To Do in Sandstone MN

March 21, 2018

by sandy Uncategorized

Sandstone, Minnesota has easy “Access to Adventure”

sandste mn rafting — Fun to do in Sandstone MN

Rafting, Climbing,
and Hiking in Minnesota’s Adventure Headquarters

With 4 seasons of adventure, Sandstone, Minnesota is truly a year-round destination for outdoor athletes and nature enthusiasts.

From the ice climbing on the frozen walls of Robinson Park Quarry to the spring snow melt and the whitewater rafting on the Kettle River.

Plenty adventure options await in Sandstone, MN from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, biking, rafting or fly-fishing.

Just an Hour or so North of the Minneapolis St. Paul Metro

Visit Sandstone
for Year-round Adventure

There’s Always Something to Do in Sandstone MN…

sandstone mn climbing

Sandstone in the Spring

Canoeist, Kayakers, and Rafters flock to the Kettle River to enjoy the high water of the spring snow melt.
The Kettle River Paddle Festival, an annual whitewater paddler’s event hosted by a local paddlers club, happens every May. Contact our local whitewater rafting company, Hard Water Sports, for rafting information.

Sandstone in the Summer

Rock climbing and bouldering along with lazy paddling on the Kettle River.
sandstone mn water falls Paddle through Banning state or head down river from Robinson Park to Big Spring Falls.
Hike the trails of Banning State Park and discover the swimming holes of the Kettle.

Sandstone in the Fall

With the changing season, cooler weather sets in and the climbing scene picks up. Sport routes and boulder problems aboud in Robinson Park or check out the recently opened climbing of in Banning State Park.
Bring along the trail runnig shoes and you can make a quick dash to Big Spring Falls or take the trail up river to Hell’s Gate to explore the wonders of the Kettle River.

Sandstone in the Winter

Ice climb on the frozen walls of Robinson Quarry Ice Park. When the temp drops low enough ice gets farmed to create an ice climbers playground.
Robinson Park is the home of the Sandstone Ice Festival, celebrating the winter with an annual festival in January.

Other options for winter activities include skiiing and snowshoeing the miles amd miles of trails in Banning State Park.

Sandstone, MN is an easy day trip from Minneapolis – or better yet, grab your camping gear and stay a few nights.

For more information on Sandstone Minnesota Tourism

Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation Study

March 13, 2018

by sandy Uncategorized

Proposal for Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation
Kettle River Whitewater Park
Sandstone, MN

The first step to removing and replacing the hazardous remnants of a dam in Robinson Park is to get a feasibility study. Scott Shiply ofS2O Design and Engineering was contacted to see if the project was worth looking at.

After speaking with Scott he sent this email along with a Proposal for Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation.

Thank you for your interest in S2O Design and Engineering and the opportunity to propose our services.

At S2O we have a passion for rivers and river recreation. Our projects are designed to be unique attractions and to provide recreational amenities for varied users, including paddlers, rafters, fishermen, SUP paddlers, tubers, walkers and joggers. We have worked closely with many communities around the world, guiding them through the public and design processes required to create internationally acclaimed river corridors and parks. Our team includes specialists in planning, public process, design, river restoration, permitting and implementation. This expertise ensures that you get the design that best meets your objectives in an efficient manner.

Please find our proposal attached. This proposal details our client-based project approach, as well as our qualifications and experience. We are proud of our past work and are confident we are the best and most experienced design firm for this project. Please feel free to call us if you have any additional questions or require any clarifications.

Sincerely,

Scott Shipley, P.E.
S2O Design and Engineering
318 McConnell Drive
Lyons, CO, 80540

Sandstone MN Ice Park

February 13, 2018

by sandy ice climbing Uncategorized

Sandstone Ice Park

Wow !! We have it here in Sandstone Minnesota. We have a nationally recognized, man-made ice climbing park right in the town of Sandstone. Know for fat ice and thin mixed routs, the Sandstone Ice Park brings in climbers from across the U.S. and Canada.

Robinson Park in Sandstone Minnesota is where you’ll find the Sandstone Ice Park – the park is open to climbing year round. With over 40 bolted sport routs and a cluster of bouldering problems that offer plenty spring summer and fall climbing opportunities. But it’s in the winter that the park really comes to life with climbers.

Ice Climbing – Robinson Park

ice climbing in Sandstone MN — Ice Climbing in Sandstone MN

Robinson Park is open, free of charge to anyone wanting to climb rock or ice. The ice routs are between 20 and 80 feet, with enough ice for 20-30 ropes. Lower angle ice routs have been added over the last couple years giving more access to beginner level climbs.

Ice Farming in Sandstone MN

We’ve been farming ice here in Sandstone since the winter of 04-05. “The first couple years we rented a pump and made ice using water from a small pond at the base of the cliff” according to local climbing guide Tony Vavricka. “the tank only held 4 hours of gas, we stayed up most of the night taking turns refilling the tank.”
Currently the farming in the Sandstone Ice Park is managed by the Minnesota Climber’s Association. Volunteer climbers and support from the City of Sandstone have made a dream come true.

rent ice climbing gear — Rent Ice Climbing Gear

Ice Climbing Gear Rental

The local guide shop in Sandstone Minnesota, Hard Water Sports, has ice climbing gear available to rent, from ice axes to crampons, boots, helmets and climbing harnesses.
Located right in downtown Sandstone making it super convenient to rent ice climbing gear in Sandstone MN.