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State Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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Banning State Park is located within the Mille Lacs Uplands subsection and includes aspen-birch, mixed hardwoods, pines, conifers, tamaracks, and wetland vegetation types. Today, the area includes hardwoods, wetlands, conifers, tamarack wetlands and aspen-birch forests, which reflect the original vegetation types.
The Kettle River extends the entire length of the park, exposing bedrock for much of the distance. One of the most dominant characteristics of the park is sandstone and the potholes formed by the Kettle River. The sandstone is from the Hinckley formation, known for shallow soil over bedrock and boulders which are exposed or lie just below the surface. In the northern area of the park, the river flows through a relatively shallow and narrow valley. Within a few miles, the river valley narrows to a gorge worn by the river through Precambrian sandstone to a depth of 100 feet. At Hells Gate, the river flows through sheer cliffs which rise to 40 feet above the water. Below the rapids, the valley once again begins to widen. Beyond the valley walls, the topography is generally level to gently rolling glacial till plain.
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. |
History of the Area |
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