The Pipestone National Monument will host a viewing of the spectacular Perseid meteor shower from 9-11 p.m Saturday and Sunday. The event is free and open to the general public. The Perseid meteor shower is expected to produce 60 to 70 meteors per hour on these dates. Pipestone National Monument will be a great place to view the meteor shower, providing a wide area of night sky viewing and minimal background light pollution.

At 9 p.m., a ranger will lead a short talk about the Perseid meteor shower, followed by an opportunity to view the sky from the grassy lawn in the parking lot area. Watch the Facebook page for event updates. To reduce light pollution from vehicles, visitors are asked to park at the Three Maidens Picnic Area and walk to the Visitor Center parking lot. The Pipestone National Monument Visitor Center will not be open for this event; however, the Picnic Area restrooms by the Three Maidens will be open.

Participants are asked to wear bright clothes and dress appropriately for the weather, bring a blanket to lay on, bug spray, and a flashlight with a red filter. A filter can be made with red cellophane and rubber bands.