Banning State Park
Treat yourself to a visit to Banning State Park, just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone. In the spring, watch daring canoeists and kayakers shoot the turbulent rapids at Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth and Hell's Gate. In the summer, hike along the Kettle River amid dramatic sandstone rock formations with lush lichens, liverworts and mosses. Visit Wolf Creek Falls, the Log Creek Arches and Robinson's Ice Cave. Stay at the new camper cabin (sleeps five people), which includes bunk beds, a table and benches. Take in the historic ruins of Banning Sandstone Quarry. The park is known for camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, beautiful trails for hiking and the study of natural history.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Bannings State Park's campground will be closed this winter - November 18, 2013 through March 31, 2014. Willow River State Forest campground will be closed October 28, 2013 through April 30, 2014. Deer Hunt at Banning State Park There will be a deer hunt November 2 through November 3. Canoe campsites on the east side of the Kettle River and "Hell's Gate Rapids" portage trail will be closed November 1 through November 3. The park will remain open to the public during the hunt. |
Park NotesBe fascinated. Check out the naturalist programs and other activities scheduled at the park. Virtual Tour:Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park! Park is Open Year-round:Cross country skiing is available during the winter. Camping is available through November 17, 2013! State Forest Campground:Banning State Park also manages the Willow River Campground on Zalesky Lake (I-35 Exit 205) within General Andrews State Forest. Camping is available April 28 to October 30. There are 38 drive-in and two hike-in campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, each with vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water. A tent-only group camp is also available for up to 50 people. Group camp is $50/night and can be reserved by calling Banning State Park at 320-245-2668. The other campsites are $12/night and do not take reservations. Gift Card:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. Don't move firewood!Burning non-local firewood can spread invasive species, and it's against Minnesota state law. Learn more. Always buy your firewood at the park, or from an approved local vendor. Find firewood vendors for Banning State Park. Birders:Bird Checklist |
Park Highlights | ||||||
|
Kettle RiverHours
Best time to contact the park:
Fall/Spring: Saturday - Monday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday, Intermittent ; Friday 10 a.m - 4 p.m.
Winter: Friday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Tuesday - Thursday, Intermittent
Summer: Daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. If no one is available, please leave a message.
Contact
61101 Banning Park Road
Sandstone, MN 55072
tel: 320-245-2668
fax: 320-245-0251
email: banning.statepark@state.mn.us
Getting There
The park is located is off I-35, Exit #195. Follow signs to the park.