PIPESTONE -- In celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Pipestone National Monument will host an open house at its visitor center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25.
The Pipestone Indian Shrine Association will provide complimentary refreshments to visitors at the Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to walk on the Circle Trail, watch the “Pipestone Unbroken Legacy,” and visit the museum to learn about history, quarrying, tall grass prairie and more.
The National Park Service has been celebrating its centennial throughout 2016, and the actual birthday is on Aug. 25. In honor of the centennial, all national park areas will be fee-free from Aug. 25-28.
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There will be a gathering of the 23 affiliated tribes, and everyone is invited to participate. Phil Burnham, a well-known author, will be speaking at 2 pm.
Children will be able to participate in the Junior Ranger activities ongoing all day. The monument offers youth the opportunity to join the National Park Service Family as Junior Rangers. During their park visit, interested youths complete activities focusing on the natural and cultural resources of the monument. They will receive an official Junior Ranger badge and Junior Ranger certificate. Additionally, a Centennial Activity Book will be available that, when completed, entitles Junior Rangers to an additional special addition Centennial Junior Ranger badge. All youths receiving a Junior Ranger badge the day of the centennial will be eligible to enter a raffle to win Junior Ranger gear such as a backpack, vest or hat.
For additional centennial events, visit the park calendar at www.nps.gov/pipe or Pipestone National Monument’s Facebook page, or call Pipestone National Monument at (507) 825-5464 ext. 214.
