Here’s one of Sandstone, Minnesota’s secret waterfalls. Have fun exploring!
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
Sandstone – Arts in the Park – Summer 2018
Join the Fun Tuesday Nights in Sandstone, Minnesota.
Sandstone MN – Art in the Park
June 5 Rob McGown
June 12 Nathan Frazer & the A.M. Band
June 19 Fred Keller & Roger Flyer
June 26 Todd Eckart
- Tuesdays in June
- Train Park in Downtown Sandstone
- 6-8 PM
Sandstone MN Ice Park
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
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.
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.