The setting for this world-famous annual event is a beautiful natural outdoor amphitheater, located just north of the city and adjacent to Pipestone National Monument. One of the oldest and most colorful of pageants, the Song of Hiawatha Pageant draws thousands of visitors to see Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem acted out by a cast of 200 local townspeople. Since the first performance in 1949, the stage area has quadrupled in size and the 5,000-seat amphitheater expanded and brought 150 feet closer to the stage; a modern concession building and larger restroom facilities have also been added. The pageant takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings on the last two weekends of July and the first weekend of August. All performances begin at sundown (approximately 9:15pm); ticket office on grounds opens at 1pm. Discount ticket prices for groups of 25 or more.
