Treat yourself to a visit to Banning State Park, just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone. In the summer, hike along the Kettle River amid dramatic sandstone rock formations with lush lichens, liverworts, and mosses. Visit Wolf Creek Falls, the Log Creek Arches, and Robinson's Ice Cave. The park is known for camping, picnicking, cross-country skiing, beautiful trails for hiking, and the study of natural history. Banning State Park attracts birdwatchers who have sited 184 species of birds. In addition, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 34 species of mammals live in the park. Common species include white-tailed deer, black bear, coyote, fox, raccoon, beaver, red and gray squirrels, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse.

• In the spring, watch daring canoeists and kayakers shoot the turbulent rapids at Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth, and Hell's Gate.
• Take in the historic ruins of Banning Sandstone Quarry.