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Pipestone National Monument
Located near the city of Pipestone in Minnesota, Pipestone National Monument is an extremely sacred location for all American Indians. It is here that for several centuries, Native American tribes’ quarried pipestone or catlinite, a reddish brown sedimentary rock, in order to chisel sacred pipes used for traditional ceremonies and rituals.
In 1893, the present site of the Pipestone National Monument was acquired by the Federal Government and was subsequently converted into a National Monument. Part of the tallgrass prairie ecosystems the Pipestone National Monument is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Even today descendants of the Native American tribes are permitted to quarry the pipestone, as the sacred pipes are integral to their culture and beliefs.
Tourists who drop in here during the summer can actually witness the quarrying process displayed in the cultural demonstrations at the visitor centre. The American Indians also talk about their personal experiences, the association of their family with the revered quarrying process and the techniques used in quarrying. All this acquaint tourists with the culture of the tribes and are indeed insightful.
Hikers will enjoy the 3/4-mile (1.2-km) Circle trial starting from the Visitor center that takes them closer to the protected pipestone quarries and a petite waterfall.
- Address: 36 Reservation Avenue,
Pipestone, MN 56164
- Telephone: (507) 825-5464
- Fax: (507) 825-5466
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