$241,659Average Value$156Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
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.”
Robinson Quarry Park sits along the Kettle River and offers peaceful views in Sandstone.
A 65‑mile drive from Sandstone reaches Duluth and the closest major airport.
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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.
A cozy single‑family home adds small‑town charm to a peaceful Sandstone street.
Sandstone features older ranch‑style homes set on wide, tree‑lined properties.
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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.
Ice covers the Kettle River as it winds past the historic trestle near Sandstone.
Banning State Park near Sandstone offers about 17 miles of wooded hiking trails.
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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.
East Central Elementary supports PK–6 learners from Sandstone, with about 382 enrolled.
East Central Senior Secondary provides a rural setting for Sandstone’s grade 7–12 learners.
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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’s Whitney’s Country Café offers daily breakfast and lunch in a casual spot.
Chris’ Food Center provides convenient grocery shopping for residents across Sandstone.
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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.
Snow and ice cover the Kettle River as it passes through the woods of Sandstone.
The Sandstone Ice Park forms each winter at Robinson Quarry Park and draws frequent climbers.
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Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Mark Tilley
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Max Gygi,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sandstone, MN sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Sandstone, MN over the last 12 months is $220,000, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
160 acres of prime hunting and recreational land available now! Heavily wooded acreage with abundant wildlife, established trails, and exceptional privacy near thousands of acres of public land and state forest access. Ideal for hunting camp, recreation, timber investment, or long-term land ownership. Enrolled in SFIA for potential annual income benefits. Rare opportunity to own a large tract in
163.54 acres bordering hundreds of acres of public land and state forest. A true Minnesota hunting and recreation property featuring established deer stands, trails throughout, abundant wildlife, and a rustic hunting shack tucked into the woods. Excellent mix of privacy, timber, and outdoor opportunity with room to explore and enjoy. Additional adjoining acreage may also be available.
Large living room with a fireplace that is great for entertaining and Christmas in this home would be storybook. Updated bathrooms, newer water heater, furnace and central air conditioning. Massive corner lot with huge yard, so close to Robinson Park, you can see the sign out the window! The basement has an egress stairwell and there was a bathroom that was removed but all the drains are there to
Welcome this newly built Barndominium on 20 acres of Sandstone's finest! This home has 3 bed, one bath, open concept kitchen and living room with a stunning 36x48 pole building to store all the toys and machines.. Relish the privacy and peace, just an hour from Duluth and 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. Indulge in modern comforts with individually controlled baseboard heating, Mini Split AC, and
This 40’ x 80’ pole building, previously operating as a CBD growing facility, is fully outfitted and ready for your vision. Inside you’ll find six rooms (approx. 17’ x 19’ each) plus a large unfinished upper level offering excellent expansion potential. The property comes fully equipped with grow lights and an extractor system, making it ideal for anyone looking to establish or expand a grow
This historic home features new updates while maintaining the original character that makes it so unique. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a spacious 1.5-acre corner lot in town, offering a rare combination of privacy and convenience. Inside, the main level features hardwood floors, a renovated bathroom, and a bright kitchen with new cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy multiple
Dreaming of lakefront living? This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home on the shores of Lake Eleven is ready to welcome you! Nestled on a generous half-acre lot, this property boasts a beautifully maintained yard with stunning lake views and level shoreline, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. The home itself offers an open floor plan with large lakeside windows and vaulted ceilings. Knotty
Come see this 3+ acre lot and bring your building plans! Conveniently located near Banning State Park, this corner lot would make for a great place to build your dream home or as a camping spot. Paved road, with power and internet nearby.
Tanner MikrotUnited Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties
EXECUTIVE RETREAT - 65.4 wooded acres w/ 1,500 ft. of frontage on Lake Eleven, Sandstone, MN. The very definition of quality construction in this 6,000 sq. ft. home with lower level walkout to private pool area. Heated 54x56 shop with space for all types of mechanics & upper mezzanine for additional storage or entertainment space. Plentiful hunting of all types of game plus hiking & ATV trails
Four city lots for sale in Sandstone. This property is currently zoned for school use and appears to be an old playground area. There is a survey stake on the NW corner of the property. The North half of the property (lots 1 & 2) are level with the majority of the lot covered in grass and pea-rock except for the east 20' (approx) that is an asphalt parking area. The South half (lots 3 & 4) are
Kelly FrischUnited Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties
Come take a look at this tiny home/starter home/cabin. The hard and expensive work is done! Well, septic, power, and heat are all in and running. Both the inside and outside are ready for you to decide how you want it finished! Live here while you work on it. Great location and super nice. The loft could be split into 2 rooms/bedrooms and the large main level could work for a smaller bedroom or
Tom JensenUnited Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties
Escape to your own private outdoor paradise with this incredible 320-acre recreational property located just 80 miles north of the Twin Cities Metro. A rare opportunity to own a premier hunting and wildlife retreat, this diverse property offers everything the serious outdoorsman could want. Miles of well-maintained mowed trails provide easy access throughout the property and lead to 5-6
The bookmatch was once known as the Sandstone Public School until 2004, when the school closed. It now hosts 32 apartments. The plaster, hardwood floors, and metal ceilings have all been restored. Each Apartment has a unique feature, with high ceilings, original chalkboards in some units, and other features. The light fixtures are all original glass globes from other schools and buildings. Some
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