Split Rock Lighthouse

Beautiful lighthouse with much construction around it. Don't wait to hear the fog horn, extremely quiet and not really sure what the point of it is. Nice museum. Friendly and helpful staff. You can go in the tower for $15 on a self guided tour, you can go into the wick room but not into the lamp room. Completely worth the visit just for the unique mechanics and watching it actually run. Don't miss the walk down the steps to the lake to see an absolute stunning view of the light.

I can't say enough amazing things about Split Rock Lighthouse. For our family of three, we paid $35, with my husbands military discount. We were able to tour the lighthouse, fog horn house, and the keepers home. I was in awe of it all. The view from the lighthouse was absolutely breathtaking. All the staff was amazing and so helpful. I highly recommend!!

Welcome to MInnesota’s most photographed historic monument, the Historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Although decommissioned in the 1960’s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the light mechanism still turns and runs by the same pulley/weight system it was installed with. Millions of tourists come to see this majestic lighthouse year after year and it is a “must see” in person! Currently, there is a little construction being done on the property as they are building a platform that will overlook the southeast side of the property. This platform will give tourists an idea of the tram and pulley system used to build the historic lighthouse when completed. There’s a $15 entrance fee but are given a 35% construction discount during the construction. There is a short 13 minute video inside, that’s worth the 13 minutes! After that it’s a self guided tour of one of the three “keepers” houses that were built on site before the lighthouse was built. Then there’s the main event, the fog horn building and lighthouse itself.

This lighthouse was amazing. It was the 115th birthday of the lighthouse! I was coming from Duluth, so it was a bit of a trek, but so worth it for the views alone. It was cool not only to walk through the lighthouse, but also see the keepers house next to it. The house included photos of the families and how they lived. The museum was great too. Gave some more history including some of the shipwrecks nearby. Cool video on the one that is still lying on the floor bed of the lake a stones throw away. I could have spent hours just enjoying the views from the lighthouse. They had some trails nearby to explore as well.

This was such a great experience! I really loved it. So much history to learn. They have both the original buildings filled with super friendly staff and historical artifacts! Then they have a museum inside with a ton of pictures and more information. Don’t even mention the view!!!!! O. M.G!!! It’s beautiful!!! The water is so clear and the forest is amazing! Also I mention this earlier but once again the staff were all so kind and fun! Definitely worth the drive from Duluth. Remember to look when it opens though! Me and a bunch of other people all arrive early lmao.

Split Rock Lighthouse is a beautifully preserved and thoughtfully curated destination that offers a glimpse into Minnesota’s maritime history. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the care and attention that went into maintaining this iconic site. The visitor experience begins with a well-produced 20-minute introduction video that provides context about the lighthouse’s history and the treacherous waters of Lake Superior. What’s remarkable is that even young kids—like my 4-year-old and nephews—were captivated by the film, which is no small feat. The small museum exhibit is equally impressive, showcasing artifacts, stories, and interactive elements that bring the history of the lighthouse keepers and shipwrecks to life. The walk up to the lighthouse rewards you with breathtaking views of Lake Superior, but in my opinion, the most stunning view is from the beach below. From that vantage point, you can take in the full beauty of the lighthouse perched high on the cliff, framed by the endless blue of the lake. It’s a scene that feels almost unreal. Split Rock Lighthouse is a must-visit spot if you’re exploring Minnesota’s North Shore. The mix of history, natural beauty, and thoughtful presentation makes it a memorable stop for visitors of all ages.

I love touring lighthouses! Split Rock is very interesting. The visitor center is fairly new and offers a short interesting video. It's a short walk and a few stairs up to the lighthouse & fog horn building. Our day's view of Lake Superior was limited due to forest fire smoke haze. I took the stairs to the top. Very limited space there. You are though really close to the lens mechanism! It was turning and is still active! It was an amazing adventure here! Also toured one of the keepers homes. Very well done there too.

The lighthouse is well managed. It has a small museum and theater that shows the history of the lighthouse and Lake Superior. The overlook is beautiful and you need to pay for visiting the lighthouse. Lots of information. I am not sure but you must be able to even ask for a guided tour if you want. I heard some official walk alongside a couple explaining history to them. Overall it’s refreshing to watch the Lake Superior from the lighthouse and learn all those amazing history of native people and the way of the lake.

