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.
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