Pipestone National Monument facts for kids
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Pipestone National Monument
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sweet Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota |
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| Nearest city | Pipestone, Minnesota |
| Area | 281.78 acres (1.14 km²) |
| Visitation | 73,267 (2019) |
| Website | Pipestone National Monument |
| MPS | Pipestone County MRA (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000112 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Designated HD | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NMON | August 25, 1937 |
Pipestone National Monument is a special place in southwestern Minnesota. It's located just north of the city of Pipestone, Minnesota. You can find it along U.S. Route 75, Minnesota State Highway 23, and Minnesota State Highway 30.
Contents
Why is Pipestone National Monument Important?
This monument protects important quarries where a special stone called catlinite is found. This stone is also known as "pipestone." For many centuries, Native American tribes have used this stone to create ceremonial pipes. These pipes are very important in the religious practices of many Plains Indian tribes.
A Sacred Place for Native Americans
The pipestone quarries are considered sacred by many tribes across North America. This includes the Dakota and Lakota tribes. Long ago, these quarries were a neutral place. This meant all tribes could visit and gather stone for their pipes without conflict.
Historians believe Sioux tribes may have started controlling the quarries around the year 1700. However, pipestone from Minnesota has been found in ancient burial mounds. These mounds date back much further than 1700. Old Native American trails leading to the area also suggest that people have been quarrying pipestone here for a very long time.
How the Monument Was Created
As the United States expanded westward in the 1800s, pipes made from pipestone became known to white settlers through trade. The Yankton Sioux tribe wanted to protect their access to this important stone.
Protecting Quarrying Rights
On April 19, 1858, the Yankton Sioux signed a treaty. This treaty, called "The Treaty With the Yankton Sioux," made sure they would always have free access to the quarries. This was very important for their traditions.
The United States government officially acquired the land in 1893. Later, in 1928, the Yankton Sioux sold their claim to the land to the federal government. At that time, they had been resettled on a reservation about 150 miles (240 km) away.
Becoming a National Monument
The area officially became a National Monument on August 25, 1937. The law that created the monument also made sure that Native Americans kept their right to quarry the pipestone. Today, only people of Native American ancestry are allowed to quarry stone here.
A small change was made to the monument's boundary on June 18, 1956. The monument is managed by the National Park Service. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as "Cannomok'e—Pipestone National Monument." The specific Red Pipestone Quarries inside the monument are also a Minnesota State Historic Site.
What Can You Do at the Monument?
Pipestone National Monument offers visitors a chance to learn about Native American culture and the natural environment.
Cultural Demonstrations
During the summer, you can often see cultural demonstrations at the monument. The Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center is located inside the visitor center. They host demonstrations where Native American craftworkers show how they make pipes. They use stone from the quarries. Many of these demonstrators are third or fourth generation pipe makers. They use techniques passed down from their ancestors.
Explore the Trails and Nature
Visitors can walk along a self-guided trail that is about three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) long. This trail lets you see the pipestone quarries and a beautiful waterfall. You can get a trail guide at the visitor center.
About 260 acres (1.05 km²) of the monument have been restored to a native tallgrass prairie. The monument staff carefully burn parts of the prairie in turns. This helps control weeds and encourages the native grasses to grow. You can also find a larger area of restored tallgrass prairie and a small bison herd at Blue Mounds State Park, which is about 20 miles (32 km) south of the monument.
Visitor Center Exhibits
The visitor center has exhibits that teach you about the history of the site. You can learn about both its natural features and its cultural importance. There is also a display of petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings. A video helps explain the history of the pipestone quarries.
Images for kids
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Park entrance sign
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Historic pipestone quarry
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Pipestone crafting demonstration at Pipestone National Monument
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Winnewissa falls
- Official NPS website: Pipestone National Monument
Images for kids
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1872 Land plat of the Yankton Sioux Pipestone Reservation held by the National Park Service
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Inlaid Pipe Bowl with Two Faces, collected at Fort Snelling 1833-36
