Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Park

Address: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, near Two Harbors, Minnesota

Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00291

Hours: Park open year-round; visitor center and lighthouse tours seasonal (check Minnesota DNR for current schedule)

Admission: Minnesota state park vehicle permit required (fees vary seasonally; check MN DNR website)

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.

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.

• 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.