Sandstone MN Festivals

Supporting Festivals in Sandstone MN

One of the core functions of the Sandstone Tourism Development Committee is supporting the festivals in Sandstone and to encourage additional events in the city.
We have a few established festivals including the Sandstone Ice Festival and the Kettle River Paddle Fest, and more recently an end of summer rock climbing festival.

Bringing Your Event to Sandstone MN

Contacting the Sandstone Visitors Board is a first step in getting your event plans to move forward in Sandstone MN.  We can help with the city level redtape and guide you through the "local" process of starting an event.

Additionally we are available to help with your marketing plan and all the logistical details that go into putting together a successful event.  

Email VisitSandstone@gmail.com

Sandstone Ice Festival

Now in its 14th year, the Sandstone Ice Festival ranks as one of the major ice climbing events across the country.  Nationally known, the festival draws in climbers from across the midwest and into Canada.
Started back in 2004, the Sandstone Ice Festival put our small town on the map for ice climbing as well as opening the door to additional festivals.
This yearly ice climbing festival happens the first weekend of January, find out more at Sandstone Ice Fest

Kettle River Paddle Fest

Sandstone, Minnesota hosts a yearly whitewater paddling festival.  On the first weekend in May padders gather for the trills of running the rapids on the Kettle River.

Challenge yourself on the class III whitewater of Banning State Park, on enjoy an easy float on the flat water sections on the Kettle River.

This event includes a down river race and a whitewater rodeo - participate or just show up to see what's happening. Get the details at website Kettle River Paddle Festival

Bring it to Sandstone

Do you think your event would be a good fit to the family friendly small town of Sandstone, MN ??  Maybe it's a triathlon or a obstacle course, how about a fly fishing "workshop."   contact the Visitors Board for our input.

Email VisitSandstone@gmail.com

Sandstone Visitors Board

The Sandstone Visitors Board is the local organization working on the daily and short term tourism goals for Sandstone, Minnesota.  Think of us as your welcoming committee and a first contact for visitors and the media.  

Find out more about Sandstone, Minnesota and the Sandstone Tourism Development Committee at VisitSandstoneMN.com

Minnesota White Water Rafting

Minnesota White Water Rafting

Sandstone, Minnesota is getting a reputation as a Minnesota White Water Rafting town.

Located on the Kettle River and butting up against Banning State Park, Sandstone is perfectly placed for white water rafting adventures.  Paddlers have been playing on the class III whitewater for years, but just within the past 4 years has there been a white water rafting company right here in Sandstone, MN

Minnesota White Water Rafting Guide

If you're looking for guided white water rafting in Minnesota, local Sandstone guide company, Hard Water Sports, has tours on the Kettle River from May to September.

Book your Minnesota White Water Rafting Adventure

The "clean and beautiful" Kettle River

Winter in Sandstone Minnesota

Winter Fun in Sandstone MN

Sandstone, Minnesota has Easy Access to Adventure.

Spring, summer, fall and WINTER - visit Sandstone, Minnesota the "First City of the North Woods" for year round adventure fun.

Winter Fun in Sandstone, MN read more here.

Ice Climbing in Sandstone, MN 

Sandstone, Minnesota is the home to Minnesota's first ice climbing park.
read more about Ice Climbing in Sandstone, MN

Rent Ice Climbing Gear in Sandstone, MN

Local ice climbing guide company, Hard Water Sports, has ice climbing equipment for rental. Rent ice climbing crampons, ice axes, and ice climbing boots right in downtown Sandstone.  Minnesota Ice Climbing Gear Rental.

Guided Ice Climbing in Sandstone, Minnesota

Need a guide for your ice climbing adventure??
Hard Water Sports has guided ice climbing classes just an hour north of Minneapolis, MN.
Minnesota Ice Climbing Guide.

For more information about adventures near Sandstone, MN please visit the website VisitSandstoneMN.com

Sandstone Tourism Development Committee.

Big Water on the Kettle River

Big Water run of the Dragon's Tooth Rapid, Kettle River, Banning State Park.

Local Sandstone, Minnesota whitewater rafting company, Hard Water Sports, offers tours of the "clean and beautiful" Kettle River. 

