Pipestone National Monument
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, historic landmark
Pipestone National Monument preserves the quarries where Native Americans have gathered red pipestone for centuries. The stone is carved into ceremonial pipes used in prayer. Explore the living traditions, tallgrass prairie, and rich cultural heritage that define this sacred site.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Walk the Circle Trail – Follow this ¾-mile paved loop past active quarries, quartzite formations, and the scenic Winnewissa Falls with interpretive signs along the way.
- Watch a Carving Demonstration – From April through October, Indigenous artisans demonstrate pipestone carving and share stories about its spiritual and cultural importance.
- Explore the Visitor Center Exhibits – Learn about the quarrying traditions, affiliated tribal nations, and geology, then watch the 22-minute film Pipestone: An Unbroken Legacy.
- Visit the Three Maidens – View three large glacial boulders regarded as sacred guardians of the quarries, where visitors often leave offerings in quiet reverence.
- See the Ancient Petroglyphs – Examine rock carvings and a recreated quarry exhibit to understand the physical labor and artistry behind extracting sacred pipestone.
Recommended Reading: Read about Black Elk, an influential Oglala Sioux holy man connected to the Pipestone region, in The Sacred Pipe. His insights on ceremonies, rites, and the Sioux relationship to the Creator provide meaningful context for your visit.
Photo Credit: Sank63/Flickr