About Pipestone National Monument
For over 3,000 years, Indigenous people have quarried the red stone at this site to make pipes used in prayer and ceremony - a tradition that continues to this day and makes this site sacred to many people.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The grounds are open 24 hours a day year-round so that visitors may walk the 3/4-mile Circle Trail at any time.
Activities
Getting There
Plane: Commercial service - located at Sioux Falls, SD -Joe Foss Field airport. 50 miles from Pipestone National Monument. Rental cars are available at the airport. Non-Commercial service - located at Pipestone MN airport. Courtesy car or transit service available to Pipestone National Monument from the airport. Car: Pipestone National Monument is easily accessible from local highways. When you reach the city of Pipestone, road signs will lead you to Pipestone National Monument.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Picnic at the Three Maidens
The Monument has complimentary picnic tables and restrooms near the Three Maidens. The sheltered picnic area and lodge are owned…
Picnic tables and restrooms, are available for use. The covered shelter and lodge are owned by the city of Pipestone.
Indoor Interpretive Experiences
A wide range of indoor interpretive opportunities and hands-on activities are available from spring through fall.
A variety of indoor programs throughout the spring - fall seasons often hands-on activities for kids. These may include opportunities…
Exhibits & Film
Exhibits and a 22-minute film provide visitors with an understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.
There are three exhibit areas: the petroglyphs, the gallery of pipestone craftsmanship, and the exhibits that highlight the cultural and…
Cultural Demonstrations
From April through October, visitors can learn from cultural demonstrators.
From April through October, cultural demonstrators teach visitors about the craftsmanship of pipestone carving, the practice of quarrying, and the…
Outdoor Programs
Visitors are offered a chance to hear stories about Pipestone's history, learn more about its cultural and natural resources, attend…
Guided ranger programs are available during the summer season when staffing allows and range from 30 minutes to 1 hour.…
Hike the Circle Trail
The Circle Trail is a 3/4-mile long paved path. It cuts through a Tallgrass Prairie, along a creek with the…
During the summer season, there are guided tours when staffing allows. All-year-round, visitors may enjoy a self-guided walk around the…
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
Admission is free and includes cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a film, and park store.
Hours: Visitor Center hours are subject to change seasonally. When open, the visitor center is open 8:30am - 4:30pm. During the winter months the visitor center is closed on Sunday and Monday, though the park including the walking trail remains open to visitors.
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