REGIONS: SOUTHERN Bison, Blue Mounds State Park, Luverne, photo by Jessica Brouillette Blue Mounds State Park campground, photo by J. Schultz The city of Pipestone off ers its own treasures. The Historic Calumet Inn on Main Street, for instance, is an impressive castle-like building constructed of Sioux Quartzite block. Built in 1888 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel gets its name from the word French fur traders used for the Native Americans’ ceremonial pipes. In addition to 36 guest rooms, it has an elegant dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Across the street, gargoyles decorate another late 19th-century building next to an opera house turned Mason hall. Other places to grab a bite in Pipestone include Lange’s Cafe (save room for pie!), Dar’s Pizza and Los Tulipanes Mexican Restaurant . Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone, photo courtesy of National Park Service MORE TO SEE AND DO Prairie and Bison Tour, Blue Mounds State Park, photo by Jim Henderson Just 20 minutes south of Pipestone, Split Rock Creek State Park is a gem. On a hike to Prairie Hill, you can breathe in the melancholy of the prairie steeped in the intense smell of goldenrod. At twilight, we heard the sound of cows mooing as we gazed at a pond as still as glass beneath the crescent moon. The park rents canoes, paddleboats and fi shing boats. It also has an excellent swimming beach. Check out profi les of places mentioned here and plan your trip today! EXPLORE SOUTHERN MN ExploreMinnesota.com/Southern # ONLYIN MN | 93
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2022 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 93
