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National Monument

Pipestone National Monument

Pink wall of rock next to path and grass

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

Photo: J.Borden

About

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.

Activities

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingJunior Ranger ProgramSnowshoeingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShopping
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

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.

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Weather

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.

News

CANCELLED: 2026 National Public Lands Day at Pipestone National Monument
Sep 16, 2026

CANCELLED: 2026 National Public Lands Day at Pipestone National Monument

Calling all volunteers: Pipestone National Monument needs your help on National Public Lands Day! On Saturday, September 26th, volunteers can get out in the tallgrass prairie with park rangers from 9:00am – 12:00pm to help take care of this important cultural site.

National Park Service and USGS Partner for Air Sampling Study at Winnewissa Falls
Aug 4, 2026

National Park Service and USGS Partner for Air Sampling Study at Winnewissa Falls

From approximately August 9-14, 2026, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct air sampling around Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument. The sampling is part of a partnership between USGS and the National Park Service to understand contaminants in Pipestone Creek and assess public health risks.