Great place to learn about the history of the lighthouse, nearby shipwrecks and also have some great views of Lake Superior. There walking trails are fun if you're looking for a hike too! The price is a bit expensive to get in but I recommend getting a Minnesota History yearly pass if you live in or travel often to the twin cities as that gets you into many museums in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Split Rock Lighthouse is a beautiful and historic site with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The surrounding area is well-maintained, and the scenic overlooks make for some stunning photo opportunities. The visitor center is informative, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The only downside was that we visited during the winter and couldn't go inside the lighthouse itself, which was a bit disappointing. Still, the views alone made the trip worthwhile, and I'd love to come back in warmer months to experience the full tour. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a stop!

This is a beautiful state park in Northern Minnesota on the coast of Lake Superior. I'm told it gets very crowded in warmer months, but we visited on a cold, windy Monday in April and just about had the place to ourselves. It's an incredibly well-maintained facility. A beautiful visitors center tells the story of the lighthouse in a small museum and 13 minute video, and a guide gave us a free twenty minute tour of the grounds. I was bummed that at this time of year there was no access to the lighthouse itself or the keeper's house unless you pay triple the price of a grounds pass for a private, 60 minute tour. Starting on April 27th, general admission for $15 will get you access to these two buildings. These two buildings were what I wanted to see the most, and it's a shame the cost prohibited us from doing so. But it's still a beautiful area rich in history, and that history is told well (and inclusive of Native American history as well), and definitely recommended.

Spectacular and historical location. Suggestion - get there early! Parking lots fills up fast. We arrived roughly around 10:45am on a Saturday. We enjoyed the video presentation and walking up to the top of the lighthouse. If you are claustrophobic you might want to pass on going inside the lighthouse. We also checked out some of the houses where the lighthouse keepers lived. Great views!

They participate in the Bank of America Museums on Us Program. The State Park and the Lighthouse Museum tour are both must sees. You can tour the inside of the lighthouse. The lighthouses keepers house is also park of the Museum Tour. I travel frequently and actually getting to go in a historic lighthouse was an AWESOME experience.

This historic landmark is a must see when you are at the North shore. It's been on my list for years and I was finally able to make it happen this fall. There's plenty of parking at the site. There's a small fee for self guided tour of the light house. The scenic views from up there are unbelievable. It's a must go destination.

Split Rock Lighthouse is more than just a lighthouse. They have a state park here and an entire museum around the base so that you can learn all sorts of background and history. This is a destination trip along the north shore of Lake Superior. The lighthouse was built in response to a big storm in 1905 that damaged or destroyed dozens of ships on the lake. At cost of $75,000, the lighthouse is on a 133-foot tall cliff. What's interesting is that back in 1905, there was no road from Duluth to here. The video shows how they brought in the supplies by water and used a crane to lift them to the top of the cliff to build. It's such a beautiful and picturesque spot and drew so many tourists to come see it that they built the road! On June 30, 2011, the lighthouse was designated as a National Historic Landmark. And it's well worth whatever they're charging to enter and tour the site. Expect it to be super busy on a beautiful day. There is free parking. This is my 50th lighthouse review https://www.yelp.com/collection/GLWJhPZloUBCLUFSYgLw4g/Lighthouses and the first for Lake Superior! [Review 17888 overall - 108 in Minnesota - 1409 of 2022.]

Beautiful grounds and views. We couldn't go inside the lighthouse or homes on our visit so we'd like to come back. So glad we got to explore the grounds though! I love have the Minnesota history membership! We used that here and so many other amazing places!

Split Rock Lighthouse was closed the day we visited but we hiked around the lighthouse area instead (that was worth the drive to Two Harbors). We had to stop here since we are Minnesotans, and, well this is OUR lighthouse (pride in our state, etc). We had a lovely walk up & down the stairs as well as around the lighthouse. Other hiking in the area is closed due to hunting season but we found enough to enjoy here.

