Pink wall of rock next to path and grass

National Monument

15 Activities

Pipestone National Monument

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

Purple and yellow wildflowers in a field of tall grass

A couple outside in snowshoes smiling at the camera

A sheet of stone being taken off a thick slab of stone in a quarry pit

A woman standing next to a little girl helping her make a clay pot

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Park Alerts (3)

Prescribed Burn on Monday, May 11: The prescribed burn for May 11 has concluded and the Circle Trail is now open to visitors.

Possible Bridge Closure: The Circle Trail bridge under Winnewissa Falls may be closed temporarily due to flooding caused by spring rain. Please pay attention to signage posted in the Visitor Center and at the bridge. The rest...

Holiday Hours: On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day the visitor center will be closed (trails will remain open with access to restrooms on the north side of the building).

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.

Things To Do

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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 by the city of Pipestone (contact information is provided).

15-60 Minutes

Indoor Interpretive Experiences

A wide range of indoor interpretive opportunities and hands-on activities are available from spring through fall.

45-90 Minutes

Exhibits & Film

Exhibits and a 22-minute film provide visitors with an understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

0-60 Minutes

Cultural Demonstrations

From April through October, visitors can learn from cultural demonstrators.

30-60 Minutes

Outdoor Programs

Visitors are offered a chance to hear stories about Pipestone's history, learn more about its cultural and natural resources, attend night sky viewings, engage in interactive archeology programs, and more.

20-60 Minutes

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 endangered Topeka Shiner, in front of a waterfall, and past ancient quarries still used by Native Americans today.

Available Activities

Arts and Culture

Craft Demonstrations

Cultural Demonstrations

Food

Picnicking

Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Junior Ranger Program

Snowshoeing

Wildlife Watching

Birdwatching

Park Film

Museum Exhibits

Shopping

Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Weather

Weather varies seasonally from warm and humid in the summer to cold and snowy in the winter. Visitors should be prepared for seasonal weather and for rapidly-changing conditions.

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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