 per person per night for ages 5 years and older. This will include a full breakfast the following morning. Family Size Cabins are based on four people. Adults/Children ages 5 and up will be an additional $15 per night. Full breakfast is not included with Family Cabin reservations but may be added upon check-in for an additional fee.
  • The number of guests using the premises shall not exceed the total number reserved on the reservation. You may not exceed the total number of people reserved. We do NOT allow extra outside guests on site unless this has been pre-arranged. Please see our website or call us at the main office if you need clarification. Lodging amenities are for reserved guests only.
  • Any guest under the age of 18 must have an adult in attendance.
  • Family Cabin Cleaning: To avoid a cleaning fee, please leave the cabin in good repair, clean, and all dishes washed and put away. Cleaning fee of $250 applied if cabin is left uncleaned.
  • Lost Room or Gate Keys: Please note that if you lose your room key, it is a $25 charge and if you lose your gate key, there is a $50 charge.
  • Damages to the room/property may incur damage fees.
  • We do not offer charging stations for electric vehicles. Running cords from outlets is not permitted.
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We want your stay at Historic Banning Mills to be as enjoyable as you could possibly imagine. We are situated in historic Snake Creek Gorge. When you visit Historic Banning Mills you can expect to be greeted by a serene natural environment. While we offer modern amenities, being in a gorge presents challenges for modern conveniences like high speed WIFI while you are out enjoying the natural environment of Historic Banning Mills. You will have WIFI service in certain areas around the property, but it is not high speed. We do have high speed WIFI available at the main lodge with dedicated WIFI in our meeting spaces for our corporate guests.