Where is the Monument?

The Monument consists of the pipestone quarries and the 283 acres surrounding them.   There is no specific structure, plaque, marker, or monument.  A National Monument is only one designation for a unit of the National Park Service.

What is Pipestone made of?

Geologically, pipestone is metamorphic clay (silicate of alumina). The red color results from oxidation of trace amounts of iron. The formation of the soft red stone called pipestone or "catlinite" began about 1.2 billion years ago when oceans covered Minnesota. Layers of clay and sand collected on the ocean floor and became buried by other sedimentary materials. Time, pressure and chemical changed turned the sand to quartzite and the clay to pipestone.

How many acres are there at Pipestone National Monument?

Pipestone National Monument contains 283 acres. Much of the area surrounding the quarries is grass prairie.

Who can quarry pipestone?

The quarrying of pipestone is reserved to American Indians who are enrolled in tribes recognized by the Federal government. 

How does a person get a quarry and who determines this?

After reviewing a completed application, the Monument superintendent will issue a quarry permit. Applicants must provide proof of tribal enrollment with documentation from a tribal official. Currently there is a 5-6 year waiting list for quarry permits.

What types of tools were and are used for removing the pipestone?

Early tools included harder stones and long sticks or tree branches. Eventually steel tools such as heavy pry bars, wedges and sledge hammers were used. All quarrying must be done by use of hand tools, no power tools are allowed.

Is pipestone found in other states or areas?

Pipestone or a stone similar to the pipesstone found here is found in other areas. The most well known source of pipetone is located in Pipestone, MN. Other sources of stone are located in the following areas:
1. Barron County, WI
2. Tremper Mound, OH
3. Yavapai County, AZ
4. Minnehaha County, Garretson, SD
5. Northwestern Kansas
6. Jefferson, Lake, and Lincoln Counties in Montana

What kinds of grasses are here?

There are over 400 native plant species growing at the Monument, and includes big bluestem, little bluestem, buffalograss, sideoats gramma, prairie cordgrass, indiangrass and switchgrass. Exotic species such as Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome are also found here.

What is the Sundance?

The Sundance is a tribal gathering and an expression of thanksgiving to the Great Spirit and to all the powers. The Sundance ceremony lasts four days and is usually held in late July or August.

Is there a controlled burn here?

Yes, weather permitting the prescribed burn program is usually conducted in May. Fire has played a historic role in the perpetuation of the grasslands. Some fires were set by American Indians or were the result of lightening. Many prairie plants have evolved in the presence of fire. With only small fragments of the prairie remaining today, natural fire cannot be relied upon to maintain the historic fire regime. Therefore, fire has been reintroduced to stimulate this condition by the use of controlled or prescribed burns. With the use of prescribed fire, the prairie is able to regenerate and maintain itself in its historic state.