Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station soon became one of Minnesota's best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the light station offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting. Split Rock Lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark.
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- parforthecourse321 contributionsLake Superior HistoryWorth a stop along one’s north shore drive. Interesting stories from those who lived there over the years and some beautiful views of the lake. Cost of admission was reasonable and easily purchased online.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Timothy LSan Antonio, Texas21 contributionsAbsolutely awesome!First time visiting my wife and I. This place is amazing. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for us. We went through the lighthouse keeper's quarters. It was great getting to see the history of the location. We walked down to the boathouse and saw how supplies were brought to the location. Overall, we both had a wonderful experience and would recommend a visit if possible.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 October 2023
- MaDonna SMinneapolis, Minnesota250 contributionsMake the drive, worth the views.The views are amazing, but the information included in the buildings are worth the stop. I would have stayed longer and read every single thing, but unfortunately my friend was in a bit of a hurry. I loved the Lens in the building, watched the movie and loved exploring the lighthouse. I will go back to read MORE.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 November 2023
- F4981JCmichaelsVancouver, Washington2,924 contributionsA nice pullout for a quick view of the lighthouse.I did not go to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. I stopped at a viewpoint south of it, where you can see it from a distance. It's a small unmarked pullout on the lake side of the road, just south of the park. There is a nice view of it from there. I have been to the park in the past, so all I wanted to do was see it. This place suffices for that.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 20 November 2023
- Grover RPensacola, Florida22,268 contributionsThe Signature Piece of Split Rock State ParkIt is the lighthouse that really makes the state park something more than a cliff on the lake. While it is not the most significant of structures, it is a beautiful setting on one of the most dramatic cliffs along Minnesota's North Shore. In addition to the lighthouse, the state park has a great museum about lighthouses and their importance in the early shipping days of the lake. I will confess that I was pressed for time, and I have seen many lighthouses growing up on the Gulf Coast, so I did not purchase the ticket to allow me to go in the lighthouse. Still the best views of the lighthouse can be seen with the purchase of grounds ticket. If you really like lighthouses, I suggest you purchase the ticket that allows you to enter and climb the tower. The best views of the lighthouse are from a trail to the west which leads down to the shore. Along this walk of stairs, there are many viewing platforms from which you get the iconic view of the lighthouse.Visited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 November 2023
- Dyllan DOrange County, California9 contributionsLake Superior in the Winter: Cold yet immersive.What an excellent spot with a lot of history. The water was blisteringly cold, but I felt immersed in the story of Lake Superior. It's a must if you haven't experienced the force that is Lake Superior. It's an easy walk from the main Lighthouse and Museum to the waters below, providing a great view of the lighthouse on the cliff.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 18 January 2024
- Love2travelMpls280 contributionsNew ExperienceFirst time going down to Pebble Beach (State Park Permit needed). Beautiful scenery even on MN February winter morning. The Two Harbors trail was too icy so we did not take that path, next visit.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 February 2024
- Jacob DannerChanhassen, Minnesota407 contributionsThe Amazing Split Rock LighthouseSplit Rock Lighthouse The most dangerous piece of water in the world A November gale that wrecked nearly 30 ships in 1905 prompted this rugged landmark's construction. When the U.S. Lighthouse Service completed Split Rock Light Station in 1910, it soon became one of Minnesota's best known destinations. Nestled in a Minnesota State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed and visited spots in the state, with a drama-filled history and breathtaking Lake Superior views. If you haven't visited lately, now is the time to pay homage to a true North Shore icon.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 4 April 2024
- PowerTrippersCocoa Beach, Florida1,519 contributionsBeautiful, Iconic LighthouseSplit Rock Lighthouse is one of those iconic “must see” destinations if you’re in the Duluth area. Majestically perched high over Lake Superior, this beautiful lighthouse offers some incredible photo ops. You’ll definitely want to go up inside the lighthouse, but absolutely be sure to take the hiking trail down to the lake shore for the best photos. The hike down and back could be challenging for some people, but if you’re able to make the hike, it’s so incredibly worth it. This is definitely one of the most beautiful lighthouses we’ve personally visited. Very highly recommended! -The PowerTrippersVisited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2024
- Caitlin N64 contributionsA great place with an amazing view filled with history!I’m so glad we made the stop! Not only was the view great, the history was neat and staff were great! We got to walk up in the lighthouse, and through one of the houses that the main light keeper’s home as well. Worth the trip!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2024
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4.5
1,124 reviews
Excellent
797
Very good
234
Average
48
Poor
26
Terrible
19
BPuttkammer21
Cottage Grove, MN166 contributions
July 2020
We stopped in early July 2020. The lighthouse was closed, but we were able to enter the park, make sure to pay the fee since they will ticket and patrol cars. We visited the rock beach so our 3 year old could throw rocks into the water. It was a very warm day so some people were swimming and there wasn't much wind!