In terms of lighthouse settings, I found the views and sceneries at this Split Rock beacon to be some of the most scenic and picturesque in all of the United States! I highly recommend visiting! Just to back up a little... Split Rock Lighthouse is located right along North Shore Scenic Drive going up and down the Minnesota coast. Upon arriving...you can pay $12 for General Admission and access to everything along the grounds of the lighthouse area. For me, I spent $8 for a simple Grounds Pass. This Grounds Pass allowed me to walk right up to the lighthouse and the observation area peering out onto Lake Superior and the scenic coastline. Though...I wasn't permitted inside the lighthouse and a few other unimportant sections (imo). No big deal, at least for me. But...for paying the $8, I really appreciated the vista point and I believe this alone is worth $8. Plus, you can get an up close picture of Split Rock Lighthouse, which was fine. It's your standard, typical looking lighthouse. Now here's the star attraction and moment that absolutely won me over. And, this is included in the $8 fee... Across the way from the Entrance/Visitors Center, you can actually walk down the Lake Superior Pathway Walk as much as 3/4's of a mile for undisturbed views of Split Rock Lighthouse hanging out over the edge of the cliff! YES!!!! DO THIS!!!! IT WAS FANTASTIC!!! And...this Lake Superior Shore View Walkway was not difficult to navigate whatsoever. You don't even have to trek the 3/4's of a mile to the end of the walk at the Picnic Area. Along the way there'll be opportunities to see Split Rock Lighthouse at the bottom of the shore. All I had to do was casually climb on the rocks and take a seat with the lighthouse perched high above the cliffside wall as the primary centerpiece FOR MAGICAL PICTURES!!! This ability to see Split Rock Lighthouse in all its glory had me in awe. I had to stop myself and take time to reflect on how momentous the occasion felt. Plus, I arrived back over the summertime in late afternoon and had the sun at my back. Looking out upon Split Rock Lighthouse, the afternoon light greatly enhanced my pictures. I suggest and advise to come here in the afternoon time. It'll make your visit that much more worth it. I could envision coming in the morning and Split Rock Lighthouse not nearly being as photogenic because you'd be facing into the sun. VISIT IN THE AFTERNOON!!!! I walked this Lake Superior Shore Pathway as far as it could go until I arrived at the Picnic Area and turned around. So...the further you do walk, obviously the more distant the lighthouse appears. I'd suggest taking photos from the 1st or 2nd area where access is passable to the rocks and shore. You won't miss them while walking. Finally, they do offer camping here on the grounds of Split Rock Lighthouse, In fact, I actually read a sign stating that Split Rock is a state park...cool! I believe if you're interested in camping out, you would probably need to make reservations ahead of time, especially during summers. The whole North Shore Scenic Drive road is populated with tourists and since there are few accommodations along the way...campsites situated like this one right here at Split Rock Lighthouse are extremely popular. Keep this in mind to make reservations in advance for those nature enthusiasts out there. I spent two hours hanging out here. And...a majority of my time was spent just sitting on the rocks at the base of the shore and admiring the vintage/classic coastal scene of Split Rock Lighthouse, typical of what you'd expect to discover around the Great Lakes region. Btw, inside the Visitors Center they offered nice gifts, souvenirs and mementos to take home with you. I bought a keychain, magnet and a postcard. This Split Rock Lighthouse is a 5 star attraction and is quite the memorable experience along 150 mile North Shore Scenic Drive. I recall it being one of the more worthwhile stops I made during my journey.

Split Rock Lighthouse has been on my list for years and we finally made it on a recent trip to Duluth (it's about an hour up the coast from Duluth). We started out in the visitor center. The exhibit was about both the history of the lighthouse and the area in general. I felt it did a good job of acknowledging the Native people that lived around Lake Superior before white settlers came and built cities and lighthouses. We watched a 20 min informational film before heading out to the lighthouse keeper's house (restored to its 1920s condition). I'm a history nerd and love touring old buildings so I really enjoyed that part. The kitchen and pantry were full of cool and interesting antique items. Then we visited the fog signal building, the lighthouse itself, and the oil storage house. The climb to the lighthouse lantern is only 32 steps (up a narrow spiral staircase) so most people should be able to make it. The view from most anywhere near the cliff is great, and we also visited a lookout area. There were staff members in the lighthouse keeper's house and the lighthouse to answer questions. We visited Split Rock Lighthouse mid-week, so it wasn't very busy. Both the lighthouse keeper's house and the lighthouse are on the small side, so it would be less enjoyable if it was crowded. We ended our trip in the visitor's center gift shop and each got a T-shirt. We did everything in about 1.5 hrs. The lighthouse is in a state park so I believe you could do much more outdoor exploring if so inclined (I'm assuming you may need a permit or payment for that though?). Overall, cool piece of history - glad it was preserved, and well worth the $8 admission.

