Cultural Demonstrations

Local American Indians demonstrate pipe making throughout the summer months in the Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center, located inside the visitor center. Utilizing personal experience and the traditions that they were taught, they provide insightful information and close up views of how they work and carve pipestone, many of them being third and fourth generation carvers and quarriers.

Quarrying

While quarrying is the first and most basic step of the pipestone tradition it is also the least appreciated part.  The task of extracting pipestone from the earth requires a commitment to many days of physically challenging work with hand tools and methods that differ very little from those used in centuries past. Quarries are allocated by permit issued by the Monument but demand for quarries far exceeds the number available each year. Despite a lengthy waiting list American Indians from many tribes accept the challenge and continue the quarrying tradition.
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General Management Plan

The Draft General Management Plan for Pipestone National Monument is nearing completion and will be made available for public review and input on this website. Additionally, public meetings will be scheduled where people can interact with the planning team and provide comments. Written comments may also be sent by email or letter. Notice of the meeting locations and dates will be posted here.

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