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A paved trail past pipestone quarries that are still in use today.


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0.2

Miles

0.4

KM

Point to Point

1,665' 508 m

High

1,663' 507 m

Low

3' 1 m

Up

1' 0 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

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Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance

Family Friendly This paved path wanders past pipestone quarries that are still in use today. Everyone can learn about the historical and cultural significance of the site.

Only permit-holders may enter the quarries unless you are on a tour with the national park service.

Need to Know

Pets must be on a 6-foot leash and visitors must clean up after them. There are complimentary waste bags at the trailhead near the Visitor Center.

Description

The South Quarry trail is a short, paved trail that departs from the visitor center and passes several pipestone quarries that are still in use today. Leaving from the right side of the visitor center, the trail first passes an example quarry where you can learn what it takes to mine pipestone. There are examples of the various layers of rock that someone must go through in order to get to the pipestone layer of rock.

Pipestone is the rock that is used to create sacred pipes used for prayer, important rites, religious ceremonies, and civil ceremonies. Once you pass the example pit, the trail wanders between some of the 56 quarry pits that are actively being quarried for pipestone today. While you can not enter these quarries, you can hike between them and if someone is working, see what it takes to extract the pipestone.

Views of the surrounding prairies can be enjoyed from the trail. The trail ends at at the park road, where you can turn around and work your way back to the visitor center and the Circle Trail if you want to explore more of the landscape that makes up the national monument.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

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  3.0 from 1 vote

#44239

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  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#499

in Minnesota

#44,239

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Photos

South Quarry Trail as it winds through active quarries in the monument today.
Aug 23, 2023 near Pipestone, MN
Pipestone quarries are actively mined today.  Depending on the day, you may encounter members of the local indian tribes working at their quarry pits.  The pits are not open to the general public.
Aug 23, 2023 near Pipestone, MN
Example Pipestone Quarry where you can see the various levels of rock that need to be broken through in order to get to the pipestone.
Aug 23, 2023 near Pipestone, MN

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