Pipestone, MN: Get some fresh air, sunlight, and exercise while making some great memories this winter! Pipestone National Monument now has snowshoes visitors may rent for free. Snow is no longer cleared on the Circle Trail in order to allow for a better snowshoeing experience. The South Quarry Trail connecting the Three Maidens picnic area to the Visitor Center, will be cleared.
If you’ve never used snowshoes, the staff at the front desk will be glad to show you how to put them on. Once you’re strapped in, enjoy a view of the Monument that most visitors don’t get to see.
For those wanting to stay healthy this winter, just 30 minutes of snowshoeing burns 250-300 calories. If you struggle with seasonal affective disorder (or seasonal depression), the CDC recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise and sunlight. Snowshoeing the Circle Trail can take at least 30 minutes - so this adds up to a good use of your time!
Snowshoes may be checked out for free any time the Visitor Center is open and must be returned before closing, the same day. Adult and child sizes are available. To protect park resources, including wildlife habitat, snowshoes must stay on the Circle Trail.
Watch our Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/PipestoneNPS
Directions to Pipestone National Monument are available through this link: https://www.nps.gov/pipe/planyourvisit/directions.htm
For additional information, contact Pipestone National Monument at 507-825-5464, or visit the Monument’s web site at https://www.nps.gov/pipe/index.htm.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
