Free Topo Maps of Pipestone National Monument

Download free topo maps of Pipestone National Monument. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Minnesota maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument is located in the state of Minnesota, less than a mile north of the city of Pipestone. The Monument was established to preserve access to Pipestone quarry by people of Native American Indian ancestry; who are the only people allowed to quarry the lovely Sioux Quartzite. The rock bed was deposited here more than one and a half billion years ago, it sparkles like a jewel but does not contain quartz; the density of the rock approximates the hardness of a human nail, allowing craftsmen to carve the substance with little difficulty. The quarries are sacred to many American Indians, whose ancestors traveled long distances to quarry the red pipestone, which was used for ceremonial pipes and spiritual objects. Today many craftsmen are third and fourth generation carvers, whose expertise has been passed down through the generations. Pipestone Monument also preserves one of the few remaining native tallgrass prairies in North America. Most tallgrass prairies have been plowed, as it offers farmers fertile ground for planting. As a threatened species, the National Park Service is attempting to keep the small section of Pipestone tallgrass in its native state for future generations to enjoy, as this ecosystem has changed little from prehistoric times. The Visitor Center offers the opportunity to watch a short award winning film, attend cultural demonstrations during the summer months when craftsmen shape the pipestone, explore exhibits covering the cultural, historic and natural resources at the Monument, and receive information regarding the beautiful nature walk, and to learn about the stream ecosystems that support a diverse number of wildlife and plant species. Have a picnic near the Visitor Center, walk to the quarry, and stop and enjoy Winnewissa falls along the Circle Trail. The 301 acre Pipestone Monument consists of the Red Pipestone Quarries, the Sioux Quartzite cliff line and the Pipestone Creek, which can be enjoyed by taking the three-quarter mile hike, with historical markers along the trail. Lake Hiawatha is near the waterfall, populated with turtles and small fish. Birds, wildlife and plants offer a wonderful variety in these beautiful surroundings.