DISCOVERING THE LURE OF PIPESTONE, MINNESOTA

By Mary Emma Allen - American Roads Travel Magazine

“Here’s some more pipestone,” my husband remarked, as we examined the reddish rock found abundantly in the Pipestone National Monument in western Minnesota. Jim and I walked over the paths with friends and explored this land that once had been a source of the pipestone the Plains Indians used for carving the stone pipes they used and traded.

“It’s fascinating,” we concluded and learned more about this craft that still exists today at the Upper Midwest Indian Cultural Center. Stone is brought from the quarry at the national monument for native craftspeople to use. They demonstrate their craft and answer questions you may have about the history and significance of pipestone, which is rooted in Indian sacred ceremonies.

We watched the Native American craftspeople carving and creating items from the soft reddish stone and learned why it originally was used for the pipes. The natives throughout North America also used other types of stone for carving pipes and other items. However, the red pipestone was prized for its softness and its durability.

Pipestone History

Prehistoric and native people used stone pipes of various types for their ceremonies. Some were elaborate and others simple and utilitarian. Often called the “peace pipe” because of its use at treaty signings, the Indian pipes became popular as something to exchange for goods with the settlers.

The Yankton tribe sold their claim to the U S Government for the establishment of the Pipestone National Monument This also protected the quarry and square-mile Indian claim from outsiders who had begun to dig new pits for the stone. Only those of Indian ancestry can quarry the stone and provide demonstrations. They also produce pipes and other items sold at the museum store.

The Circle Trail

In addition to visiting the Cultural Center, where we talked with native craftspeople and viewed exhibits, we traversed the ¾-mile self-guiding trail through the quarry area and sites of historic significance.

The Native Americans still use this area for religious and cultural activities. Also, no pipestone can be removed from the site except by permit.

City of Pipestone

The city of Pipestone, Minnesota receives attention because of the red stone used for many of its buildings and the recreational activities. Although a small town, there are many attractions and festivals; some conducted by native Americans and others by town residents.

Hiawatha Pageant

The annual Hiawatha Pageant depicts the story found in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s narrative poem, The Song of Hiawatha. The performances, beginning as a small activity in 1949, has grown to a cast of 200 local people attracting thousands of visitors from all over this country and foreign ones as well.

Those putting on the pageant and providing back-up support for costumes, technical and other duties necessary to complete this are volunteers connected with the Hiawatha Club. Over the years, they’ve built a 1,500-foot stage area with 3,500 seating capacity for the nine days the show runs throughout the summer.

Walking Tour

A walking tour of the city of Pipestone provides you with a glimpse of the past and present. The tour includes:

The Moore Block with its Sculptures in Stone, The Ferris Grand Block, former site of the Ferris Grand Opera House, The Old City Hall now housing the Pipestone County Museum, The Calumet Inn, The Syndicate Block with many buildings constructed in the Italianate style, the Early Hospital, the Courthouse, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, and the Carnegie Library.

Located on the prairies of Minnesota, you’ll find and enjoy this unlikely treasure of Pipestone as you travel the west.

For more information of events and places to see, visit the Pipestone Area Chamber of Commerce web site: www.pipestoneminnesota.com .

(Mary Emma Allen writes about many areas she and her husband explore and research. In addition she writes for children and conducts many writing workshops, as well as gives talks about her travels. E-mail: me.allen@juno.com )

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