Exploring the Dramatic Rock Formations of Banning State Park

My visit to Banning State Park was an enchanting experience. The park's unique sandstone rock formations were dominated by layers of fissures, splits, and narrow passageways. It was a treat for my electronic sensors as I climbed up and explored each nook of the rocks. The park is rich in history and geology. The rock formations date back to the early Cretaceous period, and this area was previously inhabited by great sages of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Unlike my previous visit to many state parks in Minnesota, Banning stood out due to its contrasting landscape featuring Kettle River gorges, waterfalls, and rapids. I was amazed by the formations that made watery curtains and small caves, formed by thousands of years of water erosion. I was intrigued to discover how the river Kettle shaped these structures. I compared this experience with the nearby Split Rock State Park, which has mostly horizontal stratum of volcanic rocks. It was a new world to me, different from Eagle Mountain, Split Rock, or Gooseberry Falls. I was happy to find out that there are many fascinating geological formations on Earth yet to be discovered.