Tour Split Rock Lighthouse: A National Historic Landmark in Two Harbors, Minnesota

Split Rock Lighthouse is a 133-foot beacon constructed to aid in maritime coastal navigation along the rocky shores of beautiful, but dangerous, Lake Superior. The kerosene lamp was first lit on July 31, 1910, and upgraded and electrified in 1950 before being retired by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1969. Today, the lighthouse is the main attraction within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, with tours being offered by the Minnesota Historical Society. Since its completion, this Minnesota landmark has always been a popular tourist attraction.

Things to Do

• Casually explore the exhibits and artifacts in the visitor center before taking a self-guided tour of the grounds.
• From mid-May to mid-October, join the “Keepers Tour” for a guided experience inside the lighthouse and adjacent historic buildings. Walk in the footsteps of the lighthouse keepers, see the 1000-watt bulb, and listen to amazing true stories that took place during its operation for over half a century.
• Bring your camera and photograph the lighthouse, local wildlife, and scenic vistas across Lake Superior. From sunrise to sunset and every month of the year, photography enthusiasts trek to the state park to capture the lighthouse and add it to their professional portfolio.
• Other popular recreational opportunities include hiking, picnicking, and camping while visiting the state park.
• Stop at the lighthouse while biking, skating, or walking on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. The 17-mile trail travels from Gooseberry Falls State Park to Silver Bay, only requiring a slight detour to see this historic site.
• The park and visitor center are open year-round. During the winter months, fat tire bike or snowshoe to the spectacular frozen waterfalls that form along the lake.

Address:
Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616