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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Pipestone National Monument
- LocationPipestone, MN
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now64°F Overcast
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Birds
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Monuments and Memorials
- Native American Heritage
- Natural Sounds
- Religion and Spirituality
6 more topics
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Waterfalls
Alerts (3)
CautionPossible Bridge Closure The Circle Trail bridge under Winnewissa Falls may be closed temporarily due to flooding caused by spring rain. Please p… Read more
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 of the park and Circle Trail remain open.
InformationPrescribed Burn on Monday, May 11
The prescribed burn for May 11 has concluded and the Circle Trail is now open to visitors.
InformationHoliday Hours On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day the visitor center will be closed (trails will rem… Read more
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).
Things to Do
15 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Wildlife Watching
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Craft Demonstrations
- Cultural Demonstrations
- Food
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Park Film
Show 3 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
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Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Admission is free and includes cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a film, and park store.
Details
Admission is free and includes cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a film, and park store.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Park Grounds
Hours details
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Park GroundsOpen 24 hours, daily
The grounds are open 24 hours a day year-round so that visitors may walk the 3/4-mile Circle Trail at any time.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
64°F
Overcast · feels like 53°
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Today
67° 51°
Overcast7% rain
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Tomorrow
58° 46°
Sunny3% rain -
Saturday
67° 46°
Sunny7% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
1 coming up-
New Year's Day Holiday
About
Due to the upcoming federal holidays, the Monument Visitor Center will be closed on January 1st. The Pipestone Indian Shrine Association gift shop, located at the Visitor Center, will also be closed on the same days.
While the Monument's Visitor Center will be closed, the Monument's Circle Trail will be open for those wanting to spend the afternoon enjoying a walk on the trail. Visitors are advised to dress warmly to walk the Circle Trail.
Photos
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It can take months or even years to reach the pipestone layer in a quarry pit. — J.Borden -
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2 more photos
Getting There
Pipestone, MN 56164
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164
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