Sandstone is built around rock quarries on the Kettle River
Sandstone takes its name from the rocky cliffs flanking the Kettle River. The quarries in northeast Minnesota drew early settlers to the city, roughly midway between Duluth and Minneapolis. These days, parks, forests and wildlife preserves surround its small downtown area, and access to Interstate 35 boosts the appeal for commuters. “It’s a growing community,” says Rick Lewis, a Realtor with United Country Real Estate who has been selling in the area for 12 years. “We’re starting to get a lot of transplants from the metro areas, and it’s close to the freeway, so commuting is easy.”
National homes on tidy lots give way to a rural landscape
Homes in the central section of town date to the early 20th century and sit side by side on compact lots. Mature evergreen and maple trees line the wide streets, some paired with sidewalks. Outside the main residential areas, the rural landscape features dense wooded patches that separate residents from their neighbors. Properties on the outskirts can measure several acres, and many of the houses are newer construction. Investment properties, starter homes and National builds start at $50,000 to $150,000, while most ranch-style houses sell for $150,000 to $300,000. New Traditional and Cape Cod-style homes fetch prices from $300,000 to $400,000. In town, a few historic buildings are being renovated. Most notably, the city is converting the old Sandstone High School — known as “The Rock” due to its sandstone construction — into low-cost workforce apartments for rent. “They’re trying to promote the city with projects like that,” says Lewis.
The Kettle River flows through Banning State Park
The Kettle River is one of Sandstone’s hottest recreational spots. Whitewater rafters tackle the rapids at Hell’s Gate canyon, and calmer sections appeal to canoeists and kayakers. Hell’s Gate is in the heart of Banning State Park, a popular hiking destination. Hunting opportunities abound at the Sandstone Wildlife Management Area, a blend of forest, brushland and wetland with nearly 7 miles of hiking trails. In winter, climbers test their mettle on the jagged ice formations shrouding the sandstone cliffs at Robinson Park. The pro shop, clubhouse and nine holes at Sandstone Area Golf Course are open to the public.
Students attend East Central schools in nearby Finlayson
East Central Elementary School serves students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 6 and receives a Niche grade of B-minus. For grades 7 through 12, students move to the C-plus-rated East Central High School, where extracurricular activities include sports programs, a math league and a drama department. Both schools are about 5 miles away in Finlayson.
Connecting to nearby cities via I-35
Several highways connect with I-35 in Sandstone. Some residents use the interstate to commute to Cloquet, a city about 50 miles north. Commuters to the Twin Cities have a 90-mile drive, and it’s about 65 miles to Duluth and the nearest major airport. Medical services are available at Pine Healthcare Campus near I-35. A bus stop for Jefferson Lines is also located near the interstate, and the regional Arrowhead Transit service runs a shuttle to Walmart in nearby Pine City every Thursday.
Restaurants and retail options in Sandstone
Sandstone’s small downtown draws residents from surrounding rural areas. Whitney’s Country Café serves diner-style breakfast and lunch fare in a casual setting seven days a week. El Mexico Bar & Grill earns high marks for its happy hour margaritas and fresh guacamole. Casey’s General Store is known for its takeout pizza, and household essentials are available at Dollar General and Sandstone Ace Hardware. For groceries, Chris’ Food Center is the most convenient option.
Sandstone Ice Festival rocks the town in January
Kayaks, canoes, rafts and stand-up paddleboards flood the Kettle River during Kettle Fest in early May. The three-day event invites paddlers to brave the whitewater or meander through the placid flats. In January, the Sandstone Ice Festival invites locals to embrace the glacial Minnesota winter with ice climbing, gear swaps and demos, plus icy beer on tap.
Spring snowmelt and tornado siren tests
FEMA’s National Risk Index map says tornado risk in the area is low, but the tornado siren at City Hall is tested on the first Wednesday of every month, and drills occur during Severe Weather Awareness Week in April. Homes near the Kettle River could be prone to flooding during spring snowmelt and periods of heavy rainfall.
