Rafting in Minnesota

MN White Water Rafting

Yes, we have whitewater rafting in Minnesota!! Yes, right here in Sandstone, Minnesota on the clean and beautiful Kettle River.

Local raft guide company, Hard Water Sports, is in their 5th year of giving whitewater rafting tours on the Hell's Gate section of the Kettle River.

Every Kettle River rafting tour includes real adventure and truly beautiful scenery.
Sign up for a river tour at https://hardwatersports.com

Rafting Near Minneapolis

Plan your next adventure in Sandstone, Minnesota - located just an hour north of Minneapolis it's an easy day trip for visitors.  Beside the amazing white water rafting Sandstone has access to rock climbing and the trails of Banning State Park.

Hell's Gate on the Kettle River

This is the section of the Kettle River everyone talks about.  Make sure your tour goes through the rapids of Banning State park including Blueberry Slide, Dragon's Tooth, and Hell's Gate. 

for more information on the white water rafting in Minnesota 

https://visitsandstonemn.com/mn-white-water-rafting/

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

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

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