The outcroppings along the trail are a surprise to many visitors expecting a flat prairie
Pipestone National Monument
National Monument · MN
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.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPrescribed Burn on Monday, May 11
Alert: Caution
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPossible Bridge Closure
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesHoliday Hours
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available15 activities
Park Name
InfoPipestone National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoMN
Phone
Info5078255464
pipe_interpretation@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe grounds are open 24 hours a day year-round so that visitors may walk the 3/4-mile Circle Trail at any time.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Arts and Culture
InfoAvailable
Activity: Craft Demonstrations
InfoAvailable
Activity: Cultural Demonstrations
InfoAvailable
Activity: Food
InfoAvailable
Activity: Picnicking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Guided Tours
InfoAvailable
Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Junior Ranger Program
InfoAvailable
Activity: Snowshoeing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Wildlife Watching
InfoAvailable
Activity: Birdwatching
InfoAvailable
Activity: Park Film
InfoAvailable
Activity: Museum Exhibits
InfoAvailable
Activity: Shopping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Gift Shop and Souvenirs
InfoAvailable
Theme: Archeology
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Explorers and Expeditions
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Monuments and Memorials
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Native American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Religion and Spirituality
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Schools and Education
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Animals
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Birds
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoWeather 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.
Getting There
InfoPlane: 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
GPS Coordinates
Info44.0135° N, -96.3248° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website