At first I was disappointed that the lighthouse was not open for entry, but I was here, so I might as well see what they have to offer. Very enjoyable, especially for the $8 entry fee. Video every 30 minutes, big museum at at visitor's center and mini museum by the lighthouse. Walking trails with spectacular views all over.

Split Rock Lighthouse is a must-see if you're planning a trip anywhere near Duluth or north up Lake Superior. It's a beautiful landmark that reminded me of growing up in New England. In fact, when I was posting photos, my friends thought I was a big ol' jerk and didn't tell them I was home in Maine! There is free parking when you visit the lighthouse, and it is $10 to go inside it. You buy your ticket at the info center, which is really well maintained with bathrooms, a little gallery, films, and gift shop. I think you can forgo the $10 if you just want to walk the trails by the lake to view the lighthouse from afar, but I am all about supporting this site regardless. The lighthouse itself is pretty cool and still is mind boggling to even need one on a lake. Inside there are a few historic items to view and then it's an easy climb up a staircase to the top. There is an exhibit house and Lightkeepers' homes nearby to explore too. But the best part is taking the trail through the woods down to the lake. How I love the smell of the fauna and lake! It's so scenic with lots of wild growth, including picturesque wild mushrooms and birch trees. The view from Superior up at the lighthouse is impeccable. I hear it's one of the most photographer lighthouses in the country! No surprise there.

This is one of Minnesota's prime attractions and the large and extended parking lots fill quickly. The trails are easy so this is more of a quick walk rather than a rough hike, but there are connections to the gitche gumee trail and some rougher trails if you venture far enough providing plenty of scenic views from the Superior shoreline. Aside from the lighthouse there are some surprises along the trail such as the tram remnants. Many years ago the access was by boat and the steep hill was accomplished with a flat rail car hoisted up the rails. There is a stairway down the old tram way. Better to the take the steps down and continue on the lower trail than to have to climb the steep steps. Another surprise was the site of a former Norwegian fishing village. Little Two Harbors is long gone, but if you walk out on the cove and check the shore you will see an old cable attached to what was an abutment lodged into the ground. That's all that is left of the village, but take a look at the pictured sign to see how the area looked early in the 20th. There is a large main building used mostly as a gift shop and people can sign up for tours and activities and pay to enter the lighthouse for another tour.

Since we now feel like Minnesotans, we often ask of all the historic and scenic sites in Minnesota what is the most familiar and best loved. Opinions vary from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to Minnehaha Falls but the Split Rock Lighthouse stands at the top of the list for many. Its our personal favorite and our #1 site to visit on Lake Superior. Built in 1910, well before the road was completed along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Split House Lighthouse has been a signature Minnesota icon that many feel a deep personal connection to. Its well worth the admission price. The trails are easy to access and be sure to take the steps to the Lake for awesome views of the lighthouse.

This place was amazing it took me way too long to get here because evidently split Rock State Park and split Rock lake are two completely different places and they are not anywhere near each other. I was able to get some amazing pictures I did not however go into the lighthouse there was only like 15 minutes left and I wanted to make sure I got some good scenic pictures.

Love, love Split Rock. I hadn't been here since I was a kid, and going back as an adult it was gorgeous and so interesting! We took the free tour that's included in the admission fee, and I learned so much. The video is also super informative. I'm a history nerd, so I soak all this in, but my BF is much more into the mechanics and building of the lighthouse and I think we both felt like we were given a wealth of information that we found interesting. Worth every penny, a must see on a North Shore trip.

I have been all over the country and lived in Nova Scotia Canada..... up until this day trip to Lake Superior (my first time) I had visited 23 lighthouses. 24 was is in Two Harbors, MN on Lake Superior today and the next of the day was this one, making it number 25.... OHHHH MY ! Split rock lighthouse was restored and ran by the Minnesota historical society along with the lighthouse keepers quarters and beautiful trails taking you down to the rocky shore of the lake. It is one of the only working lighthouses left anywhere due to gps and other modern navigation methods, however they only light the beacon for special occasions. There were staff dressed in period costumes and the 20 minute guided tour was well worth it. With all of the information we learned of two white buoys off the cliffs where a sunken ship lies and it's marked to warn incoming vessels and eager SCUBA divers of its location. I Cannot say more about this beautiful place and if you are touring the north shore this is certainly a MUST see. We had several places we wanted to visit on this day-trip that we basically had to kick ourselves out to be able to see the other sites. We could've spent all day there. It's inexpensive and If you are low income, they have a form you can print off to get in even cheaper. I'm still in awe. Just wow

