Open year round with a small gift shop Visitor Center at Lighthouse open year round [limited winter hours] with gift shop and restrooms, too
The horrific shipwrecks of 1905 fueled the demand for a lighthouse along Superior’s North Shore. The amazing construction process was completed in 1910, and the light at Split Rock shone until 1969. The history center’s superb displays, exhibits, and video presentations showcase the evolution of the lighthouse. For a glimpse of this remote lifestyle, include a visit to the lighthouse keeper’s home and outbuildings. The 20-minute tour is excellent! (Did they really sleep in those little beds?) The path leading southwest down to Lake Superior presents a distinctive view of the lighthouse and remnants of the lift that was used to haul supplies up from the lake. Climb the short, steep circular stairs to the top of the lighthouse. Spend some time at this historic treasure!
Split Rock Lighthouse grounds to open July 15. This refers to the MN Historical Society site grounds. Details about the State Park below.
Limited visitors. Grounds only – not visitor center or lighthouse.
Advance tickets [up to 1 month] sold online beginning July 8th. Admission is $8 each, and free for 4 years old and younger.
A pop-up store will be open limited hours outside the Visitor Center.
State Park Details
Park is open daily 8am – 10pm; buy a vehicle permit online, record your confirmation number and place it on your car’s dashboard.
Be prepared. Bring your own water, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, towels and toilet paper.
Cart-in camping sites open; sll campsites need to be registered and paid for ahead of time by calling: 1-866-857-2757.
Parks are getting extremely busy every day and it may not be possible to practice good social distancing. Be extra careful in parking areas, around signs and toilets, and on narrow trails, fishing piers and bridges where people tend to cluster. If you see a lot of cars in the parking lot or at the trailhead, turn around and find someplace else for outdoor recreation.
The Ranger Station and Nature Store are closed until further notice.
Trail Detours
The Corundum Mine Trail, north side of the mouth of the Split Rock River, is closed due to erosion.
The Superior Hiking Trail will be detoured along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail between the Visitor Center at Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Split Rock River Wayside. The bridge is out on the Split Rock River loop trail.
May 9 -Oct 31, 2020 … $10 adults; $8 seniors [65+], Vets, Active Military & College Students; $6 Children ages 5-17
Nov 1 -Dec 31 2020 … FREE
**see grounds-only admission rates above
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, a separate entity from the Lighthouse, encompasses the land surrounding the historic site. The park offers wonderful trails, cart-in campsites, cobblestone beaches, fishing and cross-country skiing.
Take advantage of the Split Rock Lighthouse overlook, located south of the park entrance, directly off Highway 61.
Thursday, November 10th 11am-6pm
This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of her 29 crew members on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost in Great Lakes shipwrecks. The lighthouse, fog signal building and visitor center will be open. Costumed guides will greet visitors and provide historic site and shipwreck information. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can view a film about the Edmund Fitzgerald in the visitor center.
At 4:30 pm, the lighthouse will close temporarily while the names of the crew members are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell and the Naval Hymn is played. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit, and the tower will be open again to tour. This is the only opportunity each year when visitors can climb the tower after dark and see the lit beacon.
Open year round with a small gift shop Visitor Center at Lighthouse open year round [limited winter hours] with gift shop and restrooms, too
Open mid-May to mid-September
Split Rock Lighthouse and the surrounding 25 acres and buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places, Split Rock is operated by the MN Historical Society
Lighthouse is open
10 am – 6pm May 15 – October 15
11 am – 4pm October 16 – May 14, Thursdays – Mondays
12 miles with about 3 miles along Lake Superior; trails up the river and through the adjacent woods
In the Split Rock River and on Lake Superior; trout stamp required with MN Fishing license
13K; all intermediate, trails begin at picnic area trailhead and are shared with snowshoers and fat bikers
13K; all intermediate, trails begin at picnic area trailhead and are shared with snowshoers and skiers
There is a warming house located at the Trail Center picnic area