Sandstone, MN is known for our "easy access to adventure."  Plan your next adventure in Sandstone and you can:
Hiking - 20 plus miles of hiking in Banning State Park.
Climbing - Rock and/or ice climbing in Robinson Park.
Fishing - plenty of fish in the Kettle River.
Canoe/kayak - Sandstone has access to the Kettle River flat water.

and of course there's
Rafting - on the "clean and beautiful" Kettle River.

#cleanandbeautiful #yournextadventure #sandstonemn #kettleriver

Sandstone Minnesota Ice Climbing Park

Ice Climbing Sandstone Minnesota

In Sandstone, Minnesota there's an ice climbing park.
Farmed ice, flooding the old quarry walls of the park provide an icy playground for adventure lovers.  

Minnesota’s First Ice Park

In the past few years plumbing and piping for sprinkler heads have been installed above the cliffs in Robinson Park. The farmed ice draws in climbers from across the United States and has become a destination spot for many seeking frozen walls of ice.
With the support of the city of Sandstone, volunteer climbers were organized by the Minnesota Climbers Association to install the water supply system for the ice.  The plumbing is hooked into the city's water lines.  

Sandstone Ice Festival

The Sandstone Ice Festival started back in 2004, helping to open the park to the climbing community.  The festival was organized to help promote ice and to bring some positive recognition to the community.
After 14 years the festival continues bring tourism to Sandstone.

Ice Climbing in Robinson Park Quarry 

Sandstone MN Ice Park

 The Robinson Park is open to the public for climbing year round, the Ice climbing starts in early December (or when it’s cold enough) and the Ice Festival happens January 6,7,8 – 2019.

Climbing options include sport routes, trad routes and bouldering – ice climbing, and “mixed” rock and ice climbs. Routes range from 60 to 90 feet in height.

 Robinson Quarry Ice Park

Special recognition for the success of the Ice Park belongs to the City of Sandstone, the Minnesota Climbers Association, and the volunteer climbers who helped to make the dream come true.

For more information please contact the Sandstone Visitors Board

Getting to Sandstone Ice Park

Located just off interstate highway 35, roughly half way between the Twin Cities and Duluth.

• Follow highway 123 through town.
• turn left on Old Wagon Road just before you cross the Kettle River.

Accommodations near Sandstone MN

MN ice climbing

Hotels in Hinckley Minnesota are only 10 minutes for the Sandstone Ice Park.  Camping is also available in Robinson Park for a small fee. 

For questions about climbing in Robinson Park call Hard Water Sports  651  302-1774.

Ice Climbing Gear Rental

Robinson Park - Existing Conditions Summary

Robinson Park in Sandstone Minnesota - Existing Conditions Summary 

Purpose 

• Identify needs and document changes 

  – Update recommendations 

  – Implementation strategy, projects and funding 

• Direction and Design Concept for Park and Waterfront 

Condition Assessment 

• Dangerous remnants of dam need removal
• No pedestrian access to Robinson Park
• No access to drinking water 
• Public restrooms in need of improvements/redesign
• River bank stabilization
• Boat access above dam eroded and in need of redesign 
• Boat access below dam eroded, redesign needed for safe river access
• Inadequate parking at Big Spring Falls
• No in town signage directing visitors to Sandstone’s parks

2018 Robinson Park Redevelopment Goals 

• Goal 1: Provide a safe park for local families and visitors
• Goal 2: Expand and develop the recreation opportunities for all ages 
• Goal 3: Develop and improve pedestrian connections between Robinson Park and the community
• Goal 4: Make upgrades to meet the needs of existing and future population of Sandstone, MN  

Community Concerns 

Park safety for visitors

Cost of Robinson Park Improvement Plan

Level of maintenance required for plan

“Safe access connecting the town to Robinson Park for bikes and pedestrians would be a huge improvement”

“Removing the old dan should have been done years ago, it’s a very dangerous place”

“The bathrooms are disgusting”

“It’s very dangerous, we’ve always told our kids to never swim there.”

“Public water access above and below the dam rapids need repairs.”

https://visitsandstonemn.com/robinson-park-sandstone_mn/

Kettle River Whitewater Park

Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation Study for the Kettle River Surf Park.

or "Kill the Killer Dam" project

Scott Shipley from S2O Design and Engineering has been contacted to find out if the dangerous remnants of the Robinson Park dam can be removed and replaced with a design that will allow safe passage and be a tourist attraction to Sandstone, Minnesota.