Split Rock Lighthouse is the reason I drove to Minnesota. It turns out, it's really amazing - totally worth the exorbitant cost of entry at peak times of the year. We paid $10 per person, and that's really high for walking around an old lighthouse that you can nearly see in it's entirety from the parking lot. But trust me, there's so much more to it than it being just a lighthouse. The interior of each of the half dozen facilities are true-to-form reconstructed. It's a though you stumbled in during a shift on an average tuesday in the early 1900's. It's shiny, storied, and immaculate; the keeper quarters particularly were wonderfully done. But hanging out inside the lighthouse was sobering, when considering the gravitas of the thing - what with keeping large ships from the impermeable walls. I recommend the education sessions to start your journey, but we skipped it due to excitement. The hike in and around the grounds was the best part, however. The photography from the lighthouse is slightly less amazing than the photos you can capture from down the stairs southwest of the lighthouse. We spent an hour down there just sitting on the rocks, watching Lake Superior tempt our imaginations. It is quite a few steps, so I wouldn't go if you shouldn't. It's a spectacular place, and worthy of driving all the way from Kansas City for. But if you go at peak times, it'll cost you $10 per person - and equally distasteful, they block off the egress from the woods with a pay station too. I tried to find a free way to get down town, but trust that they know that way too, and they'll have a person sitting there collecting fees. The cost is a real bummer, but after visiting for over 3 hours, I'd say your entry fee is well worth it - they take great care of the place. And no, you cannot park on the street and hike through the woods - I thought that was an option too, but turns out it's not realistically feasible considering the terrain. Park in their lot, pay the fee, and take your time to consider the gravity of the importance.

This is the second time I've been here. MEA Thursday was busy. Our family watched the video and I was brave enough to walk up the light. The lighthouse was built in 1910 after many ship wrecks in the area. It is nice and historic. $10 adult admission.

This was one of our favorite stops on our trip to the north shore! Probably my favorite - I love lighthouses. And this does not disappoint! Yes you have to pay what I thought at first was quite a bit per person to visit, but it's so worth it! And it seemed that you could show yourself around or go on a tour. We showed ourselves around - it was so nice. It was foggy and even so the view was still beautiful. The interior of the lighthouse was neat and there was more information in a building nearby. I really loved the keeper's house - a gal was inside dressed in old fashioned clothing and she was cooking on the old stove! It smelled great. And she said they do that so it feels more like a home. And a beautiful home it was! I said I'd work there if I could just live in that house! She was very knowledgable and friendly. We took the trail down to the old pump house and it's quite the walk back due to the many steps back up the hill but it's worth it for the view. Breathtaking! This entire place is so worth the money and the time.

From great views at the cliff level to spectacular panorama views at the top of the light house, this park has it! Admission is $5. There's onsite museum describing the various wrecks and history of the lighthouse. It is fully capable of functioning but not in operation. There are multiple daily tours, with very informative staff.

So lighthouses are interesting... beautiful sights. It was a little confusing as to parking and whether to do the tour or not. Tour: 10$/person 13 min video and 20 min guided tour. No tour: 7$ parking pass. The tour allows for walking in and around the lighthouse and the housing of the workers there. It was interesting and worthwhile (well we skipped the guided tour part but could walk wherever we wanted). The no tour pass can walk down to the water where most of the cool pictures are taken. Lots of stairs. Turns out it is a little cold here too.

Split Rock easily made my top 10 list of fresh water lighthouses. Nice museum, walking trail, and facilities.

The pictures don't do this place justice at all my friends. I really don't care about light houses in general but after visiting Split Rock Lighthouse I may have changed my mind. Do bring a light sweater or a jacket I didn't and was rather cold, do go to the scenic look out you'll get some great shots with your camera. I don't remember what we paid to see the lighthouse and do some hiking but it was well worth every penny. Minnesota rocks especially way up north awesome scenery and beautiful hikes!

