Continuing a tradition that has stretched out more than a decade now, Budget Travel is looking for a cool small town. And this year, one local town is among the finalists.

Pipestone, Minnesota is not only in the field of ten, but was polling second behind Sykesville, Maryland in the latest online voting.

So what qualifies Pipestone for consideration in the 'Vote for the Coolest Small Town in America' contest? Here's what Budget Travel had to say about the town of 4,157:

Pipestone National Monument, with its Sacred Quarries, gives the town its name. Here, Native Americans obtained distinctive red stone for carving ceremonial pipes. The town's Circle Trail takes you past the quarries and the inspiring Winnewissa Falls. Take a local "ghost walk" (at least one hotel, Calumet Inn, is said to be haunted) or explore the region's Civil War history. Classic American fare is the name of the game in historic downtown, and while you're there you must tour the colorful quartzite buildings.

In the ten years the magazine has been handing out this honor, our area hasn't fared too well in the voting. Of the previous 100 coolest small towns, only two other Minnesota towns (Ely, Grand Marais) and one Iowa town (Mt. Vernon) have made the cut. No South Dakota, North Dakota, or Nebraska small towns have made the list.

You cast your vote for Pipestone here.


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