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    5. /Guided Kettle River Whitewater Tour From Sandstone
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    Guided Kettle River Whitewater Tour From Sandstone

    Paddle Kettle River rapids through Banning State Park

    4.6 stars• 140 reviews
    From$63/ personincl. taxes and fees

    Duration

    from the beginning of April to the middle of October

    Includes

    Guided tour, Rafting gear

    Highlights

    Explore the Kettle River on a guided whitewater rafting or kayaking trip from Sandstone, Minnesota. Paddle through Banning State Park and take on rapids like Blueberry Slide, the Dragon's Tooth, and Hell's Gate.

    • Meet your guide in downtown Sandstone, Minnesota
    • Paddle a rafting or kayaking route on the Kettle River
    • Run named rapids including Blueberry Slide and Hell's Gate
    • Travel through the heart of Banning State Park
    • Join trips running from early April to mid-October

    Things to know

    Plan to arrive 20 minutes early to get outfitted.

    Cancellation Policy

    Cancel 7+ days before: 100% refund. Cancel within 7 days to 48 hours: 50% refund. Cancel within 48 hours: no refund. Reschedule within 1 week: $20 per person fee. Operator may alter/cancel due to severe weather or safety. No refunds if refused service for drugs/alcohol.

    FAQs

    Arrive 20 minutes early so you can get outfitted before the trip starts.

    Use on-street parking or nearby municipal lots in downtown Sandstone.

    The operator may alter or cancel a tour due to severe weather, river conditions, or other circumstances beyond their control and in the interest of safety.

    Meeting details

    Sandstone, MN

    Experience provided by Hard Water Sports
    Experience provided by Hard Water Sports

    How can we help?

    We are here to assist with special requests, large groups, last minute needs, and any questions you may have.

    Call or text 1-877-GREET-WELL

    Report an issue

    Reference #ZB4GMX

    Paddler

    $63.60

    Ages 10 and older!

    0

    Why book through Greetwell?

    • No Added Fees

      No booking or service fees, ever

    • Concierge Support Included

      Real humans ready to help with timing, questions, or special requests

    • Free Cancellation Available

      Most experiences can be cancelled for a full refund

    Discover what we've curated for you

    Review summary

    4.6
    Excellent
    140 reviews•Google Maps
    123
    4
    2
    2
    9

    Tony and his team have built something genuinely special on the Kettle River, just 90 minutes from the Twin Cities. Guides consistently earn praise for their knowledge, safety focus, and ability to make first-timers feel comfortable and confident on the water. Beyond the rapids themselves, the experience includes cliff jumping, a swim-up waterfall, and scenic stretches of rocky cliffs that reviewers compare to travel magazine photos. Tony in particular gets called out by name repeatedly, and it shows in how personally invested the guides are in making each trip memorable. One thing worth knowing before you book: water levels on the Kettle River vary significantly by season, and that directly affects how intense the rapids will be. Spring tends to bring higher, faster water, while summer runs are mellower and more scenic. The team adapts the watercraft accordingly, switching between large rafts and inflatable tandem kayaks depending on conditions. Most reviewers embrace this flexibility, but a few who expected Colorado-style whitewater left disappointed. If you go in knowing what kind of experience fits the season, you're almost certain to have a great time.

    What people are saying

    Review 1 of 5
    5/5

    First time ice climber and had an amazing experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. They took care of everything for us. We will definitely be coming back.

    Photo of Scott Boynton

    Scott Boynton

    January 29, 2026

    Review 1 of 1
    5/5

    First time ice climber and had an amazing experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. They took care of everything for us. We will definitely be coming back.

    Photo of Scott Boynton

    Scott Boynton

    January 29, 2026

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