The National Park Service
Pipestone
National Monument
Horizontal Rule

Pipestone National Monument is located in Pipestone, MN, near the South Dakota border. Within the monument, there are pipestone (Catlinite) quarries, native tallgrass prairie, quartzite bluffs, and a creek with a waterfall. The first act to establish the monument was approved on August 25, 1937 with approximately 116 acres of land. There were two main purposes for the establishment of the monument; (1) to preserve and manage the ethnological, historical, archeological, and geological resources of the area for the betterment and enjoyment of all, and (2) to manage the pipestone quarries to provide American Indians the ability to quarry the pipestone. A second act was passed on June 18, 1956 which authorized the addition of more land. 167 acres were added bringing the total to approximately 283 acres.


VISITATION:
Summer months are the busiest, with July having the highest monthly visitation. Yearly visitation exceeds 100,000 visits.


LOCATION:
Pipestone County


ADDRESS:
Pipestone National Monument
36 Reservation Avenue
Pipestone, Minnesota 56164


TELEPHONE:
(507) 825-5464
(507) 825-5466 FAX


OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
The monument is open every day of the week throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas and New Years days.

The visitor center is open 8 am to 5 pm each day of the week in the winter season and 8 am to 6 pm weekdays, and 8 am to 8 pm weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

After the closing of the visitor center the trail remains open until dark.

 
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summer is pleasant with temperatures (fahrenheit) in the 80's. Occasionally some days reach the high 90's and low 100's with high humidity. Winters are cold with extreme temperatures reaching below zero for lows and in the 10's for highs.


DIRECTIONS:
By car: Pipestone is easily accessible from the south by highway I-90 to Minnesota 23 or U.S. 75, from the west by highway I-29 to South Dakota 34 and Minnesota 30 to U.S. 75, from the north by U.S. 75, and from the east by Minnesota 30 or 23 to U.S. 75.

U.S. 75 connects with local roads leading to the monument.

For a map click here.


TRANSPORTATION:
Bus: There is no bus service to Pipestone.

Train: The closest AMTRAK station is located in Willmar, MN which is approximately 100 miles from the monument. No rental cars or other public transportation is available from Willmar.

Air: Large airline carriers operate in Sioux Falls, SD which is approximately 50 miles from the monument. Car rental is available at the airport. Pipestone has a small airport however, no commercial flights are available.

While at Pipestone National Monument: Vehicle roadways lead to the visitor center. Pedestrian walkways provide access to the pipestone quarries, tallgrass prairie, creek and waterfalls. Bicycles may be operated on the roads within the monument however, they may not be taken on the walkways.


FEES, COSTS RATES:
Entrance Fee: $2.00 per person with a maximum of $4.00 per family

American Indians, educational groups, and those under 16 years of age are exempt from the fee.

All Department of Interior Passports (Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access) are applicable to the entrance fee.


FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center: Within the visitor center is a museum and the Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center.
Trails, Roadways: An approximately 1 mile entrance road leads into a parking lot, with capacity for buses and recreational vehicles, and the visitor center. The 3/4 mile self-guided Circle Trail begins at the visitor center and loops through the pipestone quarry sites and passes areas of historic and scenic interest. The Circle Trail guide book is availale at the visitor center. While visiting the site and walking the trail, one should keep in mind that the grounds are still used by American Indians for a variety of cultural and religious activities.

Programs, Activities: Each half hour, starting on the hour, a free 8-minute slide presentation is shown as an orientation to the monument and the pipestone quarries. Various other films and videos are available upon request.

Lodging and Camping Facilities: Camping and Lodging is available outside the monument. For further information call the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce at (507) 825-3316 .

Food, Supplies: There are no concessions located within the monument. Supplies and food can be found in the city of Pipestone located 1 mile from the monument.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Pipestone Indian Shrine Association operates as a cooperating association which provides personnel to perform cultural demonstrations of pipemaking, as well as small craft and beadworking. This craftwork and select books are sold within the cultural center.

Accessibility: The 3/4 mile Circle Trail is paved and allows the passage of a wheel chair. At the visitor center a wheel chair is available for loan while at the monument.
 
 
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Visiting the Upper Midwest Cultural Center and watching the cultural demonstration. Walking the 3/4 mile Circle Trail to view the pipestone quarries and the native prairie.
 
RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Reservations for school groups and other educationsl groups should be made in advance of your visit. At least one month notice is required for Special Use Permits. American Indians who wish to quarry pipestone must apply for a permit in person at the visitor center. Proof of tribal affiliation is required. For further information on quarry permits contact the Superintendent at the monument.

 
BASIC VISIT RECOMENTDATION
A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the various sites of the monument.

 
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:
Founders Day August 25
 
ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Pipestone County Museum (507) 825-2563
Pipestone Historic District (507) 825-2563
Watertower Park
Pipestone Performing Arts Center (507) 825-5481
Split Rock Creek State Park (507) 348-7908
Blue Mounds State Park (507) 283-4892

 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write:
Pipestone National Monument
36 Reservation Avenue
Pipestone, MN 56164

Telephone:
(507) 825-5464

Email:
pipe_superintendent@nps.gov .




Last Updated: 03/26/98
http://www.nps.gov/pipe/
Author: Todd J. Suess