Split Rock Lighthouse
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: historic landmark, innovation
Set on a 130-foot cliff above Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of America’s most photographed landmarks. Built in 1910, it guided ships through treacherous waters for decades and now invites visitors to explore its storied past and breathtaking coastal setting.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Tour the Historic Light Station – Step inside the restored 1910 lighthouse, fog signal building, and keeper’s quarters furnished to reflect daily life in the 1920s.
- Play on Pebble Beach – Cool off with a dip in Lake Superior or perfect your stone-skipping skills on smooth, flat rocks. The sheltered cove makes a great spot to launch your own kayak.
- Explore the Split Rock River Loop Trail – Hike through forested terrain and along riverside overlooks with panoramic Lake Superior views and connections to the Superior Hiking Trail.
- Visit the Museum and Visitor Center – Explore Great Lakes shipwrecks, maritime history, and see artifacts from the devastating 1905 storm that inspired the lighthouse’s construction.
- Attend the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Lighting – Each November 10, watch the beacon glow in remembrance of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and others lost on the Great Lakes.
Itinerary Idea: Book a self-paced audio tour that guides you past Glensheen Mansion, Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head, and other North Shore highlights. Pause anywhere along the way and explore each stop at your own pace.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Historical Society