Split Rock Lighthouse perches on a 130-foot cliff above Lake Superior’s north shore near Two Harbors, Minnesota, ranking among the most photographed and visited lighthouses in the United States. Built in 1910 after a devastating storm wrecked nearly thirty vessels on the lake in 1905, the lighthouse served as a critical navigational aid along one of the most dangerous stretches of the Great Lakes.

The Minnesota Historical Society operates the site as a state historic site, with the restored lighthouse, fog signal building, keeper’s dwelling, and several outbuildings open for guided tours. The original third-order Fresnel lens remains in the lantern room, and rangers demonstrate its operation during special events. The lens is ceremonially lit each November 10th to commemorate the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

The surrounding Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers hiking trails along the Superior Hiking Trail, cobblestone beaches, cart-in campsites with lake views, and excellent birding during spring and fall migration. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail connects the park to nearby communities via a paved bike path along the shore.

Visit between May and October for full access to the lighthouse and grounds. Fall color along the north shore typically peaks in late September to early October, and the combination of autumn foliage with the iconic lighthouse makes this one of Minnesota’s premier photography destinations. Winter brings dramatic ice formations on the cliffs but limited facility access.

Explore Nearby

• Gitchi-Gami State Trail — State Park in Minnesota
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — State Park in Minnesota
• Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Wisconsin
• North Shore Road — Scenic Byway in Nevada
• Superior National Forest — National Forest in Minnesota