Banning

Banning SP https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00103#homepage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banning_State_Park Banning State Park stretches along 10 miles (16 km) of the Kettle River near Sandstone in Pine County, Minnesota. The centerpiece of the park is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of churning rapids, some up to Class IV. The dari kayakers and canoeists who shoot Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth, Little Banning, and Hell's Gate each spring attract spectators to the park. Landbound visitors can hike along the state's first Wild and Scenic River amid dramatic sandstone rock formations, large potholes carved by the river, and the remains of a historic quarry. Other features are Wolf Creek Falls and Robinson Ice Cave.

MAP AND GUIDE: BANNING STATE PARK P.O. BOX 643 SANDSTONE, MN 55072 PINE COUNTY 320-245-2668 BANNING.STATEPARK@STATE.MN.US VISITOR TIPS • Prepare for mosquitoes, flies and ticks. Cover up, use bug spray and do a thorough tick check daily. • The Kettle River has powerful currents and is not recommended for swimming. • The park’s campground is open April to October. • Visit the new bouldering areas added in 2015. Start at Teacher’s Overlook, then drive down to the Eldon bouldering area for some of the best bouldering in the Midwest. Free climbing permit required. • In an emergency call 911. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? • Hike the Blueberry Slide Trail for a quick walk along rapids and a beautiful overlook. Park near the picnic area. • Find the ruins of an old quarry powerhouse as you hike along the lower Quarry Loop Trail. • Enjoy a picnic lunch or watch paddlers rush through the rapids from the picnic area. LOOKING FOR MORE TO DISCOVER? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/BANNING ABOUT THE PARK SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... Banning State Park is filled with gorgeous scenery, historic significance and recreational adventure. The park was created in 1963 to protect a unique landscape along the Kettle River. A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE AT THE PARK OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV. PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. The river itself is a favorite of whitewater paddlers. With five sets of rapids ranging from Class III-V, it offers a wavy playground for experienced paddlers. Hikers can enjoy river views from 17 miles of scenic trails. Watch for wildlife, climb through unique geological formations, and visit two waterfalls during your stay. Stop along the Quarry Loop Trail to explore the ruins of a 130-year-old sandstone quarry. See the quarry wall that still bears the marks of steam-powered drills and find the skeletons of the rock crusher and power house buildings. VEHICLE PERMITS Permits required; purchase at park office or entrance kiosk. PETS WELCOME Keep on 6-foot leash; pick up after; attend at all times; not allowed in buildings or at beaches. View the Kettle River’s many rapids from park trails. − CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in campground during quiet hours. FIREWOOD Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood in the park. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Quarry Loop Trail 1.8-mile loop Mostly flat • Packed dirt • Rock This trail holds something for everyone. Discover ruins of a quarry that once operated in the area, experience scenic river views, and watch Hell’s Gate Rapids as they rush downstream. Wolf Creek Trail Steep terrain • Grass • Rock The upland forest transitions to exposed boulders as you approach a 20-foot waterfall hidden in the woods. 4-mile loop Skunk Cabbage Trail 2.4-mile loop Some steep terrain • Mowed grass Watch for numerous wildflowers and birds as you hike along the Kettle River and loop through the forest. This trail can be very wet during spring months. Big Spring Falls Trail 0.4 miles one-way Mostly flat • Packed dirt To reach waterfall views along this short trail, you’ll need to drive into the town of Sandstone. From there, follow Highway 123 to Pine Avenue South. Take Pine Avenue South a little over a mile to the trailhead. BE OUR GUEST • Stay in an electric or non-electric drive-in campsite. • Looking for a more rustic experience? Canoe into a campsite along the Kettle River. • Want a cozy weekend getaway? Stay at the camper cabin. • Make your reservation by visiting mndnr.gov/reservations or calling 866-857-2757. CURIOUS ABOUT THE KETTLE RIVER STATE WATER TRAIL? GO TO MNDNR.GOV/WATERTRAILS MORE INFORMATION MORE TO EXPLORE • Visiting Big Spring Falls is worth the drive. Go through the town of Sandstone to the park’s southern unit to discover a beautiful waterfall area with good fishing. • View seasonal wildflowers along park trails. Skunk Cabbage and Trillium trails are named for flowers. • Climbers, bring your crash pads and boulder in the park. • Experienced paddlers, bring a canoe or kayak and tackle whitewater on the state-designated Wild and Scenic Kettle River. Call the park office for conditions. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information may be available in alternative format upon request. 

BANNING STATE PARK Climbing Areas Overview BANNING STATE PARK Climbing Information mndnr.gov/banning Warning and Liability Disclaimer Rock climbing is a dangerous activity. Please seek competent instruction and develop good skills before climbing on your own. The State of Minnesota does not certify climbers, instructors or guides, or otherwise determine their qualifications. It does not rate climbing locations, routes or conditions, or determine their safety. The State of Minnesota is not liable if a climber is hurt or killed while climbing in Minnesota State Parks. If individuals choose to climb, they do so at their own risk. Climb in designated areas only. Check park kiosks or online for current closures. Climbing Permits Are Free and Last for One Year Climbing areas are restricted by Minnesota State Park Rules (6100.1355 (8) Rock Climbing), and climbing is allowed by permit only. Permits are free and are good for one calendar year. Individuals may obtain a permit at the park office or climbers parking lot self-registration station. You need a permit from each park where you climb. Organized groups need a commercial climbing permit to climb in Minnesota State Parks. Organized groups include, but are not limited to: schools, camps and businesses that provide instruction or guiding to climbers. Permits for groups require insurance certification and at least one week’s notice to authorize the permit. Contact the park office to obtain application materials. Safety: Please Heed Postings Routes with closed signs are closed for a reason, usually due to unsafe conditions or sensitive natural resources. Respect the postings and give the area a wide berth. Please report any potential safety hazard to park staff. Rocky crags and cracks are prime habitat for insects, bats and snakes. While some may sting or bite if grabbed by mistake, they are a vital resource and should be left alone. There are no venomous snakes in this park. Ethics Promote Safety and Advancement of the Sport Rock climbing puts climbers in direct contact with other park visitors. For your safety and the advancement of the sport, practice good climbing ethics, including the following examples: Keep climbs available - Do not leave climbing equipment unattended to reserve a climb. Park policy allows park rangers to move unattended equipment. During periods of high use, please free up climbs and share them with other climbers. Climbing Anchors - Minnesota State Parks strongly endorse a "clean climbing" philosophy. In all but very limited, pre-approved instances, placement of hardware will be limited to that which can be temporarily placed using the climber’s fingers. All such protection must be placed and removed without altering the rock. Chalk - If you must use chalk, use a neutral color. Brush holds clean before leaving an area. Pets - Pets are welcome in Minnesotas state parks, as long as they are kept on a leash six feet or shorter and are personally attended at all times. Please do not tie pets up along pathways and leave unattended while you climb. Plants - Do not remove vegetation from climbs. Trash and Graf fiti - Keep the park clean and pack out trash. Inform park staff of any graffiti in the climbing area so that it can be removed. Trails - Use established trails when accessing climbs to keep you safe and to prevent erosion. 2017, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources This guide is published by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4040. Phone: 651-296-6157, 888-MINNDNR. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. 

CAMPGROUND Spur Tr ail to park office to picnic area 18 19 20e 10e host 22e 11 24e 23 12e 13e 26 25 4e 6e 15 14 30 29 3 5e 28 27 2e 8 17 16 7 De a dm an T rail 32 31CC 33 34 to Wolf Creek Falls rail T k e e r C f l o W 21 9 to High Bluff Trail © 2017, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources