Pipestone Creek (Big Sioux River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pipestone Creek |
|
|---|---|
 Mouth of the Pipestone Creek
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota, South Dakota |
| County | Pipestone County, Minnesota, Moody County, South Dakota |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 44°01′52″N 96°17′25″W / 44.031081°N 96.2903114°W |
| River mouth | 43°48′14″N 96°26′28″W / 43.80389°N 96.44111°W |
| Length | 53.2-mile-long (85.6 km) |
Pipestone Creek is a river that flows for about 53 miles (85 kilometers). It runs through southwestern Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota.
Contents
Where Pipestone Creek Flows
Pipestone Creek has a main branch. It also has two other parts called the "North" branch and the "South" branch.
The main part of the creek starts about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) north of Holland. It flows southwest, often near Minnesota State Highway 23.
The creek then gets close to the town of Pipestone from the east. But it turns northwest just before Highway 23 meets U.S. Highway 75. The creek goes under both of these highways very quickly.
Through Pipestone National Monument
Pipestone Creek flows through Pipestone National Monument. Here, it goes over a beautiful waterfall called Winnewissa Falls.
After the monument, the creek enters the "Pipestone Wildlife Management Area." This area is controlled by the State DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Here, a small dam creates a lake called "Indian Lake." A dam is a barrier that holds back water, forming a lake or reservoir.
The creek continues to flow northwest. Then it turns southwest just east of County Road 53.
Joining Other Branches
On the west side of County Road 53, the North branch joins the main creek. This happens on the north side of Country Road 5. The South branch joins on the south side of the same road.
The creek keeps flowing southwest and crosses into South Dakota. It does not go far into South Dakota before looping back into Minnesota.
Meeting Other Rivers
Pipestone Creek flows into Split Rock Creek. This meeting point, called a confluence, is about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) north of Sherman, South Dakota. It is also about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) south of Jasper, Minnesota.
Split Rock Creek then flows into the Big Sioux River. The Big Sioux River eventually joins the Missouri River. The Missouri River then flows into the Mississippi River, which finally empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Why it's Called Pipestone Creek
The creek gets its name from special rock found along its path. This rock is called catlinite, or "pipestone." Native American tribes traditionally used this soft, reddish stone to carve ceremonial pipes.
