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State Park · Minnesota

Banning State Park

Banning State Park
Photo: McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Pine County, Minnesota
Nearest town
2.4 miles north of Sandstone
Type
State Park
DirectionsOfficial park site ↗

About Banning State Park

Ten miles of the Kettle River run through the park, including a mile and a half of rapids that reach Class IV, with named stretches like Blueberry Slide, Dragon's Tooth, and Hell's Gate drawing kayakers and canoeists each spring. Hikers can follow this stretch of what was designated the state's first Wild and Scenic River, passing sandstone formations, river-carved potholes, and the remains of an old quarry. Wolf Creek Falls and Robinson Ice Cave are also within the park's grounds.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Banning State Park is in Pine County, Minnesota, 2.4 miles north of Sandstone. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Banning State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 73 in Minnesota →

Towns near Banning State Park

State parks near Cloquet, State parks near North Branch

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.