So if you were confused as I was as to why this has a separate listing, it is because the state park and lighthouse are different things. I will then separate my review of the two then. After enjoying a long hike in the state park, we ended up at the lighthouse. The views alone are worth the drive up here. You can really get a great view of the lake and just soak up some nature. The grounds are well maintained and there is some great information about the lighthouse. I never realized how treacherous the lake was. It was interesting learning about the history of the lighthouse. The houses the lighthouse keepers lived in are also so well maintained. You'd have no idea how old they were by just looking at them. Surprisingly, it wasn't as busy as some of the other parks we went to. We really expected this place to be packed, but it was quiet. Interesting place to check out, but I wouldn't say it is worth a trip up to see just this. Make a little adventure of it. 34/100

I've actually never stepped foot inside the lighthouse because I hate large crowd but I always sit and admire the lighthouse from below. I can only imagine how pretty the view would be from above. There is an entrance fee to get in and plenty of reviews says that this is an awesome pit stop. I'll have to go on a day with no crowds to see it for myself. From below, you can see the lighthouse on the cliff -- Go to the state park, hike the trail towards Pebble Beach and scramble down the rocks for the iconic cliff view. The trail is pretty well paved.

We stayed overnight just down the road and couldn't resist taking in the beautiful old lighthouse. The lighthouse has ben restored along with the keeper's home, oil house and fog signal building. You can take a tour or explore on your own. We didn't have much time so we explored on our own. There is a very nice museum store.

We drove here from Ely and it took us a good 2 hours with the rain and GPS issues. Oh well, we still got there a little after 10AM when it opened. The parking lot looked pretty open but that would change 2 hours later. I had my Chinook coupon (buy 1 get 1 free) so managed to get my wife in for free. We took the guided tour up to the lighthouse which was pretty good. Afterwards, we visited the oil building as well as the lighthouse and the barns. The lighthouse was pretty cool since you could walk up to the top. Unfortunately, it was only 1 way so you had to wait in life for people to leave upstairs. However, the gears moving the light source was pretty cool. Afterwards, we took a look at the barn and then walked all the way down to the beach. Then we decided to go back to parking lot another route. Overall, you will not be disappointed.

It's been a really long time since I was actually in the lighthouse, but there are really easy hiking trails around it, and it's really beautiful. So DEF hit them up if you have the chance. Last time, we heard wolves howling!

Let me start by saying that I'm not one of those people who has an obsession with lighthouses. I LOVED this place! The place is beautifully maintained, has a really nice giftshop, but the TOUR was so cool! We had an excellent guide, who shared all kinds of neat tidbits and incredible history of the lighthouse. Walked up the spiral staircase to see the beautiful view and the cool inner-workings of the light. Up-close and personal! The drive up the coast is gorgeous. Treat yourself and visit this National treasure.

I recommend doing the tour to get some back ground info (it's included in the admission fee) every half hour it goes I believe. Lovely views and paths. Pretty cool historical piece.

We have been to the Split Rock light house and the adjacent Pebble Beach a few times now and I should say that the lighthouse is just amazing and the history behind it is enlightening. take the tour as well as check out the keepers quarters for some vintage stuff like the old landline phone, clothes and many other items. Also I would suggest if you just need to relax after your trip there go to the pebble Beach for picnic and relax for sometime. The views are great if u find a table right on the beach. You just cannot beat the nature's best setting for a picnic. P.S. No Photos taken as I was just enjoying the relaxed moments spent there. You can do the same.

Yelp has listings for the state park and the lighthouse, and this is because the lighthouse belongs to the Minnesota Historical Society, so there's a separate admission fee for it. (This fee is waived if you are a MHS member.) You can also skip paying the state park fee if you want to see only the lighthouse. The lighthouse, though, is spectacular. Opened in 1910, it operated until 1969, when shipping started using radar to navigate Lake Superior. You will learn a lot about the history of lighthouse at the central building, which contains the gift shop, a theatre showing a short film about the lighthouse every half-hour, restrooms, and a museum section with interactive exhibits about shipwrecks, lighthouses, and the history of the area. You can take a guided tour of the grounds, but we opted to go on our own. The buildings are mostly restored to their 1920 condition, including old windows, a wood stove providing heat in the lighthouse itself, and so on. While there aren't signs everywhere explaining everything, if you saw the movie you'll know what you are seeing. You also can get into the Head Keeper's house...we arrived to the scent of fried onions and potatoes! You may also walk down to the hoist house for the old tram line that ran to the lakefront, to help haul supplies up from boats before the shoreline road was blasted through in 1924. There are steps down to the lake...a lot of steps. It is gorgeous scenery, even before the birch trees leaf out. But it is almost guaranteed to be windy (gusts were over 30 MPH when we were there), so dress for colder, windier conditions than you might in a more sheltered area of the North Shore.

