Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Minnesota is an absolute treasure along the North Shore of Lake Superior, offering visitors an array of picturesque landscapes and a rich slice of maritime history. This park, known for its iconic lighthouse which has stood since 1910, provides not only a glimpse into the past but also the serenity of pristine natural surroundings.
Upon arrival, the awe-inspiring view of the Split Rock Lighthouse against the vast backdrop of Lake Superior is truly a breathtaking sight. The lighthouse itself is well-preserved, giving visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the life of a lighthouse keeper through detailed tours that are as educational as they are entertaining. The surrounding park is equally impressive, featuring rugged cliff faces and scenic trails that offer varying degrees of difficulty for hiking enthusiasts.
For those who prefer a more leisurely visit, the pebbled shores of the lake present a perfect setting for picnicking and relaxation. The sound of waves hitting the rocks creates a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. Wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to see birds, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat, adding to the park’s charm.
Camping facilities at the park are well-maintained, with sites that cater to both tent campers and those with RVs, all of which afford visitors the chance to stay overnight and enjoy the starlit sky over Lake Superior. Whether it's taking a historical tour, hiking along the scenic trails, or simply enjoying a sunset by the water, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers a memorable experience for all.
Visiting this park is not just a journey through stunning landscapes, but also an escape to a place where the beauty of nature and history merge seamlessly. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling in Minnesota looking for a peaceful retreat or a touch...
Read moreThis was a bucket list stop for me and the main motivation for our trip to the area, it did not disappoint! We purchased tickets ahead of time for the Keeper’s tour because I thought I read that it was a max of 10 per tour and I wanted to make sure we got in, however it seemed that if there was a bigger group they split the tours between guides for a max of 10 per group. Paid entry into the park is not required if you’re there for the tour. We arrived at 8:30 for the 9:00 tour - the building does not open until 10:00, so don’t expect to walk up and go in. However, our tour guide came out to greet us when she noticed people arriving and unlocked the door for us to use the bathroom before the tour, so that was appreciated. Amy was our tour guide and she was a delight to spend time with, obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about what she does and encouraged everyone to take their time for photos and gawking. The area is currently under construction so you will see some fencing and obvious construction work right now but I was still able to get great photos. Unfortunately it was smoggy from the wildfires so I didn’t get great shots from the iconic lighthouse viewing areas, but nothing anyone can do about that. I recommend wearing walking shoes as the paths are rocky and there are some stairs throughout the tour, obviously to go up to the lighthouse. The path to the iconic viewing spots out on the trails (separate from the tour but still required paid entry) is all dirt and gravel and there are SEVERAL stairs (long stair case) - we went down the stairs and took the dirt path back around to avoid going back up. The gift shop was the type I was comfortable spending money at, it is set up well and not full of junk. I also recommend walking through the building and watching the video about the lighthouse. Pay for the tour, you won’t be...
Read moreOfficially known as the new Shipwreck Creek Campground at Split Rock State Park. , this Campground is about 5 minutes from the lighthouse and is seamlessly integrated into nature. This is one of the first campgrounds I've been to that didn't feel like the land was manipulated and overly stripped in some way, and a campground was set up. Here, it feels like they worked with the land to leave nature intact and it shows with ample green space and forest between each campsite. Shower facility and restrooms at the entrance are some of the nicest I've ever been to. Super clean but careful, no adjustable temperature, it's one button operation and the water was almost a little too hot for me but that's a nice problem to have. Even the many single door outhouses sporadically placed throughout the park are about as clean as can be and well maintained. Newly paved roads throughout the park with an abundance of paved bike trails from the campground leading to 15 additional miles of paved trails along the North Shore. If there is one negative it would be the lack of cell service or the ability to pick up any local TV stations on the antenna. That's not such a bad thing, though, if you really want to get away. I have Verizon and was able to use my phone a little bit but not for streaming too well. My wife has AT&T, and there was no signal. That's about the only negative we can think of. I would...
Read more