$262,453Average Value$158Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes 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
Timothy Woolery,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sandstone, MN sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Sandstone, MN over the last 12 months is $200,000, down 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move right into this beautifully maintained and updated 4 Bdrm, 3 Bath home on a spacious 0,5 ac corner lot, just a short walk from Robinson Park! Originally relocated to this site in the late 70s and placed on a new foundation, this 2-story home combines timeless character with modern updates and maintenance-free living.Step inside and fall in love with the gorgeous original woodwork, and
Elena DavidsonNextHome Perrine & Associates Realty
Tucked onto more than 9 acres with Banning State Park just across the road, this country property offersthe space to spread out, dream big, and create a lifestyle all your own. Approximately 6 open acresprovide room for pasture, while apple and lilac trees, garden space, and plenty of land to explore add tothe country charm. The home underwent an extensive remodel around 2019 by the
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.
Don't miss out on a truly great opportunity to enjoy Country Living in this conveniently located unique custom-built home. It is situated on 19 beautiful acres complete with a pond, plenty of trees, and an abundance of wildlife to enjoy! This well-designed and meticulously maintained Gem offers an open floor plan with convenient single level living along with many custom features throughout. The
Move right into this beautifully maintained and updated 4 Bdrm, 3 Bath home on a spacious 0,5 ac corner lot, just a short walk from Robinson Park! Originally relocated to this site in the late 70s and placed on a new foundation, this 2-story home combines timeless character with modern updates and maintenance-free living.Step inside and fall in love with the gorgeous original woodwork, and
Elena DavidsonNextHome Perrine & Associates Realty
Prime commercial spot for your next adventure! Lot is cleared and ready for its new owner. Property is all surveyed out and is zoned as Highway Mixed Use. Please see supplements for what business or use is allowed. It appears to offer a wide range of possibilities and can easily be switched back to residential zoning if preferred. Enjoy excellent visibility right on Main Street, with a great
Jamie JensenUnited Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties
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
his 1964 built One Story home is located on a 0.88 acre wooded lot. The home features 2000 FSF, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 1 car attached garage. The main level has a large deck and patio, living room, dining room, kitchen with custom 6 panel oak cabinetry, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The basement is completely finished with a large family room, master suite with 3/4 bathroom, laundry/utility
Enjoy peaceful country living in this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering 1,400 sq. ft. of comfortable one-level living with no stairs! The updated interior features granite countertops, wood cabinets, tile flooring, paneled doors, new windows, and a walk-in tub. Situated on 8.35 acres, the property also includes a heated and air-conditioned 28x24 detached 2-car garage with a
Welcome to this brand-new 3-bedroom, 1¾-bath home offering comfortable single-level living and an inviting open-concept design. The spacious kitchen features a large center island, stainless steel appliances, and a stylish tile backsplash, making it a great space for both everyday living and entertaining. The thoughtful floor plan includes both a welcoming living room and a separate family room,
Kelly FrischUnited Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties
Welcome to this inviting Sandstone property offering space, privacy, and small town charm along Hwy 23. Set on a generous lot surrounded by mature trees and open yard space, this home provides the perfect blend of convenience and country living. Inside, you’ll find comfortable living areas filled with natural light and a layout that offers flexibility for everyday living. Whether you’re creating
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
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
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