Plan A Field Trip

A school group walks the circle trail.

NPS Photo

Park rangers at Pipestone are happy to accommodate school groups of all ages and with sufficient notice, may be able to provide interpretive programs to supplement your group's visit. Group leaders are otherwise responsible for their group and activities.

We ask that teachers call in advance to schedule a visit and provide the following information:

• Date and time of visit
• Contact person's name, number, and email
• School's name and location
• Number of students and chaperones in the group
• Grade/age level of the students
• A general idea of what your group would like to do on their visit

Ideal Chaperone : Student Ratios:

• Elementary School 1:5
• Middle School 1:8
• High School 1:12
• College 1:20

Contact the Division of Interpretation at 507-825-5464 x 214 to schedule your field trip with rangers.

Opportunities to consider at Pipestone National Monument include the Three Maidens picnic area, the Visitor Center, the 22-minute film "Pipestone: An Unbroken Legacy," the 3/4-mile Circle Trail, and Junior Ranger Program.

To budget your group's time, allow 30-60 minutes for the visitor center, 30 minutes for the film, and 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for the trail.

 

The Three Maidens, where many Tribal members stop to pray.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

Thank you for your interest in Pipestone National Monument! In preparation for your visit and in order to make it more educational and enjoyable, we ask that you review and share this page so that all participants understand the context of this place and expectations.

The most important thing to understand about Pipestone is that this place is sacred to Indigenous people. Sacred areas of the world’s religions take on many forms: churches, temples, or synagogues, just to name a few. For an Indigenous person Pipestone National Monument is very much like a church; a spiritual place to pray and reflect. Therefore, it is important that all who visit maintain and demonstrate respect for the land and all its facets. This is an opportunity for you to teach respect for spiritual beliefs.

While entering the park, you will pass by several large boulders, known as the Three Maidens. This is a place many Tribal members stop to pray. Please demonstrate respect by ensuring no one climbs them.

 

One of many petroglyphs that used to surround the Three Maidens.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

Stop 1: The Visitor Center

The visitor center is a great first stop at Pipestone National Monument.

The Front Desk

Ask here for general information, park brochure, orientation, and any questions about where to go.

The Theater

We recommend starting your visit with the 22-minute park film. It will provide enough basic information for inquisitive students to get an understanding of the place and to come up with more questions.

The Museum Exhibit

In this room are several displays that convey more information about the history of the pipestone quarry and the people who have been visiting it for millenia.

Cultural Demonstrators, Petroglyphs, and Park Store

Towards the back of the visitor center you can watch demonstrations of pipes and other objects being carved. The people who make these carvings are artists who preserve important cultural traditions. They are experts in their field and welcome questions.

There are also petroglyphs that once surrounded the Three Maidens. These stone carvings are very old and highly spiritual, so touching in any manner is strictly prohibited.

The park store is also in this area.

 

The tallgrass prairie is a great place for birdwatching.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

Stop 2: The Circle Trail

When you’re ready to walk the Circle Trail, ask for a trail guide that teachers can borrow, and start at the southern exit of the visitor center.

On the Circle Trail, you’ll develop an understanding of the place and have great opportunities to appreciate nature. Each step of the trail will reward those who walk quietly and observe their surroundings. Starting from the south exit of the visitor center, a demonstration quarry can be explored just off the path. Here, one can see the pipestone in its original setting and get a sense of how much work quarrying is.

Beyond the quarry is a beautiful open example of tallgrass praire. Watch for many kinds of birds who call the prairie their home. Listen to the gentle swishing of grass in the breeze. Due to the beauty of the place, it may be tempting to stray from the paved path or to collect native plants or rocks. While visiting, behave as you would in a place that is sacred to you. Out of respect for this place and those to whom this place is sacred, please keep to the path and leave plants, rocks, and other materials alone.

 

Stop to admire the beautiful Winnewissa Falls.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

Coming to the Sioux quartzite escarpment, imagine what a prominent feature it would have been in a time before roads, buildings, and farm fields in the surrounding area.

As you continue, Winnewissa Falls may be heard before being seen.As you continue past the waterfall, there are many views of Pipestone Creek along the trail. A sharp eye may be able to spot a green heron or even a mink! Unfortunately, the water contains e. coli and other upstream contaminants, so swimming and wading are not allowed.

When approaching the visitor center from the north, enjoy a leafy stroll over the bridge, see if you can spot the cactus growing among the rocks, and reflect on what your experience.

 

The picnic pavilion can be reserved through the city of Pipestone.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

Considerations for Large Groups

There is little picnic space for large groups near the visitor center.
There is a picnic shelter on the entrance road for eating lunch. You may reserve the city’s covered shelter for a fee at (507)-825-3324 or use the open picnic tables next to it at no cost. The monument staff will not hold personal items or lunches for your group inside the visitor center and groups may not use the trail to sit and eat lunch. If you do bring lunches, they must be stored on the bus.

The theater has 41 seats. If visiting with a group larger than this number, consider breaking up into smaller groups. For instance, one group can watch the film while the other group walks the trails.

 

Goldenrod and lead plant are just two of many plant species to be seen at Pipestone National Monument.

NPS / P. Wintersteen

More Information

We would like feedback from you, so please jot down any ideas or concerns you have with regard to your visit, and leave them with the ranger at the information desk. Correspondence may also be made through the superintendent, in care of the Monument.

Pipestone National Monument
36 Reservation Avenue
Pipestone, MN 56164

We hope your group has a safe and educational visit. If you have any questions please contact us at 507-825-5464, ext. 214.