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy G
2 contributions
July 2021 • Family
It’s listed as being open at 8 am on website, and it’s not open until 10am. Also, there is a $12 fee per adult person and $8 per child to enter on top of the regular state park entry fee. Most people pulled up, and were disappointed and left the park.
Written 8 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nisswachick
Pequot Lakes, United States4 contributions
Oct 2021
Very sad to visit this iconic landmark only to have to pay $12/adult and $8/child. I do not feel we received $56 worth a value to visit with our family. Growing up this was an annual trip with parents and grandparents for the cost of a state park pass only. Today it is unfortunate that some private entity is using this to over-charge people to visit. Sadly there are families I know that will not get to experience the beauty and history of Split Rock Lighthouse due to the fees.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason D
Lawrence, KS375 contributions
July 2021
They charge you $8 just to get on the grounds to get a picture and tour the light house is more. Please don't waste your money or time The tour is a joke, you wait in line to walk up the steps with 15 other people right next to you and no explains a thing and stand there for 2 mins and walk down. Awful
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,224 contributions
June 2021
We purchased tickets to the Keeper’s Tour online before our trip, and arrived an hour before tour time. We visited the gift shop, looked at the exhibits, and watched the short film about the lighthouse. Then our guide led the tour group of six over to the first keeper’s house and led us through all the rooms, telling interesting stories about the lives and hardships of the keepers and their families. Next she took us through the fog signal building which has exhibits, and then we went inside the lighthouse itself and up a spiral staircase to the area where we could look up and watch the Fresnel lens turning. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and our young guide did a great job with it. Photos are allowed throughout. P.S. Be sure to stop at the Madeira Pullout off Highway 61 just south of the lighthouse where you can get a great view of the lighthouse.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
Lostant, IL2,727 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
One of the places on my bucket list, was to see the Split Rock Lighthouse. Even with all the craziness with Covid the opportunity came and my wife and I were able to fit it in at the end of our honeymoon. Even though the Lighthouse building itself was closed along with the visitor center exhibits due to Covid, the indoor gift shop had just reopened plus a couple buildings next to the lighthouse were available to walk in. The colors were beautiful, and after taking in the view of Lake Superior from the cliff the lighthouse sits on, we walked down to shore. Even though the views from the cliff are amazing, the views of the lighthouse from the shore at water level were what we came for. Despite the cloudy and damp conditions it was still breathtaking and must me seen in person. On a interesting note while browsing the gift shop afterwards, there was a bear sighting from the same trail we were walking on 10-15 minutes prior. Just be alert for them as it is hard to forget how far north you are being less than two hours from the Canadian border. Tickets reserved ahead of time is high recommended!!!
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan H
Hamilton, OH111 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
i wish i had a chance for a do-over on this one. we just went to the lighthouse (which was $40 for our family of 5)—due to covid, you couldn’t go in the lighthouse, so we just had a quick walk by the lighthouse and a short visit to a historical display (i did appreciate that part!), but that was about it. i had seen so many gorgeous pictures of the lighthouse on top of the cliff from the shore—i didn’t realize until after that we probably needed to go to the state park and take a hike in order to see that, instead of going to see the actual lighthouse. so a disappointment to us due to expectations, but appreciated the history.