This was a wonderful stop! Beautiful views and interesting education about the historic lighthouse! The staff is what made the trip though - they were super nice and welcoming, even through masks and social distancing. The museum did a remarkable job at being prepared for Covid with social distancing markers, limits on people on the property and in the buildings. Thankful to the staff for providing a safe environment for the experience.

I grew up in a house with a mother who was OBSESSED with lighthouses. And I mean, if there was a lighthouse-printed whatever cozy or a lighthouse-themed dish set or curtains or drawer pull or... well, you know what I mean. I have hated lighthouses deeply just because. But oh my godfrey. This was so cool. Maybe it's the little kid in me, but traipsing around history-saturated soil and touching things that are just steeped in the past just gives me the chills. Seeing Split Rock from 61 for the first time, I felt a jolt like none other. I just couldn't get over how beautiful it really is. Standing at the steps to go up into the lighthouse, I felt so small and so young. And going into the keeper's house, I could feel how much had happened within its walls. And I pretty coveted everything in it, with the great vintage fixtures and decor (I had to take pictures of everything I wanted in my own house). This is definitely a must for anyone going near Two Harbors. Just amazing. The trail is also really awesome; next time, I'll give a whole day to just hiking the Gitchi-Gami.

This place is beyond beautiful... You really feel transported back to a time where people manned light houses and, in doing so, inadvertently became the guardian angels to so many. The grounds are immaculate and the structures have been beautifully restored. As a special treat, visit late in the day when there are few tourists. You may not have access to the buildings, but you really get a sense of how it must have felt to be one of the keepers with all the mysterious water stretched out before you. Take the walking path down to the pump house by the beach. There are plenty of giant rocks strewn about the shore to sit on and contemplate the meaning of it all in the face of nature and history. I desperately want to live in a lighthouse. :')

We came here for a day hike and had an awesome time. The trails are very well-maintained and scenic; I would especially recommend taking the Day Hill Trail -- it leads to the highest point in the park, and the view is awesome. Lots of lakeside trails. I wish we had come two weeks later; though the park was still showing the informative video about the lighthouse and one could check out the outside of the lighthouse, tours of the lighthouse do not go year-round; they start on May 15. Awesome history, beautiful scenery, and solid hikes. I'll take it!

We loved the lighthouse! We worth the hike and/or tour! You have to take the trail down to the water!

Well worth the $8 per adult, though my wife didn't bring appropriate footwear (this was an impulse stop as we were winding our way along 61 from Duluth to Grand Marais). Informative tour of the lighthouse and the Keeper's quarters from costumed guides. The trails were fun, and we got some great pictures at the bottom of the 170 wooden steps to get to the shore. That's not an estimate or an exaggeration, by the way. There were 170 steps... This would be, I think, a great afternoon for the kids and any adult who likes to hike, and enjoys remarkable views. Or lighthouses.

We enjoyed seeing the amazing views. The free informative movie is worth the 13 minutes it takes to watch and the small area of information is interesting. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the lighthouse itself was closed. Why can't it be open year round?

