Tour the Prairie

Southwest Minnesota’s only National Park Site, Pipestone National Monument is the home of historic pipestone quarries, beautiful tallgrass prairies, and the Winnewissa Falls. Pipestone National Monument is the home of historic pipestone quarries, beautiful tallgrass prairies, and the Winnewissa Falls. 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. Pipestone National Monument was established on August 25, 1937. Pipestone National Monument is one of the few places in the United States that has deep spiritual meaning to more than one culture.
What does Pipestone National Monument have to offer? Sacred Pipestone quarries, tallgrass prairie, Winnewissa Waterfall, petroglyphs, a 3/4-mile paved Circle Trail along the quarries, creek, and waterfall, visitor center and museum, Pipestone cultural demonstrators (May through October), orientation film, Pipestone Indian Shrine Association bookstore and gift shop, Junior Ranger Program for Kids, B.A.R.K. Ranger program for your pup, year round educational programs, and free adult & youth snowshoe rental to use along the Circle Trail when weather permits.