News Release

Pipestone National Monument Maintains Public Access

Date: May 22, 2020
Contact: Lauren Blacik

Pipestone, MN – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Pipestone National Monument continues to maintain public access to outdoor spaces, including the Circle Trail. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

The following places continue to be available:   

•           Circle Trail and South Quarry Trail

•           Quarries (permitted quarriers only)

•           Three Maidens

•           Picnic Area

Restrooms are available at the Picnic Area near the Three Maidens.

With public health in mind, the Visitor Center remains closed at this time.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow Stay Safe Minnesota guidelines, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Pipestone National Monument’s website (www.nps.gov/pipe) has new digital options for experiencing the park remotely. On the homepage, the Monument’s 22-minute film is available in its entirety as well as a virtual tour of the ¾-mile Circle Trail. Online visitors may also request a digital version of the Jr. Ranger program and read stories about the cultural and natural resources of the park.      

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure park spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website (www.nps.gov/pipe) and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 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.