September 27 2016

We left Forest City Iowa and drove to Luverne MN arriving at Blue Mounds State Park located 5 miles north of Interstate 90.  We were searching for a good stopping point on our way to the Badlands SD.  Blue Mounds was named for the bluish color of the hills surrounding the area caused by the blue lichen growing on the pink quartz.

Upon on arrival we talked to the Park Ranger and she told us about the various things to do around the area.  We learned that Pipestone National Monument was only 24 miles north so we quickly set up on our campsite and headed out.

Picture depicting then and now

Articles made by Native American Artisans

Pipestone was small in size but was really interesting.  This is the only spot in the country where Native Americans quarried stone soft enough to make smoking pipe bowls.  Their pipes are used in many ceremonies, religious and others. This stone was traded among the Tribes around the country. We hiked around the area looking at the rock formations, the quarry site and a water fall.  The quarry is still used today and only Native Americans are allowed to quarry rock.  When the area was “sold” to the US Government part of the written document included the ability for Indians to continue to quarry stone forever.  It is said that this is the ONLY agreement that the US Government has honored with the Indians. Each small quarry site is identified with a Tribe or individuals colors.

Sun setting behind us as we looked into the pipestone pit

Tools against the back wall

Paved walkway to the different pit sites and waterfall

Headdress in the visitor center

We left Pipestone having a better understanding of Native American culture and an appreciation for their artisan skills.

We saw a herd of buffalo near the entrance to the Blue Mounds Park.  They were having fun doing their Buffalo thing.  They are huge animals and fun to watch.

That night we enjoyed a little wine and a warm fire. We slept really well.

The next day, Sept. 28 was cold and windy.  We dressed warmly and went on a short hike to a quartz rock quarry in the park. We played around on the rocks and then headed back to the rig after scaring up four pheasants and looking at more buffalo.

Stair step waterfall at Blue Mound State Park

After the hike we packed up and headed to the Badlands SD.