Pipestone, city in and county sear of Pipestone County, Minnesota, United States
Pipestone is a small city in southern Minnesota that serves as the county seat of Pipestone County. Its buildings are mostly single-story structures, with some constructed from a pink stone called Sioux quartzite, giving the town a distinctive appearance.
The Pipestone area has a long history of stone quarrying that Native peoples conducted for hundreds of years. The red stone, known as catlinite, was central to ceremonies and spiritual practices in the cultures of the indigenous peoples who lived here.
The name refers to the red stone that Native peoples have quarried for generations to create ceremonial pipes and crafts. This carving tradition remains alive today, with artisans demonstrating their work at the National Monument visitor center.
Visitors can explore Pipestone on foot since the city is compact with attractions located close together. The local museum offers free information and walking guides to help you understand the town's history and layout.
The world's largest pipestone pipe stands in the Keeper's Gift Shop and serves as a popular photo stop. This unusual monument symbolizes the importance of the stone in local and Native American history.
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