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National Monument · Minnesota

Pipestone National Monument

National Monument in Minnesota. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateMinnesota
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkBadlands (308 mi)
Closest airportFSD (36 mi)
Purple and yellow wildflowers in a field of tall grass
The tallgrass prairie is an explosion of color spring through fall Photo: NPS Photo

Pipestone National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in Minnesota.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Hike the Circle Trail (20 to 60 Minutes): 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 (45 to 90 Minutes): 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 (0 Minutes): 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 (15 to 60 Minutes): A wide range of indoor interpretive opportunities and hands-on activities are available from spring through fall.
  • Cultural Demonstrations (0 to 60 Minutes): From April through October, visitors can learn from cultural demonstrators.
  • Outdoor Programs (30 to 60 Minutes): 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.
  • Winter Snowshoeing (20 to 60 Minutes): Snowshoeing around the Circle Trail is available after January 1st as long as the conditions allow for it.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The grounds are open 24 hours a day year-round so that visitors may walk the 3/4-mile Circle Trail at any time.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) Sioux Falls, SD No road route 36 Regional
Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) Watertown, SD No road route 74 Regional
Sioux Gateway Airport / Brigadier General Bud Day Field (SUX) Sioux City, IA No road route 112 Regional
Minneapolis, Saint Paul International Airport / Wold, Chamberlain Field (MSP) Minneapolis, MN No road route 164 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • Visitor Center: Daily, 8:30AM - 4:30PM. Visitor Center hours are subject to change seasonally. When open, the visitor center is open 8:30am - 4:30pm. During the winter months the visitor center is closed on Sunday and Monday, though the park including the walking trail remains open to visitors.

Weather

Weather 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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Badlands, about 308 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Pipestone National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Pipestone National Monument?

In Minnesota. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Sioux Falls Regional Airport, about 36 miles away.

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