Split Rock Lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S.
(2264)

Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station was soon one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Buildings/Grounds, Visitor Center/Museum Store, Fog Signal Building & Lighthouse open only during site hours. Due to the ongoing construction project at the site that may impact our offerings, programs are subject to change.

I’m Still Standing – Oil HouseDid you know that the walls of the oil house are 16 inches thick? Since this building stor...
06/17/2026

I’m Still Standing – Oil House

Did you know that the walls of the oil house are 16 inches thick? Since this building stored the station’s kerosene and gas, its strong steel-reinforced concrete walls were built to handle any explosions and protect the rest of the station. Luckily, the oil house is still standing today.

This picture was taken in 1945.

Changing of the KeepersAfter 18 years of service at Split Rock, Head Keeper Orren Pete Young retired from the Lighthouse...
06/16/2026

Changing of the Keepers

After 18 years of service at Split Rock, Head Keeper Orren Pete Young retired from the Lighthouse Service at the age of 70. Young’s first assistant, Franklin Covell, was promoted to head keeper at the start of the 1928 shipping season.

“http://F.J. Covell keeper re’cd [sic] station and supplies from the retired keeper OP Young in fair condition, Keepers house in good condition Mr Young left the station for his home in Two Harbors at 1PM Keeper going with him to take his furniture” - Head Keeper Frank Covell, Journal of Light Station at Split Rock, April 10, 1928

(From back left: Edith Covell, Beulah Covell, Franklin Covell, Ileana Covell; ca. 1930)

Choose the AdventureSome people take the easy route.Some people take the stairs.Climb 172 steps from the lakeshore to th...
06/15/2026

Choose the Adventure

Some people take the easy route.

Some people take the stairs.

Climb 172 steps from the lakeshore to the historic site and experience Split Rock Lighthouse from a whole new perspective.

Many artists. Many perspectives. One shared place.June’s Photography & Art at the Rock features Voyageur Artists, a coll...
06/13/2026

Many artists. Many perspectives. One shared place.

June’s Photography & Art at the Rock features Voyageur Artists, a collective rooted in Two Harbors and inspired by the North Shore.

Each piece in this exhibit offers a different way of seeing — from shoreline light to inland forests, from quiet moments to bold expressions of color and form.

Together, they tell a larger story about connection: to place, to community, and to creativity.

On display all month at Split Rock Lighthouse.

All the colors at Split Rock are captured in this image by .In a partnership with Destination Duluth we are featuring ph...
06/13/2026

All the colors at Split Rock are captured in this image by .

In a partnership with Destination Duluth we are featuring photos from their archives.

Long days, lake breezes, and lighthouse views — summer is in full swing on the North Shore! Have you made your way to Sp...
06/12/2026

Long days, lake breezes, and lighthouse views — summer is in full swing on the North Shore! Have you made your way to Split Rock Lighthouse yet?

Whether you’re coming for the history, the views, or that perfect Lake Superior photo, there’s plenty to enjoy:

Visitor Center & Museum Store
13-minute film: History of Split Rock Lighthouse
Historic Lighthouse and buildings are open
Keeper’s Tours every Friday–Sunday

We’ve got some behind-the-scenes work happening to improve the site, but everything you love about Split Rock is open and ready for your visit.
https://mnhs.info/4ecP3Gp

Living on the EdgeDid you know the fencing on the observation deck around the lighthouse hasn’t always been there? It wa...
06/11/2026

Living on the Edge

Did you know the fencing on the observation deck around the lighthouse hasn’t always been there? It was installed in 1936 to keep both keepers and visitors safe. From 1910 until 1936, the only barrier between people and the 130-foot cliff was a short concrete barrier.

The first photo with no fencing was taken in 1911. The second photo was taken in the mid/late 1960s before the station was decommissioned. The gentleman in the photo is Coast Guardsman Mike Roberts.

What did a Lighthouse Keeper make in 1910?Guests often ask how much a lighthouse keeper earned. When Split Rock Lighthou...
06/10/2026

What did a Lighthouse Keeper make in 1910?

Guests often ask how much a lighthouse keeper earned. When Split Rock Lighthouse first opened in 1910, Head Keeper Orren “Pete” Young earned $624 per year.

At the time, that was considered a solid middle-class wage — similar to workers in the telegraph and railroad industries. However, Young earned less than the average federal employee, who made about $1,108 annually

Attempting to GardenThroughout the years, many of Split Rocks keepers attempted to maintain gardens that supplemented th...
06/09/2026

Attempting to Garden

Throughout the years, many of Split Rocks keepers attempted to maintain gardens that supplemented their food supplies. While they managed to grow some crops, nature would often get in the way.

In a 1992 interview Clarence Young, the son of our first Head Keeper Pete Young, recalled that his father “tried gardening but he didn't have much luck. Animals would eat it all the time and deer would jump the fence. One time he had a pretty good crop of potatoes waiting on the dock to bring home, but they froze before the boat came and had to be dumped in the lake.”

Address

3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, MN
55616

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+12182266372

Website

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