I was in Pipestone on Wednesday for pie and coffee with community leaders at the legendary Lange’s Cafe. Through the conversations we had, I was struck by how the native culture and abundant outdoor recreation are both a big part of the Pipestone community.
The Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers is preserving histories of Native American Tribes. Each summer they host a Pow Wow in Pipestone that’s open to the public.
The Casey Jones State Trail—one of the first state trails established in the 1960s—begins in Pipestone and goes through quarries, areas connected to Laura Ingalls Wilder, railroad artifacts and Lake Shetek State Park. Local and state leaders are working to secure funding to improve and connect segments of the trail.
Harmon Park and the aquatic center is a great example of what local volunteers have accomplished. The Pipestone Area Community Foundation—one of our 24 local affiliates—played a big role in that beautiful park restoration.
Collaboration and community philanthropy can go a long way in our rural area!
