Tucked away in tiny Sandstone, Minnesota, is a beautiful state park often overlooked by travelers headed up north. While it’s true that northern Minnesota has tons to do and see, there’s no need to rush into the deep wilderness to get a glimpse of Mother Nature. A short ¾-mile hike through Banning State Park will give you your fix – not to mention an awesome view of a waterfall.

You’ll walk along a short path through a dense stand of trees.
Flickr/Paul Weimer
If you’re lucky, you may see some wildlife. White-tailed deer, foxes and countless birds roam the area. Oh, and so do giant spiders.
Flickr/Audubon Center of the North
Soon, you’ll meet the Kettle River, a designated wild and scenic river, at the end of the trail.
Flickr/m01229
Sometimes the waters are calm. You can wade into the river.
Facebook/John Otis

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Other times, you’ll find rapids. Maybe just stick to the riverbank.
Flickr/Thomas Martin
You can climb on rocky cliffs that jut out over the water.
Flickr/Stacy
You can also hop from rock to rock to explore the water, but be careful.
Flickr/Thomas Martin
Climb up the rocky shoreline to look over the river from above.
Facebook/John Otis
Make sure you peek into a kettle, one of the river’s famous natural potholes.
Facebook/John Otis

Not convinced yet? After you check out the stunning view at the end of this trail, you can explore Banning’s other 17 miles of hiking trails. It’ll be the perfect way to spend time outside, not to mention see a beautiful rushing waterfall. Are you ready to check this hike off your bucket list?

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