Stories

The grounds of Pipestone National Monument have been an important cultural and spiritual site for many American Indian cultures for a very long time (the Monument is officially affiliated with 23 Tribal nations). Each culture has its own traditions, protocols, and stories that relate to the pipe, the quarries, and the pipestone itself. The following are stories that reveal a landscape charged with life, symbolism, and meaning. These are certainly not the only stories told about this special place, and are offered here primarily as examples to illustrate the importance of the site and the symbolism often associated with it.