Quarrying pipestone, or catlinite, still takes place on the sacred grounds of Pipestone National Monument. George Catlin first recorded the lives of the Plains Indian in his paintings. He was fascinated with the detailed T-shaped calumet pipes and the processes of carving pipestone. Hues of the soft pipestone range from a mottled pink to a dark red. Known as peace pipes to white newcomers, these ceremonial pipes were sure to surface during treaty negotiations.
   The Pipestone National Monument, located in southwestern Minnesota, protects the sacred grounds and quarries of Native Americans, and allows visitors the opportunity to follow all the phases of the process to create a ceremonial pipe. During the 2000 year span of Indian life the pipe tradition was inseparable from daily events and prominent during inter-tribal meetings.
   Today's American Sioux pipe makers display their craft and handiwork at the Pipestone National Monument visitor center. The fall season is also time when the quarries are being worked, as temperatures cool and the quarry pits begin to dry-out. Pictured here is a scene found along the three quarter mile park loop trail, as it passes by pipestone quarries, the Old Stone Face, Minnesota's tallgrass prairie and this view of Winnesissa Falls.

     Area Map