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.

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.

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

Sioux Quartzite Cliffs

Lake Hiawatha, one of many scenic sites visitors can see from the Monument Circle Trail.

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It can take months or even years to reach the pipestone layer in a quarry pit.

Pulling Pipestone

Quarriers must break through over 6 feet of quartzite to reach the pipestone layer

Breaking Through

Kids have opportunities throughout the summer for hands-on activities

Jr. Ranger Camp Programs

Winnewissa Falls is a favorite spot for visitors all year long

Winnewissa Falls in Winter

Quarrier and carver Francis Eastman teaches Indigenous youth how to quarry

Teaching the Next Generation

Travis Erickson teaches new carver, Jessica Arkeketa, how to make a pipe

Learning to Carve Pipestone

Snowshoeing is available for free after January 1st

Snowshoeing the Circle Trail

The tallgrass prairie is an explosion of color spring through fall

Tallgrass Prairie

Quarrier Aaron Prim working his way through 6 feet of quartzite to reach pipestone

Aaron Prim Breaking Through Quartzite

The 3/4-mile Circle Trail is open 7 days a week all year for visitors to enjoy

Sunrise over Pipestone Creek

Front entrance of the visitor center as seen from the parking lot.

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View of Prairie Grasses and summer wildflowers, one of many scenic sites visitors can see from the Monument Circle Trail.

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Monument's Exhibit Quarry, one of many scenic sites visitors can see from the Monument Circle Trail.

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Winnewissa Falls, one of many scenic sites visitors can see from the Monument Circle Trail.

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Nicollet Marker, one of many historic sites visitors can see from the Monument Circle Trail

Pipestone National Monument

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