Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Park State park with historic lighthouse on Lake Superior
A historic lighthouse on Lake Superior’s North Shore with coastal trails, museum exhibits and interpretive programs. Photographers and history enthusiasts visit for shoreline vistas and seasonal events.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is a Minnesota state park on the North Shore of Lake Superior that contains the historic Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1909-1910. The lighthouse is a preserved maritime landmark and focal point of the park.
The site includes a restored lighthouse and keeper’s quarters interpreted by the Minnesota Historical Society, cliff-top trails and a campground, picnic areas and scenic views over Lake Superior. Visitors commonly combine lighthouse tours with short hikes and shoreline outlooks.
The lighthouse was constructed by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1909-1910 in response to frequent shipwrecks on Lake Superior. The light was automated later in the 20th century and the structure has since been preserved and interpreted as a historic site within the state park.
The park is located on Minnesota’s North Shore between the towns of Two Harbors and Silver Bay on the shore of Lake Superior, and is reached via the North Shore roadway.
- Best time to visit: Summer months are the main visiting season when the lighthouse museum and guided tours are open and most park facilities are available.
- Best viewpoint: A cliff-top overlook immediately adjacent to the lighthouse provides the classic panoramic view of the tower with Lake Superior as a backdrop.
What to See #
- Split Rock Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse constructed in 1909-1910; restored and interpreted as a museum and historic site within the state park.
- Visitor center and trails: A small visitor center and museum operated seasonally with exhibits about maritime history and the lighthouse, plus trails and picnic areas on the cliff above Lake Superior.
How to Get to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park #
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located along Minnesota Highway 61, northeast of Two Harbors and southwest of Silver Bay on the North Shore of Lake Superior. From Duluth it’s about a 40-60 minute drive northeast on Highway 61. The park has parking areas near the visitor center; during busy summer weekends, expect some congestion on the highway and at the lot. Check the Minnesota DNR site for current tour times and road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Split Rock Lighthouse State Park #
- Visit in the late afternoon for the best light on the lighthouse and Lake Superior.
- Join a guided lighthouse tour in summer - the historic tower tour provides context and better access.
- Bring a windproof layer; Lake Superior gusts can be strong year-round.
Best Time to Visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park #
Summer for full services and tours; shoulder season offers dramatic shoreline weather and far fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Split Rock Lighthouse State Park #
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (740 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
