Climate

The town has a humid continental climate similar to the rest of the state; though near the southern border, Pipestone is on measurably higher ground than many areas to the north and east.^[9][10]

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 4,317 people, 1,923 households, and 1,084 families living in the city. The population density was 1,032.8 inhabitants per square mile (398.8/km²). There were 2,134 housing units at an average density of 510.5 per square mile (197.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.2% White, 0.9% African American, 1.9% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 3.5% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.2% of the population.

There were 1,923 households, of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.6% were non-families. 38.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 40.8 years. 23.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.1% were from 25 to 44; 25.1% were from 45 to 64; and 20.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.6% male and 53.4% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,280 people, 1,900 households, and 1,138 families living in the city. The population density was 1,090.8 inhabitants per square mile (421.2/km²). There were 2,097 housing units at an average density of 534.4 per square mile (206.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.23% White, 0.28% African American, 2.94% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 1,900 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,412, and the median income for a family was $40,194. Males had a median income of $28,180 versus $21,349 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,253. About 8.3% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Museums and other points of interest

Pipestone Courthouse

The Calumet Inn in downtown Pipestone is a restored historical building from 1888. It still operates as a functioning hotel. It features turn-of-the-century (19th to 20th) antiques and interesting architecture. The building was constructed using quartzite both structurally and in the facade. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The county Courthouse, also made of local quartzite stone, was built in 1899. The building is the most stylized of the quartzite buildings. It is rectangular in shape with a 110-ft clock tower topped with a dome and a statue of Lady Justice. It was restored in 1995 and rededicated in 1996. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Native Americans have used the pipestone quarries located at the Pipestone National Monument for centuries to obtain materials for pipe making, a practice that continues today. On the 282 acres (1.14 km²) site are a visitor and cultural center, 3/4 mile walking trail along Pipestone Creek, and Winnewissa Falls set in the tallgrass prairie. Pipestone Indian Shrine Association provides visitors with a selection of American Indian art and craft items. The pipestone quarry is described in Native American legends as a square-cut jewel lying upon folds of shimmering green velvet. This is an accurate depiction of the red quartzite almost hidden by prairie grass. It was designated a national monument by the United States in 1937.

Song of Hiawatha Pageant

Although he never visited the site, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was inspired to write of the area in the poem, "Song of Hiawatha". The Song of Hiawatha Pageant, which spins out Longfellow's vision of the American Indian, played in Pipestone for 60 years. The pageant was held at a small quarry lake on a natural amphitheater with a cast of 200 principals, chieftains, warriors, and dancers in their colorful costumes. Summer of 2008 was the last year for the pageant.

Federal government

Minnesota is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. In the House of Representatives, Pipestone is located in the 7th congressional district.

State government

Pipestone is represented by Republican Bill Weber in the Minnesota Senate and Republican Joe Schomacker in the Minnesota House.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 75 and Minnesota State Highways 23 and 30 are three of the main routes in the city.