Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Visitor Center: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Circle Trail
The Circle Trail is a 3/4-mile long paved path. It cuts through a Tallgrass Prairie, along a creek with the endangered Topeka Shiner, in front of a waterfall, and past ancient quarries still used by Native Americans today.
Exhibits & Film
Exhibits and a 22-minute film provide visitors with an understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.
Picnic at the Three Maidens
The Monument has complimentary picnic tables and restrooms near the Three Maidens. The sheltered picnic area and lodge are owned by the city of Pipestone (contact information is provided).
Indoor Interpretive Experiences
A wide range of indoor interpretive opportunities and hands-on activities are available from spring through fall.
Cultural Demonstrations
From April through October, visitors can learn from cultural demonstrators.
Outdoor Programs
Visitors are offered a chance to hear stories about Pipestone's history, learn more about its cultural and natural resources, attend night sky viewings, engage in interactive archeology programs, and more.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-Guided Circle Trail Tour
The 3/4-mile-long, paved Circle Trail is open 24 hours a day all year long. It offers a chance to learn the cultural, historical, and natural history of this site. For centuries, Indigenous people have journeyed to this area to quarry pipestone and carve pipes to pray with. Pipestone National Monument exists to protect the rights of all American Indians enrolled in federally recognized tribes to quarry this soft, red stone. Enjoy the experience of the trail at your leisure any time!
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
Admission is free and includes cultural demonstrations, exhibits, a film, and park store.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
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.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Parking Lot
There is only one parking lot. It is a one-way, teardrop-shaped loop. Parking is free and the grounds never close, so visitors may access the site (and the Circle Trail) at any time.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Operating Hours
Park Grounds
The grounds are open 24 hours a day year-round so that visitors may walk the 3/4-mile Circle Trail at any time.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
Pink wall of rock next to path and grass
A couple outside in snowshoes smiling at the camera
A sheet of stone being taken off a thick slab of stone in a quarry pit
A woman standing next to a little girl helping her make a clay pot
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
1 day
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