• Artist George Catlin recorded the quarrying activity at the pipestone quarries in 1836

    Pipestone

    National Monument Minnesota

Outdoor Activities

Circle Trail

NPS Photo

The 3/4-mile Circle Trail winds through tallgrass prairies and woodlands.

Picnicking
The Three Maidens picnic area may be found along the entrance road to the visitor center.  The area includes picnic tables, a restroom, and the Three Maidens feature. Bordering Pipestone National Monument to the south is a city park with a large picnic area and overhead shelter. A valid entrance pass is required to use the Three Maidens picnic area. 

Hiking
The paved Circle Trail, which begins and ends at the Visitor Center, leads to several points of interest.  A valid entrance pass is required to use the trail.

The Circle Trail is a delightful walk of three quarters of a mile. Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the walk.  Features along the trail include the pipestone quarries, historical markers, Old Stone Face, Winnewissa Falls, Oracle and the native tallgrass prairie.  Trail guides are available for loan or purchase in the Visitor Center. Several benches are placed along the trail. The trail is not ADA-compliant but may be wheelchair accessible with some assistance (see Accessibility).

Weather in Minnesota is variable. Be prepared for seasonal conditions and rapidly-changing weather.

The Circle Trail is open year-round. Seasonal area closures for hazards such as snow and ice may be in effect.

Did You Know?

Quarry pit showing the quartzite wall and quartzite rubble pile

Pipestone National Monument was the first National Park Service area in Minnesota designated by Congress and signed into existence by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on August 25, 1937.