Ultimate Guide to Robinson’s Ice Caves, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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The winter season is known for its freezing temperatures and chilly weather, and it is during this season, Minnesota overflows with tourists from all over the world. Sandstone is a tourist hotspot being home to popular events like Ice Festival and Robinson’s Ice Caves. You should try ice climbing if you are not scared of heights.
If you have any plans to come to Minnesota, you should come here in the 1st week of January as this is when the Sandstone Ice Festival takes place, and the Robinson’s Ice Caves look amazingly beautiful in the white sheet of ice.
History of Robinson’s Ice Caves
In 1963 the Banning State Park was established by Minnesota State Legislature. In 1971, the park’s total area was increased to a total area of 5877 acres. In 1986 the boundary of the park was again expanded to include the Log Creek Drive area, and now the total area has come to 6237 acres.
The Kettle River, with a 10-mile stretch, bisects the park. The scenic Kettle River has five impressive rapids, and these rapids provide one of the most challenging whitewater experiences for any canoe or kayak enthusiast.
Geological Cave Formations
There are enough geological formations inside during the winter months. In winter, large stalagmites of ice can be seen on the cave floor, but this phenomenon is only seasonal as the ice does not persist throughout the year.
Is Robinson’s Ice Caves Haunted?
The caves are a seasonal phenomenon. The ice does not remain throughout the year, and putting to rest all speculation; we can confidently say they are not haunted.
Wildlife in Robinson’s Ice Caves
The caves act as a hibernaculum, and it houses various exotic species of bats like big brown bats, little brown bats, and Keen’s myotis bats. The Banning State Park includes multiple wildlife species like the snowshoe hare, raccoon, fox, coyote, beaver, white-tailed deer, and ruffed grouse.
How Big is Robinson’s Ice Caves?
The caves are 200 ft deep cave.
Robinson’s Ice Caves Tours
The Robinson Ice Cave is a beautiful and deep cave in the bluffs between Wolf Creek Falls and Sandstone. It is not a huge cave as it is only 200 ft deep. The cave is not accessible to the public, and the entrance is securely gated to protect the exotic wildlife species inside the cave that comes here to hibernate.
The caves also have beautiful geological formations, but contrary to what people say, they cannot be termed a ‘true’ ice cave as the ice does not remain in place throughout the year.
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Tour Prices and Discounts
A daily permit fee of USD 7 is charged for entering Banning State Park.
Is Robinson’s Ice Caves Cold?
The ice caves are cold due to the freezing temperatures, because of which the beautiful ice caves are formed.
What to Wear?
If you are coming here to experience the caves, you must dress accordingly. It is cold when the ice caves are formed, so you must wear layers and have proper boots and warm clothes to not feel the chill.
Robinson’s Ice Caves Hours
The caves can be viewed on all days of the week in winter from 8 am to 10 pm.
What to Do In The Area (Beside Tours)
There is something for everyone at Banning State Park, which houses the Robinson’s Ice Caves. After experiencing the ice caves, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery or participate in different activities. You may spend time watching the kayakers manage the turbulent rapids, or you can hike along the famous Kettle River and view the majestic sandstone rock formations along the way.
You can also visit Wolf Creek Falls, Log Creek Arches and stroll through Banning Sandstone Quarry’s ruins. The park has seventeen miles of hiking trails and a paved bicycling path connecting with the Willard Munger State Trail. Some parts of the trail are used for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is the winter months. The temperatures are freezing in these months, and it is also the best time to enjoy the charming natural features like the ice caves.
How to Get to Robinson’s Ice Caves
Robinson’s Ice Caves are just off Interstate Highway 35, almost halfway between the Twin Cities and Duluth. If you want to come here, you must follow Highway 123 through the town. You take a left turn on Old Wagon Road just before you cross the Kettle River, and you will reach the spot.
Hotels Nearby
The campground at the Banning State Park has more than 30 single-family campsites, and eleven sites have electric hookups. There are also five canoe campsites, a cabin, and one group site. Each site has a fire ring, facilities for grilling, and a table. If you want to stay in a hotel, you will be pleased to know that there are decent properties near Robinson’s Ice caves in Sandstone.
Robinson’s Ice Caves Fun Facts
- The caves are unique as they are seasonal and are there for only a few months. There is no trace of the Ice Caves for the remaining months as the ice does not persist.
- The cave is not open to the public, but it is one of the most impressive geological formations found in the park.
Robinson’s Ice Caves Details
- Length: 200 ft deep
- Time Recommended: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Kid-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: No
- Fees: USD 7
- Hours: 8 am to 10 pm
Visiting Robinson’s Ice Caves
Do you need more information before visiting? Call (320) 245 – 2668 or email Robinson’s Ice Caves for an information packet.
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