Split Rock Lighthouse — Attraction in Beaver Bay Township

Visiting Split Rock Lighthouse is one of those Minnesota bucket-list experiences that completely lives up to the hype. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Shore of Lake Superior, it’s both breathtaking and full of history.

We started our visit with the short film in the visitor center. I highly recommend not skipping it, it really sets the stage for what life was like here in the early 1900s, and how important the lighthouse was for ships navigating the often-treacherous waters of Lake Superior. It made me appreciate everything we saw afterward.

From there, we explored the lightkeeper’s house, which has been restored beautifully. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time, with period furnishings and details that give you a glimpse of daily life for the families who lived and worked here. A worker was baking bread in the old wood oven on a cold September day.

We also checked out the fog signal building — and wow, standing inside where those giant horns used to blast across the lake makes you imagine just how powerful (and loud!) it must have been during storms.Plus for the poor lighthouse workers!

Of course, the star of the show is the lighthouse itself. Climbing up and stepping inside gave us amazing views of the lake and shoreline. The vantage point is stunning, and it’s easy to see why this spot is so iconic in Minnesota.

After exploring the historic site, we hiked around Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The trails wind through the rocky shoreline, giving you different perspectives of the lighthouse perched high on the cliff. It’s the kind of place where you can’t resist stopping for photo after photo. Overall, Split Rock Lighthouse offers the perfect blend of history, and scenery.. Whether you’re a history buff, a hiker, or just someone who loves incredible views, this place is a must-visit on the...

Great (pay) place to visit. Of all the local area parks and sites, Split Rock Lighthouse was my favorite to visit.

We went just to visit the lighthouse and associated trails. Be aware that it does cost to access the features ($12/adult and $8/kid), so attend with the mindset of seeing all the features that it has to offer. About 4 hours should allow you enough time to see the main features.

The visitor center is nice and showcases local photographers and gift items to be purchased. There is also museum style displays and informationals. The grounds features the lighthouse and historic buildings. The lighthouse and a couple of buildings can be entered and explored. (Be aware that they dont want the kids getting to wild and climbing the rocks at the base of the lighthouse...staff will call out those that do not read the no climbing signs).

I think the best thing about the grounds is walking down to the boathouse location and looking at the lighthouse from the lakeside shore. Nice photo opportunities are available in many places on the grounds. The rocky lakeshore is beautiful and is captivating if you have never seen it before.

(As a sidenote climbing inside Split Rock Lighthouse is NOT critical because you cannot access the lookout deck at the top (you can only see through the...

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...