Sunday, July 31, 2016

Pipestone National Monument

We visited Pipestone National Monument this weekend. We wanted to take the MH out for a weekend trip and when I saw Pipestone National Monument on the map only about 80 miles away, we decided to check it out. We're glad we did. I think one of the best things about being somewhere for a few weeks is that it gives us a chance to visit some more out of the way places.

Here's what the National Park Service site says about Pipestone;

"When you pray with this pipe, you pray for and with everything." -Black Elk

For countless generations, American Indians have quarried the red pipestone found at this site. These grounds are sacred to many people because the pipestone quarried here is carved into pipes used for prayer. Many believe that the pipe's smoke carries one's prayer to the Great Spirit. The traditions of quarrying and pipemaking continue here today.

From Wikipedia The quarries are sacred to most of the tribes of North America, Dakota, Lakota, and other tribes of Native Americans, and were neutral territory where all Nations could quarry stone for ceremonial pipes

We walked the circle trail and took these pictures to share with you.