PIPESTONE NATIONAL MONUMENT

Located in southwestern Minnesota, Pipestone National Monument protects a unique and sacred site: quarries of red clay called catlinite (named after George Catlin, an American painter known for his depictions of native peoples, who is said to have visited the site in 1835), used for centuries by Native American tribes to make ceremonial pipes (or calumets). The stone, which is easy to carve, is of great spiritual significance. Even today, only members of federally-recognized tribes are allowed to extract it, in keeping with tradition.

The Circle Trail, a 1.2 km loop, allows you to explore the area, passing through the quarries and leading to Winnewissa Falls, an elegant waterfall nestled in a verdant landscape. The visitor center houses a small museum whose exhibits were designed in collaboration with some twenty native tribes. You can watch a 22-minute introductory video, pick up a trail map or chat with the rangers.

In summer, Native craftsmen offer demonstrations of traditional pipe-carving techniques. Far from tourist folklore, these presentations are sober, educational and respectful of the cultures represented.

A place both peaceful and full of meaning, inviting visitors to discover the history, culture and sacred geology of the native peoples of the Midwest.