Here’s one of Sandstone, Minnesota’s secret waterfalls. Have fun exploring!
Winter Fun in Sandstone MN
Looking for something fun to do this winter ? We’ve have a couple of option here in Sandstone, Minnesota.
Ice Climbing in Sandstone MN
Sandstone, Minnesota is home to Minnesota’s first ice park. On the old Quarry walls of Robinson Park climbers now have a winter playground. The park is open to climbing year round and during the winter months north facing walls are flooded. Ice routs as high as 80 feet to lower angle “beginner” ice slopes give a variety for climbers of all experience levels.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, the local guide company, Hard Water Sports, can take you out for a day of ice climbing.
More information about Sandstone, Minnesota Ice Climbing
Hiking the Trails of Banning State Park
Plenty of options for winter hiking near Sandstone, Minnesota. Banning State Park is to the North, South, and East of Sandstone.
It’s an easy 1 mile walk to the truly beautiful Big Spring Falls from Robinson Park. The trail is a little rougher to Wolf Creek Falls from Robinson Park.
Once in Banning State Park you’ll have several good choices of hiking trails. The park has 17 miles of marked trails. Hike along the Kettle River to Hell’s Gate for some of the best views.
More information on Banning State Park.
Ice Fishing near Sandstone, MN
A bunch of great fishing lakes are within a few minutes of Sandstone, Minnesota.
Grindstone, Sand, Pine and Big Pine lakes are just a couple of the options for ice fishing adventure lovers.
check out Petry’s Bait to stock up for this adventure.
Skiing and Snowmobiling
And there’s skiing. Downhill skiing at Spirit Mountain and Mount du Lac. Banning State Park has ungroomed trails for cross country skiing and a few miles of snowmobile that connect up to longer trails.
Find your winter adventure in Sandstone, MN
Getting to Big Spring Falls
Big Spring Falls Directions
Here at the Sandstone Visitors Board we are constantly answering calls and emails from travelers hoping to visit Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River.
Getting to Big Spring Falls
From downtown Sandstone, Minnesota follow main street in to town, turn East on 3rd street.
Turn right on Pine Ave. – continue on Pine Ave for 1.5 miles or so.
The road will bend to the right then back to the left down hill to a small parking lot.
A clearly marked trail brings you to the river, continue up the river to the falls.
Getting to Big Spring Falls from Sandstone, Minnesota
To get to Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River you must first get to Sandstone, MN. We’re easy to find- we’re halfway between Minneapolis and Duluth just off interstate 35.
Big Spring Falls Banning State Park
The Falls are part of Banning State Park but are not in the main park. Big Spring Falls is located 1 and 1/2 miles south of the town of Sandstone, Minnesota. From the main park entrance hikers can access trails to Wolf Creek Falls and Hell’s Gate, but to get to Big Spring Falls you’ll want to drive to Sandstone.
Paddling to Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River
Another option is to canoe the 1.5 miles downriver from Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN. Always check water levels and the recent rainfall before making paddling plans on the Kettle River.
Most of the summer the Kettle River flows through this section a a gentle pace and you can easily paddle back up the river to the boat launch in Robinson Park.
Visit Big Spring Falls – it’s worth it
However you get there – get there. Many people say “Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River ranks as one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota.” Judge for yourself, you know how to get there now…
More information on Big Spring Falls
and Wolf Creek Falls