Location: Pipestone
Top Things to do in Pipestone
The 8 Best Things to Do in Pipestone, United States
Pipestone is a city in Minnesota, United States, and the county seat of Pipestone County. The population was 4,317 at the 2010 census. The city is also the site of the Pipestone National Monument.
Restaurants in Pipestone
1. Pipestone National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Site of quarries used by Plains Indian tribes.
Reviewed By F4981JCmichaels
My wife and I visited here in midwinter in 1986. There was a blanket of snow everywhere. Sound was muffled. I walked on a trail that wound around by some rocks. It was serene. No one else was around.
Jumping ahead now to 2017, we visited again, but this time it was early August. Still serene and quiet, even with other people present. There is an air of respect that hovers here; a respect for the First Peoples who have quarried pipestone at this location for centuries.
We arrived late in the day, so we did not meet any natives.
My wife's walking ability these many years later is much more limited, so we did a short, easy walk along a trail right by the visitors center, instead of the loop trail through the rocks that could be seen in the near distance.
There were placards distributed here and there explaining the importance of this location to natives, as well as other information pertaining to the Monument.
Wildflowers dotted the tall grass here and there with islands of color. It was a pleasant place, a quiet retreat from the barrage of life.
If you have just a few hours, or all day, and you would like to relax, get a different view of things, or just enjoy a quiet, contemplative walk in nature, this is the place for you.
2. Winnewissa Falls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
Located at the Pipestone National Monument, the name translates to "jealous maiden" from the Sioux language.
Reviewed By Renda B - Mandan, North Dakota
This fall is located in Pipestone National Monument park. It is simply beautiful! I found myself sitting on one of the benches to "be in the moment" and just enjoy the surroundings. The beauty and sound brought serenity to the moment. I also liked the ability to walk the stairs up to the top of the falls too and enjoy the view from there. It is simply gorgeous!
3. Circle Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By grouch0 - Hallsville, Missouri
The Circle Trail presents the creek and the falls, which I found quite attractive. There is a branch called the Quarry Trail. Unless you are determined to have the full experience or have a personal connection to the historical/cultural significance, save yourself a few steps and minutes and skip it.
4. Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Tribal non-profit gift shop/gallery and craft classes
Reviewed By James T - Victor, Montana
This place has a wonderful tribal gift shop, however there is so much more offered here. The staff of this non profit org. is open and willing to share not only the cultures represented, but much deeper information. They inform folks of the sacred ways with humility and respect, and a touch of humor as well. If you are anywhere near it it is a must see.
5. Pipestone Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Downtown area featuring distinctively-designed buildings made of indigenous stone.
Reviewed By Davis K - Phoenix, Arizona
The museum is a great place to start your visit of Pipestone. The museum is located at 113 South Hiawatha Ave. in the center of the historic downtown. It is housed in Pipestone's old City Hall. Built in 1896, the building housed City offices, the fire department and water department until 1960. The building was deeded to the County Historical Society in 1966. There are four exhibit galleries on two floors. The museum displays are very well done and it is easy to spend an hour or two there. When you look around the downtown area it is as if the surrounding blocks are one big extension of the museum. And as if to prove the point, the museum's docent gave us a copy of the brochure, “If Walls Could Talk”. It is a guide to a walking tour of 39 historic buildings in downtown Pipestone. There is a $3.00 entry fee, it's free for children 12 and under. We would definitely recommend a visit.
6. Main Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 7 reviews
This historic street features shops, a theater and buildings made from local stone.
Reviewed By Vicky G - Buffalo, Minnesota, United States
We visited relatives in Pipestone, staying at the Calumet Inn on Main Street. The history of the area is very obvious and truly imbues itself into the friendly attitude of everyone we met. The stonework that originated from local quarries (and Jasper quarries) brought a genuine "old town" atmospherre. The staff at the Calumet Inn was extremely friendly with us and with the local people. At Pizza Ranch, we couldn't have asked for more friendly, prompt service and good food--we arrived and asked for two special pizzas to be served on the buffet, and when we left (toward the end of the buffet) the owner boxed up the remaining pieces of the two pizzas and sent it with us. We've visited many Pizza Ranches and many buffets, but we've never had that friendly of service! We visited overnight on Saturday in October, and we hope to return during the weekday on a beautiful summer day in order to experience everything.
7. Pipestone Center for Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This renovated center for the performing arts was once an opera house.
Reviewed By Dianne L - Fergus Falls, Minnesota, United States
What a surprise to be part of the audience for such a wonderful musical production of Peter Pan at the Pipestone Center for Performing Arts. The sets were beautiful and the cast did a very good job. Bravo
8. Prairie Coteau
Beautiful Minnesota grassland, significant because its hills are the second tallest in the state.
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