Pipestone was platted in October, 1876, incorporated as a village on February 10, 1881, and as a city on July 23, 1901.

[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.18 square miles (10.83 km2), all land.

[8] 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.

[14] Ellison meats was founded in 1934 and has been a part of the Pipestone community since the early 1980s and moved to its current facility in 1990.

The Calumet Inn in downtown Pipestone is a restored historical building from 1888.

It is rectangular in shape with a 110-ft clock tower topped with a dome and a statue of Lady Justice.

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.

The pipestone quarry is described in Native American legends as a square-cut jewel lying upon folds of shimmering green velvet.

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.

Minnesota is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College operates a campus in Pipestone.

May of 2023 Pipestone Area Middle School/High School was excited to hire Lori Gunnink, an author and Library Media Specialist.