Historic Pipestone - Pipestone, Minnesota

Historic Pipestone - Pipestone, Minnesota

The area surrounding Pipestone, Minnesota is rich with history and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This native landscape is renowned for the soft red stone that has been quarried here by the local Native Americans since 1200 A.D. The French fur traders in the 1800s often spoke of the unique beauty of this area and the stone for which is has become famous.

Other famous people who visited this area include the artist George Catlin and the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The nearby Pipestone National Monument has forever preserved this quarry for visitors to see now and in the future. The local Native Americans used this unique and distinctive red stone for pipes and other implements, and still use it today. This Sioux quartzite is an attractive stone and highly sought after for many uses.

This community offers a walk through history that visitors are guaranteed to enjoy. There are 30 different sites, and each offers a unique view into the past. Some of these buildings include Pipestone City Hall, which is now the home of the Pipestone County Museum and is an architectural marvel. It houses a wide variety of historic material that is well displayed and is an enjoyable way to spend some of your time in Pipestone. You will also see sandstone gargoyles peek at you from the Moore Block. The Syndicate Block is the oldest building in the city, and is also the largest building that was built from the distinctive red stone.

The Calumet Hotel is another historic spot, and the stone used to build it is more pink than red. The stone for this building came from different quarries than most of the stone used for the local buildings. The pink stone provides a pleasant contrast. Other buildings include the Ihlen Mercantile, the first business in the town of Pipestone, the John Rowe House, and the Jasper Stone Company and Quarry, which still operates today. The red stone of the quarry is always in demand because the stone is elegant, hard, and holds its color. Many of the sites are accessible to the public and often include historic photographs and other pertinent information.

Some of the events that occur regularly in Pipestone include pipe demonstrations and crafts, and the annual production of the "Song of Hiawatha" pageant, based on the famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that was inspired by the Pipestone area. Other events include a yearly Blessing of the Quarries, theater productions at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center and swimming at the local Family Aquatic Center. You are sure to find something fun to do while staying in Pipestone.

In addition to all of the great things to do in Pipestone and the surrounding area, one thing that visitors should not miss are the Winnewissa Falls, which are located on the Coteau Prairie.

Pipestone offers a variety of accommodations, shops and dining establishments to visitors. To find out more about the charming town of Pipestone, Minnesota, contact the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-825-3316.

Pipestone, Minnesota 56164