President Franklin D. Roosevelt set aside 300 acres as Pipestone National Monument, signing the legislation on Aug. 25, 1937 - 75 years ago on Saturday.

American Indians have been quarrying stone from the seam of soft red rock for 3,000 years.

Location: Pipestone National Monument is in southwestern Minnesota, about four hours by car from the Twin Cities.

Events: On Friday, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Rick Flute Player of the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe will speak.

Saturday's events include a display of historical photos, cultural demonstrations and guided walking tours. There also will be a special tribal gathering at 10:30 a.m. and a formal program at 1 p.m.

Cost: $3 for people 16 and older

Did you know?

• 19th-century explorers Joseph Nicollet and John Fremont carved their initials in the cliffs along what is now the circle trail in 1838.

• The 300-acre park includes two endangered species, the Topeka shiner and the Western prairie fringed orchid.

Link: For more information, go to www.nps.gov/pipe.

CURT BROWN