Walk Through 282 Acres Of Rock Formations At Minnesota's Pipestone National Monument
By Betsy Rathburn|Published March 24, 2022
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Betsy Rathburn
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Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
Minnesota is not known for its rock formations. Our state gets much more attention for its more than 10,000 lakes than for its mountains. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have more than a few rocky spots that are worth visiting. In the north, there are high cliffs that rise over Lake Superior. In the southeast, visitors find beautiful bluffs along the Mississippi River. And in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, there are some little-known rock formations that may surprise you. Amazing pink quartzite cliffs, unlike anything else you’ll find in Minnesota, rise above the vast prairie at Pipestone National Monument. Read on below to learn about what you’ll find at this 282-acre monument:
Pipestone National Monument is a beautiful 282-acre park in the southwestern Minnesota town of Pipestone. This community is about 200 miles outside of the Twin Cities. It's an excellent destination for a weekend trip.
Pipestone has many interesting rock formations. As you enter the park, you'll notice a set of enormous boulders known as the Three Maidens. These stones, out of place on the Minnesota prairie, are erratics left by huge glaciers thousands of years ago. They are also considered sacred by the Native American groups that have used these lands for millennia.
Enter the monument through the visitor center, and you'll soon find yourself on a trail that passes through pink quartzite cliffs. These cliffs are unlike anything else you'll find in Minnesota. Dakota, Lakota, and other groups have quarried the stone - called pipestone - for many centuries. You can even view the quarries while you are at the monument.
Apart from the long history of this place, the rugged cliffs are simply beautiful. They rise up from the grass-covered prairie to create a landscape that is truly remarkable.
There are several notable formations along the cliffs. In some places, there are steps up to special viewing areas where you can get the best glimpse of each formation. A booklet from the visitor center will help you identify notable formations.
Eventually, you will make it to what may be Pipestone's most beautiful sight: Winnewissa Falls. This low waterfall along Pipestone Creek tumbles over pink quartzite, creating a cooling mist as it falls. The view at the base of the falls is wonderful, and you can also climb up to the top via a short set of stairs.
Walk on from Winnewissa Falls, and you'll notice the rock-strewn Pipestone Creek. Interesting rock formations can be found all throughout this national monument. If you are interested in geology, history, or nature, you will love your visit to Pipestone!
Have you been to Pipestone National Monument? What did you think? If you’re interested in visiting, you may also want to add nearby Blue Mounds State Park and Touch the Sky Prairie to your bucket list.
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