This is from Scott:

S2O recommends that the proposed whitewater park project on the Kettle River in Sandstone, MN. begins with a short Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation. The Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation is intentionally brief and short in scope, and is designed to accomplish three tasks: 
(1) determine the feasibility of the project; (2) create conceptual design layouts that meet your objectives; and (3) define the project costs and steps to completion on a conceptual level for the selected design solution.

To complete the Conceptual Design and Feasibility Investigation, S2O will work with your team to understand its specific objectives and desires for the completed project. We will also work with you to determine the best design solution to achieve the goal of creating a whitewater park on a bypass channel. 

To accomplish this task, we will conduct a site inspection to determine the constraints and opportunities associated with the project site.
S2O will then create up to two conceptual designs for the desired site, and provide conceptual-level costs estimates. These designs and costs estimates will be shared with your team such that you can make an informed design decision and select the most appealing option.

for more information on the proposal please visit https://visitsandstonemn.com/conceptual-design-feasibility-investigation-study/

Sandstone MN Tourism Development Council

Sandstone MN Tourism Development Council

The Sandstone Tourism Development Council encourages visitors and residents to develop long-term emotional bonds with Sandstone.

The future vision marketing work the Development Council is doing will shape the future of Sandstone, Minnesota permanently. The mission is to make Sandstone, Minnesota one of the Midwest’s top visitor destinations while maintaining our family friendly - small town roots. 

Sandstone Tourism Development Council (STDC)

The STDC works on a long term basis with the marketing and development of Sandstone, Minnesota as a travel destination.   
Sandstone MN Business Development - business opportunities in Sandstone, MN
For matters regarding marketing and business development, please contact us by sending an e-mail to visitsandstone@gmail.com

Sandstone Visitors Board

The visitors board is made up of a couple select volunteers, dedicated to bringing out the best in Sandstone, Minnesota.  Think of us as the welcoming committee for Sandstone’s visitor and media needs.
Our work includes maintaining the

• VisitSandstoneMN.com website. 
• Assisting with event logistics and production.
• Media liaisons
• The digital and "on the ground" welcoming committee

https://VisitSandstone.com website is maintained by the Sandstone Visitors Board

Sandstone Event Promotion Committee

Looking for an awesome location for your festival or event ?? Sandstone's Event Promotion Committee can help.  We have a couple of key events in Sandstone and we're looking to add more.

• Sandstone Ice Festival  
• Kettle River Paddling Festival
• Quarry Days -
• Peter Fest
• Canoe U -graduation weekend

Sandstone MN for Business Development

Business Development Opportunities in Sandstone Minnesota

Think about making Sandstone Minnesota the home to your business.

Business Development in Sandstone MN

Sandstone MN has a few advantages/opportunities that you will find unique.

Recreation in Sandstone MN

Yeas and another big YES to the adventure opportunities is Sandstone MN. Whitewater paddling to ice climbing to world class fishing. You can hike from downtown sandstone to the trails of Banning State Park, your staff can surf the Kettle on their lunch break or ice climb before work.  

• whitewater paddling on the Kettle River
• ice, rock , mixed climbing in Robinson Park
• hiking the trails of Banning State Park

Sandstone, Minnesota has Access to Adventure

Location, location, location

Your business could be:

• located just off Interstate FreeWay 35
• only an hour from Minneapolis
• the halfway stop between Minneapolis nad Duluth
• thriving in the "First city of the North Woods"

Your staff could be:

• living next to their playground
• not worrying about parking or traffic
• raising families in a safe community

Sandstone Life Style

Simple addition - Sandstone is for you if you're looking for the small town, low stress living plus with affordable living multiplied by our access to adventure.

Breaking it down - Cost of Living in Sandstone (CLS)  Access to Adventure (A2A) and Low Stress Living (LSL)
CLS / A2A - LSL = 100% business happiness.
Focus on building your business and not on your morning commute - no traffic problems in Sandstone, Minnesota - and "no red lights" to business development.