Written 6 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArtsyGalBaltimore
Maryland881 contributions
May 2021
Quite a volume of sightseers even with gusty cold winds on a Saturday May morning. Lake Superior is enormous, and one gets a sense of its power when learning about what gave rise to the lighthouse and housing for the lighthouse keepers and families. There is an orientation video, quite well done, an exhibit museum, and a well stocked gift shop. Unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed, but the guides well versed and still well worth a visit for to see the impact of shipwrecks.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike s
La Crosse, WI53 contributions
July 2021
We saw the location on a Wednesday afternoon and it was packed. Finding parking was next to impossible and people were arriving with boat trailers and monstrous RVs. You don't have to pay the state park fee which is a separate area, but you do have to pay to see the lighthouse. You can not go through the doors without a wristband. You have to wait in line to get into and up the lighthouse and they let so many people up that you can't take pictures without other people being in them. If you want to see the whole lighthouse, stop along the highway and snap images from a distance. The pictures and history pieces were very interesting, especially the homes of the caretakers.
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan B
Benton, KS13 contributions
Oct 2020
Pros:
Gift shop was nice
Cons:
Cost was way too high. For a party of 7 we spent 56 dollars for a 30 minute tour of a few buildings.
Many rude Karen’s on mask / social distance patrol
Closed Lighthouse
Too many employees doing nothing other than being rude to visitors about masks and social distancing
Very high fence to obstruct the view/scenery
(BTW, a fence post was broken at the base creating a real hazard. Survival rate of fall off cliff: 0%, Survival rate of covid: 99%)
Suggestions to State of Minnesota:
Teach employees to be pleasant
Teach employees to notice broken fences
Reduce employee headcount and thus reduce entry fee
Suggestions to Visitors:
Don’t waste your time and money!
Gift shop was nice
Cons:
Cost was way too high. For a party of 7 we spent 56 dollars for a 30 minute tour of a few buildings.
Many rude Karen’s on mask / social distance patrol
Closed Lighthouse
Too many employees doing nothing other than being rude to visitors about masks and social distancing
Very high fence to obstruct the view/scenery
(BTW, a fence post was broken at the base creating a real hazard. Survival rate of fall off cliff: 0%, Survival rate of covid: 99%)
Suggestions to State of Minnesota:
Teach employees to be pleasant
Teach employees to notice broken fences
Reduce employee headcount and thus reduce entry fee
Suggestions to Visitors:
Don’t waste your time and money!
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the visitor center open to see the film at this time?
Written 17 September 2020
Is there a place to go to get good pictures of the lighthouse without doing the tour? If so, what fees are associated with it?
Written 2 June 2019
You ask if there is a spot not in the State Park to take a picture of Split Rock. Yes, as you are heading north on highway 61 about a mile before Split Rock there is a turn off that provides a great spot to park your car and a perfect view of the lighthouse on the rocky site. I have taken beautiful pictures from this outlook spot by zooming in on the lighthouse. Good luck.
Written 4 June 2019
Is there a cost to go into the split rock lighthouse? What are the prices? Do they have senior rates and family rates?
Written 30 May 2017
Hi, parking and access to the grounds are free. Access to the lighthouse varies. Current costs are as follows:-
$10 Adults
$8 Seniors (65+)
$8 Active military and veterans
$8 College students
$6 Children ages 5-17
Free Children age 4 and under
Free MNHS members
Written 31 May 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
No dogs are allowed on the Historic Site grounds, which include all the buildings and specific trails down to Lake Superior. The adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park does allow dogs on their hiking trails.
Written 16 September 2016
My husband has been having knee trouble -will this be too difficult to do?
Written 15 September 2016
If the flight of outdoor stairs are too much to get up to the lighthouse base, he can walk down the path a short way to see a nice but partial view without going down all those stairs. You can drive down to the beach and park in a lot. It is a short walk to the shoreline with a good view of the lighthouse from water level. The shore is loose gravel and rock.
Written 15 September 2016
Ramsey, Mn, To Duluth, Mn. Is 2 hours and 29 minutes by way of highway 35 heading north. Once in Duluth continue to sit rock lighthouse.55 more minutes up the shore. Another 47.2 miles. Lovely drive.
Written 14 May 2016
Patty V
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Can I get down to the beach thru the Visitor Center without buying a ticket to tour the light house & surrounding buildings. If not, where do I get to the trails that lead down to the beach?
Written 27 June 2015
You do not need to pay to get into split rock... MN does not require you to pay for a park sticker, just to go to split rock. It us a common misconception that a lot of unfortunate travelers don't realize.... you can drive right past the dnr center and go eight to the split rock light house parking lot.... no fee needed.
Written 28 June 2015
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