Just under 200 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, Pipestone is a small, quiet town that offers a unique experience in a quaint setting. There are many entertaining and educational things that you can get into while in the city.
Pipestone is worth a day on its own, and it pairs well with the rest of the region. things to do in southern Minnesota covers Niagara Cave, the National Eagle Center and the Spam Museum.
What’s more, there are interesting local landmarks and monuments, historic sites, quality local restaurants to dine at, and other top attractions, gems you won’t want to pass up on!
Pipestone has tons of Native American historical significance entrenched into the town’s fabric.
So, if you’re a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or just in the mood for something different and find yourself in the southwestern part of Minnesota, visit Pipestone and enjoy all that the city offers.
Things To Do in Pipestone, Minnesota
1. Pipestone Performing Arts Center
Address: 104 Main St E, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
Located in the heart of the Historic District is the Pipestone Performing Arts Center. This building is in a Sioux quartzite building that dates back to 1897.
The Calumet Players provide excellent community theater. Locals and native Minnesotans manage, direct, and perform the shows. They produce three shows yearly, typically in mid-winter, fall, and summertime.
A Children’s Theater also produces one show per year starring the local youth. The center has talented people with amazing voices known as the Al Opland Singers.
This group mesmerizes the crowd twice a year. Recently, they have hosted a litany of concerts, performances, comedy shows, dance troupes, cultural speakers, traveling theater groups, documentary films, and many different community events.
See Related: Things to Do in Minneapolis, MN
2. Casey Jones Trail
The Casey Jones State Trail is multipurpose, including hiking, running, and biking. A parallel trail is also available for snowmobiling and horseback riding.
Even though this is one of the first state trails to be established, it is still incomplete, with three discontinuous sections. Moreover, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the trail.
Along the Casey Jones path, you can expect to see stunning wildflowers. The trial is best suited for use from April-October. Although dogs are allowed to use the trail, they must always be on a leash.
See Related: Things to Do in Minneapolis
3. Pipestone National Monument
Address: 36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
The Pipestone National Monument (or Jealous Maiden, known to local Native Americans) is near the South Dakota border, northwest of Pipestone, MN, home to hiking trails and prairie grasses. The monument was made in 1937 to protect the pipestone quarries. These quarries were a critical source of the soft red stone used by the Plains Indians to produce pipes for their ceremonial celebrations.
Native American legend says that the stone and the people were all made from the same red substance. Therefore, they only used (and still use) the stone to make pipes for religious and ceremonial purposes. In 1893, the site became government property.
The monument covers 282 acres. A circular walking trail, about a mile long, allows visitors to view the spectacular waterfall and the quarries. The visitor’s bureau has a video explaining the making of pipes in great detail.
Typically, Native Americans make pipes in person at the center, allowing visitors to watch the process live and ask questions.
There are also activities for children to partake in at the Pipestone National Monument. Children can exchange a voucher for access to the ‘Every Kid Outdoors’ pass. Here, you and the children can enjoy the activities together.
4. Syndicate Block
When visiting Pipestone, MN, you can spend an afternoon shopping for clothes at Geyermans, a favorite women’s clothing store that has been in business since 1936. The store is situated on the Syndicate Block in the downtown area of Pipestone.
5. Bole-Mor Lanes
Address: 102 7th Ave SE, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
After you’re tired of sightseeing and craving a bit of physical activity, stop by Bole-Mor Lanes to get a bowling session with family and friends! This bowling joint features ten lanes, a varied menu, and a full bar. You and the family are bound to have fun here.
You can catch a meal there, as the place offers burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and more. Bowling is charged by the hour here, and you can rent shoes if needed.
See Related: Things to Do in Granite Falls, Minnesota
6. Pipestone County Museum
Address: 113 S Hiawatha Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
Be sure to tour the Pipestone County Museum. The museum aims to preserve and display Pipestone County’s history and interconnectedness with Minnesota and the nation.
Furthermore, stop by the gift store and take advantage of their specials to take home a nice souvenir.
7. Ghost Walk
The Ghost Walk begins at the Pipestone County Museum. From here, walk down Main Street and through the alleyways. A guide in a costume will tell tales of unusual and bizarre happenings in the area.
One exciting point of the tour happens at a local hotel, which is the source of many sightings and accounts of paranormal activity. These stories are so impressionable and palpable that three locally published ghost storybooks and souvenirs are available at the Pipestone County Museum’s gift store.
See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in Minnesota
8. Take a Trip Down Main Street
Take the time to meander down Main Street, a historical destination with buildings constructed with local stones. You can find several restaurants, a theater, and several shops along the way.
9. Pipestone Civil War Days
Minnesota was one of the first states (if not the first) in the Union to raise volunteer regiments to preserve the Union and destroy the evil of slavery. Most of these units fought with valor in some of the heaviest fightings of the war, and at Gettysburg, men from Maine and Minnesota saved the Union.
Don’t forget to visit Pipestone Civil War Days, which allows you to learn the integral history essential to understanding Pipestone and its development. You can schedule appointments for the weekend, including Artillery and Infantry maneuvers and a re-enactment of a Civil War battle.
10. Picnic at The Three Maidens
Address: 805 3rd Ave NW, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
As you go along the entrance road to the Visitor Center, you’ll encounter several boulders situated near a small pond. The boulders are granite, though there isn’t a source nearby.
