There's A Tiny Town In Minnesota Completely Surrounded By Breathtaking Natural Beauty
By Betsy Rathburn|Published February 17, 2017
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
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.
Most people consider northern Minnesota the most beautiful part of the state. It’s true that there’s a whole lot of beauty to be found there, from the North Shore to the Boundary Waters. But it’s time to recognize the unique beauty of another corner of Minnesota. Southwestern Minnesota may not have vast forests or rocky river bluffs, but it does offer scenery that you just can’t find anywhere else in the state. To take it all in, the tiny town of Pipestone is the perfect place to stop.
Pipestone is small but thriving, with a population of just over 4,000 people. It's home to a charming downtown full of local shops.
In particular, the Calumet Inn is a striking showstopper that anchors the historic downtown. If you're up for an overnight stay - or just a good meal - this is a great option.
But Pipestone is known for Pipestone National Monument. The monument honors and preserves the site where American Indians once quarried stone to make ceremonial pipes.
Aside from the quarries and cliffs, the Three Maidens are another formation at Pipestone. These massive rocks were left behind when glaciers retreated thousands of years ago. Today, the Maidens are still considered by some to be a sacred site.
Perhaps the most surprising feature at Pipestone is Winnewissa Falls. The sight of the clear water rushing over the red rock is, simply put, breathtaking.
Of course, the town of Pipestone is home to other treasures, too. Many wind farms in the area turn the landscape into a truly unique sight. Miles of windmills rising over the prairie look like something from the distant future.
