East central Minnesota’s Banning State Park is a popular choice for a Springtime getaway for folks in the Twin Cities and surrounding region. Just 86 miles North of Minneapolis/St. Paul, this park has plenty to offer any time of year, but several factors make it especially appropriate for a Spring excursion.
Camper Cabin Provides Roof on Chilly Spring Eves
For starters, Banning’s proximity to the Twin Cities –just 90 minutes away up interstate 35- make it a quick and easy trip at an unpredictable time of year, weather-wise. Because nights are still often quite chilly in late-March through May, the fact that Banning has a camper cabin provides a little peace of mind (and a roof), while still giving families an outdoor camping experience. The cabin is open April through October.
Also, wildflowers are in abundance along Banning’s 17 miles trails in the Spring. Don’t forget the camera! Flowers aren’t the only interesting things to photograph here, however.
Kettle River Rapids Among State's Most Popular
Banning State Park’s biggest draw is the Kettle River. The park runs adjacent to a 10-mile stretch of the Kettle, and some of Minnesota’s best rapids are here. Kayakers and daring canoeists have been running the “Blueberry Slide”, Dragon’s Tooth”, “Hell’s Gate” and other rapids through Banning for years. The Spring runoff makes for some serious whitewater along this stretch.
If you’re not one of the daring yourself, bring a lunch and settle onto one of the parks many sandstone rock formations, seemingly built for such a reason, and watch the excitement. Most days throughout the Spring and Summer see some kind of action along this stretch, and weekends can get downright packed with river runners.
Banning Trails Highlight Ruins, Waterfall and Ice Cave
The hiking trails at Banning State Park also offer a bit more than the usual walk through the woods. The Quarry Loop Trail meanders riverside through the ruins of an 1890’s sandstone quarry and the short-lived town of Banning, where many of the workers lived. The ruins are another great photo opportunity.
The Wolfe Creek Falls Trail takes hikers through dense pine groves to a mid-size, peaceful and somewhat hidden waterfalls. The park also has a popular cave (not on the park map, directions available at the park office), the Robinson Ice Cave, nicknamed the “bat cave.”
Banning State Park vital stats:
- 6,200 Acres
- 33 drive-in campsites (including 11 electric)
- 1 backpack campsite, 4 canoe-in campsites
- 1 camper cabin (seasonal)
- 17 miles of trails (including 1.8 self-guided)
- established 1963
- nearby towns & services: Askov (3 miles) Sandstone (4 miles) Hinckley (11 miles)
Banning State Park is located 86 miles north of the Twin Cities. Take I-35w North past Sandstone to exit 195 (Hwy 23). Exit, turn right (East), park entrance 1/3 mile on your right. For more information or reservations, visit the Minnesota DNR Website.
