News Release

Founders Day Celebration at Pipestone National Monument

A day of free events and activities

N.Barber

News Release Date: July 31, 2021

Contact: Natalie Barber, 507-825-5464 ext. 214

The National Park Service will celebrate its 105^th birthday (Founders Day) on August 25, 2021.  But if it weren’t for the peoples who began the tradition of quarrying here thousands of years ago, Pipestone National Monument would not exist today. To honor their legacy and traditions, we invite the public to the official celebration on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Activities are appropriate for all ages and are offered at no cost. 

Event Schedule: 

10:00-12:00 Quarrying Demo in Mark Pederson’s Pit, located along the South Quarry Trail 

10:30 -2:00 Indian Tacos available for purchase from the Lunch Box Food Truck at the Three Maidens picnic area 

1:00-2:00 Horse Regalia program by Dakota Wicohan in front of the Visitor Center 

2:00-3:00 “National Parks A to Z” presentation by Sioux Falls Photographer Marty DeWitt inside Visitor Center (optional photo walk afterwards). 

3:00-4:00 Traditional Plains Dance demonstration by Gabe Yellowhawk 

Activity Stations: 

1:00-4:00 Hands-on Activity Stations: traditional foods (corn, bison, & wasna), ledger art, pottery, and Lakota herbalist Paul Red Elk  

For more information, please call 507-825-5464 x214 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/pipe. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on the park website and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.  

About the National Park Service:  More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.  Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.