Split Rock Lighthouse

About

Split Rock Lighthouse stands 130 feet above Lake Superior on Minnesota's North Shore, one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. Built in 1910 after a series of devastating shipwrecks, this beacon guided ore carriers and other vessels through some of the most treacherous waters on the Great Lakes for nearly six decades.

Today the lighthouse is a Minnesota Historical Society site, and visiting feels like stepping back in time. The restored keeper's house, fog signal building, and light tower tell the story of the families who lived and worked at this remote outpost. Inside the visitor center, exhibits cover the history of Great Lakes shipping, the 1905 storm that prompted the lighthouse's construction, and the daily routines of the light keepers who maintained the beacon.

The grounds alone are worth the trip. Walking paths wind along the cliff edge with sweeping views of Lake Superior stretching to the horizon. On a clear day, the deep blue water and rugged shoreline create a scene that's hard to beat anywhere in the Midwest. The adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park adds even more to explore, with trails through birch and spruce forest, cobblestone beaches, and prime spots for watching the lake's moods shift with the weather.

Plan to spend at least a couple of hours here. The visitor center and historic buildings are open seasonally, so check with the Minnesota Historical Society for current hours before you go. Fall is especially popular, when the North Shore's famous foliage frames the lighthouse in gold and crimson. November 10th brings an annual beacon lighting ceremony honoring the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or just someone who wants to stand on a cliff above one of the world's great lakes, Split Rock Lighthouse delivers. It's a place that stays with you long after you've driven home.

Accessibility

Split Rock Lighthouse offers a mix of accessible and historically limited features. The parking lot, visitor center, and some historic buildings on the grounds are wheelchair accessible. However, the lighthouse tower itself is not accessible due to its historic construction and narrow interior stairs.

All restroom facilities at the state park are wheelchair accessible. Two cart-in campsites at the campground are also wheelchair accessible for visitors planning an overnight stay.

One standout feature is the all-terrain track chair available at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park at no cost to visitors. This electric-powered chair allows people with mobility disabilities to explore trails and natural areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach by standard wheelchair. Check with park staff about availability and reservations.

ASL interpreters are available for school groups, special programs, and events with a minimum of two weeks' notice. To arrange this, contact Split Rock Lighthouse at 218-226-6372 or [email protected].

The visitor center is the most accessible part of the site, with exhibits and historical displays on a single level. The cliff-edge paths and trail surfaces vary in terrain, so the track chair program is especially valuable for those wanting to experience the full property.

For the most current accessibility information, including seasonal changes to building access or trail conditions, contact the Minnesota Historical Society or the site directly before your visit.

More accessible places in Minnesota

• Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul)
• Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (Minneapolis)
• Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
• Mall of America (Bloomington)
• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis)
• Voyageurs National Park (International Falls)