If you’ve ever been to Sandstone, Minnesota, you’ve likely visited — or at least heard of — Banning State Park. But have you learned about the early history of this beautiful town and park? It was once home to a thriving quarry, the ruins of which you can still see today. This hike to abandoned ruins in Sandstone is more than a little bit spooky. Take a look:
Banning State Park is located in east-central Minnesota. It's about 90 miles north of the Twin Cities on I-35.
The park is known for its beautiful, wild scenery, including the rushing Kettle River that flows through its borders.
It has long been a popular spot for kayakers.
But for those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of trails that offer spectacular views of the river.
There is also one trail that, while beautiful, is also a little spooky.
The Quarry Loop Trail takes visitors on a tour of the park's forgotten history. It is a 1.7-mile loop that leads to a group of historic buildings that were once used by the Banning Sandstone Quarry.
The quarry began in the late 1800s when it employed more than 500 workers. Here, they pounded sandstone into blocks to be sold for construction.
Business boomed, and the town of Banning was platted in 1896.
But by the turn of the century, builders began using stronger materials to construct buildings. The town — which had grown to house 300 people — started to vanish.
Business slowed, and by 1905, the quarry ceased operations completely.
Despite the closure of the quarry and its buildings more than a century ago, its shell still remains to this day. The crumbling buildings are an eerie reminder of just how easy it is for a business — or an entire town — to go bust.
Despite its spookiness, the abandoned ruins are still well worth seeing. They are a testament to the hard work many Minnesotans put into building the state during its early days.
Have you ever hiked in Banning State Park? Did you see the deserted ruins of the quarry? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
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