Sandstone MN Infrastructure

We're Ready for You -

Sandstone, Minnesota is the "First City of the North Woods" and hopefully you'll add Sandstone as your first choice for the home to your business.

Please visit the Sandstone Tourism Board's website VisitSandstoneMN.com

Sandstone MN Ice Climbing Photo Contest

The Visit Sandstone Ice Climbing Photo Contest

Share your best ice climbing photo to win a white water rafting adventure for 2.

What to enter:

The photograph should capture ice climbing in Sandstone, Minnesota’s Robinson Park.  The winning photo will be decided on by participant vote on the Visit Sandstone facebook page.

Terms: 
The Visit Sandstone Tourism Board “climb ice” Photo Contest begins January 26, 2018 and ends March 1, 2018, at 12:00 PM local time. Uploading your photo into the “climb ice” photo contest indicates that you are 18 years old or older and have read and agree to the rules and are knowingly and voluntarily participating in the photo contest.

Who may enter:
Adults 18 years old or older living in the United States. The Visit Sandstone Board reserves the right to determine winners’ eligibility.

For a photo in which a person is recognizable, you must secure a model release from the sandstone mn ice climbingsubject or, in the case of a minor, the subject’s parent or guardian and provide it to Visit Sandstone Tourism Board upon request.

Photos that violate or infringe upon another person’s rights, including but not limited to copyright, are not eligible.

Judging:
Judging will be conducted by voting on the Visit Sandstone Facebook page. Only fans of the Visit Sandstone Facebook page are allowed to vote. The winner will be announced on March 18 on the Visit Sandstone Tourism Board facebook page and website, and email newsletter. The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Visit Sandstone Tourism Board reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. Decisions of Visit Sandstone Tourism Board will be final.

How to enter:
Please submit photographs online through the Visit Sandstone facebook page: www.facebook.com/visitsandstonemn. We do not accept photographs submitted through the mail. Uploading your photo to Facebook designates your entry into the photo contest. By entering the contest, entrants grant the Visit Sandstone Tourism Board a royalty-free, non-exclusive license to display, distribute, reproduce and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or subsequently developed, for any educational, promotional, publicity, and all other standard Visit Sandstone Tourism Board purposes. Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. Visit Sandstone Tourism Board will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any sandstone ice park additional approval in connection with such uses.

Entry deadline:
All entries must be received through the Visit Sandstone Facebook page by 12pm Central Time on March 1, 2018.

Grand Prize:
Whitewater rafting adventure for 2 on the “clean and beautiful” Kettle River with Hard Water Sports.  Winner receives a gift certificate from Hard Water Sports good for any date during the 2018 rafting season.

For information on the Kettle River whitewater rafting tours please visit MNrafting.com

For more information about Sandstone MN - First City of the North Woods

Sandstone, Minnesota - First City of the North Woods

Sandstone, Mn

I would like to personally invite everyone to stop into the beautiful small town of Sandstone, Minnesota.  More tourism information about Sandstone MN can found at he VisitSandstoneMN.com website.

VisitSandstoneMN.com

Bridge over the Kettle River

VisitSandstoneMN.com – the official visitor’s guide to Sandstone

Minnesota. This site is maintained by the Sandstone Visitors Board, the tourism promotion agency of Sandstone, Minnesota.

For about tourism and tourism opportunities in Sandstone, Minnesota -  contact us by sending an e-mail to  visitsandstone@gmail.com

Sandstone, MN 

Located on the edge of the North Woods, Sandstone MN us surrounded by nature.  

Fun to do in Sandstone, MN

There are a lot of options for finding fun in Sandstone Minnesota

Whitewater Rafting in Sandstone MN

Sandstone Minnesota is located on the "clean and beautiful" Kettle River. Contact local rafting company Hard Water Sports for Minnesota Rafting

Ice Climbing in Sandstone MN

Ice climbing in Sandstone Minnesota

Robinson Park in Sandstone Minnesota has the Midwest's first Ice Climbing Park. For information about guided ice climbing adventure or renting ice climbing gear visit MNclimbing.com

Hiking in Sandstone MN

Sandstone Minnesota is boarded on 3 sides by Banning State Park.  Trail from Robinson park connect to the trails of Banning.