Banning State Park, Minnesota state park in Pine County, United States
Banning State Park is a Minnesota state park where a river cuts through sandstone cliffs and creates whitewater rapids. The landscape features steep rocky banks, dense forests, and multiple waterfalls shaped by the flowing water.
In the late 1800s, a sandstone quarry operated in this area and supplied stone for building across the region before shutting down. This early industrial activity eventually gave way to the site becoming protected parkland.
The river and forests held deep meaning for people who hunted and fished here long ago. Visitors today can feel this connection to the land as they move through the park.
The park offers trails for hiking and a campground with spaces for overnight stays. Plan for uneven ground, wet areas near the river, and bring sturdy footwear if you explore the rocky terrain.
One waterfall here drops over layers of stone in steps, resembling a natural staircase that shifts with the seasons. The river has carved this formation gradually over time.
Location: Pine County
Inception: 1963
Email: banning.statepark@state.mn.us
Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/banning
GPS coordinates: 46.16470,-92.85440
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Minnesota contains numerous locations away from the main tourist circuits. The state stretches from the shores of Lake Superior to the southern prairies, encompassing historic lighthouses, underground mines, waterfalls, and Japanese gardens. Visitors find both natural landscapes and cultural sites that tell the story of the region's history. Notable locations include prehistoric rock carvings at Jeffers Petroglyphs Site, where indigenous peoples left their marks thousands of years ago, and sacred trees of Ojibwe culture. The geological formation known as Devil's Kettle, a waterfall whose course puzzled scientists for years, attracts visitors interested in natural phenomena. Historic mines provide insight into Minnesota's industrial past, while lighthouses recall the maritime history along the largest of the Great Lakes.
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