Pipestone National Monument


For countless generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred to many people because the pipestone quarried here is carved into pipes used for prayer. Many believe that the pipe's smoke carries one's prayer to the Great Spirit. The traditions of quarrying and pipemaking continue here today.

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.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Snowshoeing
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  • Birdwatching
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  • Archeology
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  • Native American Heritage
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  • Schools and Education
  • Animals
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  • Natural Sounds
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Trails
  • Waterfalls

Sioux Quartzite Cliffs

Pink wall of rock next to path and grass

The outcroppings along the trail are a surprise to many visitors expecting a flat prairie

Tallgrass Prairie

Purple and yellow wildflowers in a field of tall grass

The tallgrass prairie is an explosion of color spring through fall

Snowshoeing the Circle Trail

A couple outside in snowshoes smiling at the camera

Snowshoeing is available for free after January 1st

Pulling Pipestone

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

It can take months or even years to reach the pipestone layer in a quarry pit.

Jr. Ranger Camp Programs

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

Kids have opportunities throughout the summer for hands-on activities

Breaking Through

A man in a quarry pit swings a hammer as a woman watches

Quarriers must break through over 6 feet of quartzite to reach the pipestone layer

Learning to Carve Pipestone

A man watches over a woman as she saws a piece of stone

Travis Erickson teaches new carver, Jessica Arkeketa, how to make a pipe

Winnewissa Falls in Winter

A waterfall partially surrounded by ice

Winnewissa Falls is a favorite spot for visitors all year long

Teaching the Next Generation

A man works with tools in a quarry as kids watch

Quarrier and carver Francis Eastman teaches Indigenous youth how to quarry

Aaron Prim Breaking Through Quartzite

A man in a quarry pit holding a sledge hammer

Quarrier Aaron Prim working his way through 6 feet of quartzite to reach pipestone

Sunrise over Pipestone Creek

Sun reflecting off of water through a canopy of trees

The 3/4-mile Circle Trail is open 7 days a week all year for visitors to enjoy