They likely were carried to this location as one boulder from the north, pushed by a glacier. They are probably the remnants of the glacier after the ice melted.
The Three Maidens is a great place to take photos because of the history and the indigenous traditions still upheld today. American Indians view the Three Maidens as the guardians or caretakers of the quarries. This space is sacred; many people leave offerings there as they enter work.
Please respect these beliefs by not climbing on the boulders or disturbing the offerings left near them. There is a picnic space nearby where you can have a peaceful sit-down.
Hiawatha Pageant Park is also close. There’s a pond where you can fish catch-and-release, have a picnic in a covered shelter, or visit the lodge.
11. Circle Trail
The Circle Trail starts and finishes at the Visitor Center, totaling about 34 miles of paved walking paths. It leads guests to multiple interesting locations at the Pipestone National Monument.
It takes between 45 minutes and one hour to complete the walk. As you go, you’ll see the Pipestone quarries, Old Stone Face, historical markers, native tallgrass prairie, Winnewissa Falls, and a few other points of interest.
Conveniently, you can also purchase a trail guide from the center before walking. There are several benches to stop and enjoy the views as you walk along the trail.
12. Split Rock Creek State Park
Address: 336 50th Ave, Jasper, MN 56144, United States
Split Rock Creek State Park is calm and serene, with plenty of activities for kids and adults to explore. There are nice paths to hike near the dam area, which kids tend to love. Additionally, a beach area by the lake is suitable for a quick dip.
In this notable state park, families can engage in other activities together, such as camping, fishing, and other water recreation sports, horse trails, wildlife observation, and picnics. This open space allows kids to run around and play while parents take in the scenery, or everyone can come together to play outdoor games.
It’s never very crowded when you go. However, there are just enough people to allow you to meet others who have come for a relaxing afternoon at this little gem in Pipestone.
See Related: Things to Do in Duluth Minnesota
13. Calumet Inn
Address: 104 Main St W, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
The Calumet Inn is a gorgeous building on the National Register of Historic Places list. It’s another photo-worthy destination because of its rich meaning and historical significance.
Calumet Inn was restored in downtown Pipestone after being initially built in 1888. It is still a fully operational hotel that guests can enjoy.
The building’s historic charm draws tourists with its beautiful architecture, antiques, and quartzite structures. The inn also has a restaurant that receives high marks for hospitality and delicious cuisine.
14. Rock Island Depot
Address: 400 N Hiawatha Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
The Rock Island Depot has an art gallery and gift shop available to visit and do a little sightseeing. Built-in 1890, Rock Island was the last depot in all of Pipestone. Earlier, four railroad lines entered the city. The depot closed as a result of decreased railroad use.
This location became known as the Spirit of Peace Indian Center for Native Americans in the 1970s. The historical society purchased the building in 1986 and deemed it a historical landmark.
Since then, the exterior and interior have been renovated. Guests may now enjoy the large meeting rooms, an art gallery, and the gift shop with small knickknacks and souvenirs.
See Related: Famous Historical Landmarks in the USA
15. County Courthouse
Address: 416 S Hiawatha Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164, United States
As you’ll notice, most of the places of interest on this list deal with the deep history behind the locations. The County Courthouse is another structure that’s great for taking pictures as a small slice of history that you can take with you. The building is also made from local quartzite stone.
This clock tower is 110 feet, with a dome on the top and a statue of Lady Justice. It was rededicated and restored in 1996. It’s a lovely option for those who like remnants from the past and for history buffs who love learning about places at the root of a city’s birth.
16. Split Rock Bridge
The Split Rock Bridge is a single-span bridge constructed from pink and blue Sioux quartzite. It has rock and split-faced surfaces. The Split Rock Bridge has defined coping above the parapets, which functions like railings.
It also has a long arch span, which is Minnesota’s most extensive highway bridge. On the east railing, a cool stone commemorative plaque reads, “Split Rock Bridge/Works Progress Administration/1938.”
The ashlar stone’s beauty and purity add to its aesthetic effect, making it a beautiful example of an ornamental park bridge.
The bridge cost $46,000 to construct, and it remains unaltered to this day. It’s a remarkable sight, so make sure you stop and take pictures.
17. Winnewissa Falls
Nestled amongst the quarries at the Pipestone National Monument, Winnewissa Falls is sacred territory to most American Indians. The colors of the stones leading up to the waterfall are stunning, and it’s a great place to hang out and observe nature. It is among the stunning falls in Minnesota.
You don’t expect to see a waterfall in the prairies, which is another reason this space is sacred and revered by the American Indians, who believe it to be a gift from the Great Spirit.
Many tourists have also said that a spiritual feeling comes over you as you walk the grounds, further attesting to the meaning of the land.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, check out Winnewissa Falls. The stream isn’t very high, so you can easily walk along the rocks and take a few photos during your time there.
18. Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers
Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers is a non-profit gift shop that showcases tribal pieces, such as arts and crafts. They have a nice selection of files, raw pipestone, leather, beads, and other supplies.
The shop also carries books, herbs, cards, and t-shirts, but their focus remains on the paintings, popes, carvings, quillwork, and beadwork by local tribal artists.
The organization’s leaders, Rona and Bud Johnston are typically available to set up a private appointment or group event for beadwork or Pipestone carving to make dream catchers or drums. They are also willing to give a tour of the Pipestone National Monument.
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