Pipestone

About Pipestone

Pipestone National Monument protects the sacred quarries where American Indians have extracted red pipestone (catlinite) for centuries to carve ceremonial pipes. The monument is managed by the National Park Service and preserves both the geological resource and the cultural traditions associated with pipe-making. Only enrolled members of federally recognized American Indian tribes are permitted to quarry the soft red stone, continuing a tradition that spans many generations. The site also features tallgrass prairie restoration and the historic Pipestone Indian School building.