A unique and amazing place. This is something you'd expect to find in New England or something, not in Minnesota. But being here you realize just how much of a 'sea' Lake Superior really is. We started with the excellent guided tour, which was really educational and cool. The guide was super friendly and answered all of our questions with enthusiasm. Without the tour you wouldn't know certain things, so it's recommended. We then stepped into the old caretaker's house (the one that's open for visitors at least). Outside in the back a cat was walking around and there was a dog too, milling about. Inside it's like stepping through a time warp and the layout is so expertly set for the period that you can picture yourself living there, isolated but thankful for a warm house with all of the crucial supplies. They even had the old stove in the kitchen burning, so you could get a sense of how warm it got in the house courtesy of the stove (this was October, so I don't know if they have the stove on all the time). You can peer around in the rooms and get a sense of what life was like caring for the lighthouse. Plus, the bathroom in this quaint old house is bigger than mine! Going up to the lighthouse itself, not only can you explore and climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, but the views surrounding the cliff on which the compound sits are extraordinary. You can see for miles and the lake and surrounding park land is just gorgeous. There are additional buildings to explore, or you can take a walk on the trails. Being at the top of the lighthouse is probably the best spot, because you can get a sense of the technology involved and peer at the great green lens. There are employees in period costumes walking around the compound too, with whom you can chat or ask questions. The movie they show in the theater is pretty corny but informative. It's really a wonder how many ships wrecked before this installation was founded, and the stories of the life of the caretaker and his family are fascinating. There's a big gift shop, a museum, and other attractions. Split Rock is a must-see for residents and visitors of the Upper Midwest.

Another one of Duluth's famous gems.. Come on, we've all see those pictures.. Those intriguing beautiful ones with the stormy, choppy waters, and ol Split Rock popping out against the dark sky and water! Yes.. people that is Split Rock! A great way to spend an afternoon! Come take a tour, enjoy the park land around it, and learn a few things of Minnesota's history and ship wrecks over time! I've been here many times, mostly on class trips, and then of course, trips with the family! You can tour the place, watch videos, shop in the gift shop, and explore the areas around the lighthouse! Lake Superior is one of the greatest things on Earth, and this is one of the best places to learn more about it, and it's history!

Split Rock Light house... You've seen the photos, go see the real thing! Walk down to the shore and gaze upon one of this States and this Nations Treasures. We had a beautiful day and did a little Zen mediation right on the shore. Okay my Gal was Zenning, I was napping. Of course the Photo of Light house is now the wallpaper for my Cell phone. 5 Stars.

It was a cold, foggy blustery day when we arrived at the interpretive center for Split Rock State Park. We made it in time for the second tour at 10:30. Our tour guide was excellent and really felt for us so she explained right off the bat that the first part of the tour was outside and would be windy and cold, but the second part was in a sheltered area out of the wind. She spoke really fast to set the stage. We immediately understood what hardships the earlier lighthouse keepers faced, living atop a rock formation with little windbreak! Mercifully, there was a wood stove fire going in the lighthouse and the keeper's home. There were interpretive guides for part 3 of the tour which was self-guided and you could ask them any questions you might have. We climbed up the 32 steps to the top of the lighthouse for the full experience and a great view! The keeper's house was fully furnished and the walls were painted in the original colors. There were women dressed in period clothing making zucchini bread in the wood stove, all quite charming.

If you are in the area - definitely visit the Split Rock Lighthouse - beautiful scenery and this entire place is beautifully maintained. You can take a hike/walk to the lakeshore - for some this may be a difficult task. You can go halfway, though, there is a small scenic look out. Bring a sweater or light jacket it gets cooler and windier by the lighthouse and beach area.

Definitely worth a stop and enjoy the tour! During the summer there is a charge, yet they have lots of people to answer any questions about the light house and the history. Be sure to walk down to the shore...best view of the lighthouse!

We did not go into Split Rock park, so I can't speak of that area. If you are only going to the lighthouse area, there isn't a park fee. This was so worth the $10 per person! There is an area in the ticket/gift shop building with story boards and information and also a movie is shown like every 20 minutes about the lighthouse. I highly suggest watching the movie - very interesting. If you want, you can gather outside the ticket building and wait for the next tour guide. We did and were glad we did. She was so knowledgeable about the history and was super informative. She did not keep us long at all and then we were welcome to walk the grounds, tour the buildings and the lighthouse and go down to the beach area. There are about 32 spiral steps up to the prism of the lighthouse, but it is an easy climb. The history of how it was built and seeing the remnants of the tram was really cool. There is a path down to the beach or stairs. We took one way down and the other way up. Both were relatively easy. Great photo ops down on the "beach". Even though the lighthouse is no longer in operation, I believe they do turn it on once or twice a year and I'm sure that info would be on their website. A very well kept and beautiful place to stop.

I wasn't too far away in Silver Bay and decided to make the trip to see the lighthouse and it was definitely worth it. I arrived before the park officially opened and had the chance to get some good photos before there was any crowd. If you can make it in the evening around sunset, the lighting would be better for photos, but worth the stop any time of day.