Pipestone National Monument was supposed to be a quick stop on a road trip out west where we could get a stamp for our National Park Passport Book, stretch our legs for a minute, and head on down the road. However, when we got there we fell in love with this incredible park. Pipestone is unique for many reasons. For centuries different American Indian tribes have worked in the picturesque Pipestone quarries, they still do it today. The tallgrass prairie is one of the only ones in the world. Not to mention, it has one of the most unexpected waterfalls we have ever seen. We thought we were just coming to check something off the list, however all of us agreed that next time we were through that area we would definitely take a detour to go back.
Where Is Pipestone National Monument?
Pipestone National Monument is located in Pipestone, Minnesota in the southwest corner of the state. It is about a 30 minute drive north of I-90. If you are in the east and heading to the South Dakota or Wyoming parks, it could seem like too long of a detour. We thought it was worth it.
The town of Pipestone is mainly a farming community but they have a great downtown area with shopping and dining. We ate lunch at Lange’s Cafe. This food was so good! Some really great comfort food that was made to order with some fresh ingredients. They also have a ginormous dessert menu with tons of pies. This was almost worth the detour in itself.
Around the corner from the downtown area sits Fort Pipestone. This is a replica of a fort from pioneer days that is free to explore. You can find American Indian crafts and souvenirs for sale here, including many that are made from pipestone (including ceremonial pipes). The fort is only open from May to October. The National Monument is literally right around the corner from fort, super convenient.
Why Go To Pipestone National Monument?
Pipestone really blew us away. We had no idea that this beautiful landscape was hiding inside the town. Matter of fact, the Park Ranger told us that a lot of people who live in and around the Park don’t even realize it’s there and don’t visit! For us, this truly is a hidden gem in Minnesota and the National Park System.
What is Pipestone anyway? As East Coast people, we had no idea! Pipestone is considered to be the the thick bedrock layers of ancient rock called Sioux Quartzite that are now exposed. Pipestone National Monument was founded in 1937 to preserve this sacred American Indian site. This is still an active quarry and the stones collected are still used to carve into their sacred pipes and other crafts.
The park may seen small and unassuming compared to some of the larger well known National Parks. But – the beautiful red and pink rock formations are something you don’t see everyday. Truly it is magnificent to see in person, to touch and explore. The park is really well laid out with a trail along the pipestone formations teaching you the history and importance along the way.
What is there to do in Pipestone National Monument?
Circle Trail
The Circle trail is a 3/4 mile trail that leads you through the park along each significant landmark. The trail is easy and paved with a few little spur trails or places to climb into the quarry to get a view. It may seem like this isn’t a big deal…but we thoroughly enjoyed it. There is so much to see and discover along the trail that we spent way more time than you think you would.
You walk through the Tall Grass Prairie, the Pipestone Rock Formations, climb to get a view up top and see the oracle, walk to Winnewissa Falls, follow the river path and see an active quarry. So much to see in less than a mile! This really is a great place for kids to run and explore. Don’t forget to get your junior ranger badge too!
Tall Grass Praire
We loved taking our time walking through the Tall Grass Prairie. Because of it’s protected status this native habitat is one of the only Tall Grass Prairie’s left in America. There are a lot of unique and rare plant species found here and even one that is endangered. The day we went it was really windy…which was awesome because it kept the bugs away! The many flowers and grasses were in bloom and it was stunning. Side note, you can also snowshoe along the trail of the Tall Grass Prairie during the winter if the weather allows for it! Don’t rush through this special landscape.
Pipestone Rock Formations
Once you pass through the Tall Grass Prairie the Rock Formations jump out of nowhere. They are truly incredible and the colors are stunning. It was almost as if you are transported to another part of the world it is so sudden. The trail takes you right up close and you are taken away as they keep going and going. We loved climbing up to get a view from the top. Honestly the rocks almost didn’t seem real they were so perfect.
Winnewassa Falls
This was a total surprise for us! We had no idea this park held such a beautiful waterfall. This is a super easy waterfall to get to…we are used to hiking up major mountains to get this kind of view. We spent a while just soaking up the refreshing spray and shade in this section of the trail. You can also climb to the top of the waterfall (super easy) for another angle. Probably the biggest surprise of the experience.
The 3 Maidens
This portion of the park is not located on the Circle Trail. You will pass the 3 Maidens as you enter the park and it’s easy to find. The 3 Maidens are a spiritually significant spot for Native Americans. They still bring offerings and honor this area so people are asked to not climb or sit on the rocks here. This is a granite boulder that was most likely brought here by a glacier at some point that has split into 3 separate pieces. There is a lot of history and stories surrounding these interesting and out of place rocks. The visitor center is a great place to discover more about these and also view some of the ancient petroglyph slabs that at one time surrounded them!
Active Quarries
One of the neat aspects of this park is that it is still used as an active Quarry. The quarrying of pipestone is a slow and difficult process. The American Indians still use many hand tools and long hours to extract this stone. You can view one of the quarry sites along the Circle Trail. Most quarrying is done in the fall. This is a skill and craft that only a small number of people still do.
Takeaways
Don’t overlook this special National Monument! We were so taken by it and would love to visit again one day. Don’t think you will just run in and out of this one. Really take some time to enjoy and appreciate all of the special aspects found in Pipestone! It was a special find for us!
Have you been to Pipestone National Monument? What did you think? What are some other smaller, lesser known National Park Sites that you have enjoyed! We would love to know!
PS! If you like visiting National Park Sites, check out our Guide to the National Parks of the Outer Banks, our 5 Yosemite Views you Must see or Visiting the Missions in San Antonio.
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