A Mysterious Woodland Trail In Minnesota Will Take You To The Banning Quarry Ruins
By Betsy Rathburn|Published September 23, 2021
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
There’s evidence of Minnesota history all around the state. You’ll find traces of the state’s earliest people at places such as Jeffers Petroglyphs. Other historical places are more recent, like the one we’d like to feature today. It’s an old quarry found at Banning State Park, and it’s easy to visit via a dense woodland trail. Next time you’re looking for an interesting hike to crumbled ruins, consider visiting this place. Read on below to learn more:
Banning State Park is a beautiful state park in east-central Minnesota, in the small town of Sandstone. The park is known for its gorgeous nature areas, especially the Kettle River. Tree-covered cliffs rise above this rugged river, eventually flowing into a small but beautiful waterfall.
Beyond the river, the woods are thick and full of interesting sights. It's a mixed forest with many different types of trees present. Many grow among rugged rock outcrops, making for some beautiful sights within the park.
Trails through the park will take you to the interesting sights. One trail in particular, the Quarry Loop Trail, is a tree-covered trek that is full of beauty - and a little mystery. Why? It leads to some fascinating old ruins.
As a result of the activity, several buildings were built to accommodate the quarrying. There was even a town, named Banning, which formed around the quarrying.
By the early 1900s, the easy-to-harvest stone had run out, and the demand for sandstone as a building material had diminished. As a result, the quarry and its buildings fell into ruin.
Today, you can still see evidence of the quarry. It's a fascinating place filled with rugged, ruined beauty. If you're looking for a historic hike, take a trip to the Quarry Loop Trail in Sandstone, Minnesota!
Have you ever been to the quarry at Banning State Park? Let us know what you thought in the comments! Also be sure to nominate any of your other favorite Minnesota places to be featured!
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