Sandstone is a small town located in Pine County, Minnesota along the Kettle River. The town has a population of 2,849 as of the 2010 census. In the area, you can hike and ice climb. You can also view the Fall colors in the area.

Banning State Park

If you love rapids, then you’ll love Banning State Park in Sandstone, Minnesota. Located on the Kettle River, this park features 1.5 miles of churning rapids. Some are even Class IV. This is a great place for families or groups that want to spend some time on the water and relax after a long day.

Before the park was established, Banning was a tree-filled area on the Kettle River. Then, in the 1890s, miners began removing massive blocks of sandstone from the cliffs. This industry provided much of the building material for the local community. In 1896, a small town of 300 people was established along the banks of the river. The Banning Quarry eventually closed.

The park’s rocky outcroppings and waterfalls make for a unique hiking experience. There are also many secluded trails to explore. Visitors can also learn about the area’s man-made history at a self-guided tour through the park’s quarry.

Those seeking an adventure will appreciate the rapids at Banning State Park. The river is 10 miles long and features 1.5 miles of class-IV rapids. The churning waters are at their highest during the spring after the snow melts. The river calms down during the summer, but the fall rains raise the level again.

Visitors can also explore the park’s primitive camping areas. There are 33 single-family campsites and one group campsite. Each campsite features a grill and table. There is also a restroom, ranger station, and a picnic area for visitors. Camping at Banning State Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

Ice climbing

Climbers can enjoy the snowy white landscape at Sandstone’s famous “Ice Park” in winter. The town also has a flat, ice-free river known as the Kettle River, which is filled with fish. Ice climbing enthusiasts can even take a raft trip down the river.

The city of Sandstone, Minnesota and the Minnesota Climbers Association have partnered to create the Ice Park. The park is located in the city-owned Robinson Park and is maintained by volunteers. The park has four areas with WI three to five-star climbs. With a range of routes, including rock faces, ice slabs, and mixed routes, it’s an ideal location for ice climbing in the winter.

In addition to the ice climbing park, Sandstone also features a number of hiking trails and winter camping opportunities. The city’s Hard Water Sports offers rental equipment and guided ice climbing classes. The park is located about an hour north of Minneapolis. The park is also close to Banning State Park, which offers 20 miles of hiking trails. The city has a lot to offer climbers of all skill levels.

Sandstone’s Robinson Park has rock walls that were left over from the city’s mining history. Some of the ice there is natural, but some of it is man-made. Volunteer climbers installed pipes and a low-flow showerhead to create an ice farming system in the park. The perfect slabs of ice form at temperatures of 25 degrees or more, but the temperatures are rising. Despite the freezing temperatures, climbers use harnesses and rope to protect themselves.

Hiking

If you’re looking for a scenic hiking trail, the city of Sandstone, Minnesota, is a great place to explore. You’ll find many options, from the scenic Kettle River to a rock climbing park. The area is rich in natural beauty, and there are also plenty of opportunities for whitewater paddling in Banning State Park.

If you’re looking for a new adventure, consider hiking the Sandstone Bluffs Trail. It’s a great loop trail that may even attract local wildlife. You can hike the trail on your own or stay in a campground and enjoy the scenery. You can download GPX tracks and photos of the trail so you can continue your adventure in the future.

Sandstone, MN is also a popular spot for whitewater enthusiasts. The Kettle River is famous for whitewater rafting, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. In May, the local paddler’s club hosts the Kettle River Paddle Festival. The river is also perfect for rock climbing, paddling, and swimming.

Fall colors

As autumn approaches, the leaves of Sandstone, Minnesota, are beginning to change color. Sugar maples, sumacs and ash trees are already displaying brilliant patches of orange and red. The native prairie grasses are also showing off their vibrant maroon and purple shades. Purple asters and yellow goldenrod are also adding their vibrant colors to the landscape.

Fall colors in the area can be viewed for as long as five to six weeks. Lake Rebecca, Baker Park, and Elm Creek Park are the best places to see these vibrant colors this week. However, many parks are still a ways from their peak. Many trees have already lost their leaves and only some of the maples are holding on to decent colors. Other parks, such as Eagle Lake Golf park, Bryant Lake State Forest, and Silverwood Park, are just beginning to show off their fall colors.

Fall in Minnesota is a beautiful time of year. Despite the cold weather and shorter days, the changing leaves are a welcome sight. You can go apple picking, visit a pumpkin patch, and enjoy harvest festivals during this time of year. While the fall season isn’t the most exciting time to travel to Minnesota, it’s certainly one of the best.

If you’re in the mood for a little bit of hiking, the Quarry Loop Trail is an excellent choice. This self-guided, 1.7-mile hike passes Kettle River Rapids, old quarry buildings, and two waterfalls. You can also access the Willard Munger State Trail just five miles away. Itasca State Park is also worth a visit. It has beautiful maples and tamaracks.

The area offers many scenic spots that are perfect for fall foliage viewing. The nearby Bluff Country State Park offers a scenic boat tour that will take you along the Mississippi River. The Pleasant Valley Orchard also offers hayride tours, pumpkin picking, and other fall treats.

Winter activities

There are a number of winter activities to enjoy in Sandstone, Minnesota. In January, the area is home to the Sandstone Ice Festival, which attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the Midwest and Canada. The festival is held at Robinson Park and features instructional clinics and gear rentals. There are also a number of swimming holes and rock climbing opportunities in the area.

The weather in Sandstone can be unpredictable. Because it’s located near a large body of water, the area experiences a considerable seasonal variation in wind speed. Between September 17 and May 23, the area experiences an average of 10.2 miles per hour. By contrast, during the calmer months, from July to March, the wind is generally light and the temperature remains relatively constant.

Winter activities in Sandstone, MN include ice skating and skiing. The area also offers numerous cross country skiing trails and slopes. Rentals are available at the local ski shops. Sandstone, MN is home to several excellent ski and snowboard resorts. There is something for every skier and snowboarder.

Sandstone’s climate is warm during the summer and cold during the winter. The average temperature ranges between four and 80degF and is mostly cloudy throughout the year. The warmest months are July and August, with average daily highs around 68degF. The coolest months are March and December.

Ice fishing is another winter activity in Sandstone. It’s fun for all skill levels and is a great workout. There are also ice skating opportunities for people of all skill levels.