Split Rock Lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction. Completed by the U.S.
(2262)

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.

Labor Day Weekend Is Here!The unofficial end of summer is here, but we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the North Sh...
09/04/2026

Labor Day Weekend Is Here!

The unofficial end of summer is here, but we’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the North Shore!

If you haven’t had a chance to explore our restored sidewalks and take in the views from our new viewing areas, Labor Day Weekend is a great time to visit.

Come enjoy the lighthouse, take in the beauty of Lake Superior, and make the most of these final days of summer on the North Shore.

Meet Clarence TupperClarence Tupper began his lighthouse keeping career in 1914 at Devils Island. In 1923, he briefly se...
09/03/2026

Meet Clarence Tupper

Clarence Tupper began his lighthouse keeping career in 1914 at Devils Island. In 1923, he briefly served as the 1st assistant at Split Rock before transferring in 1924 to the Two Harbors Light Station, swapping posts with fellow keeper Franklin Covell.

With a background in carpentry, engineering, and telegraphy, Tupper excelled in the role. Over the years, he served at various stations, ultimately becoming head keeper at Poe Reef Light (1932–1936) and later at Forty Mile Point (1936–1947).

As head keeper, Tupper was known for his meticulous log entries—capturing everything from everyday duties to notable events. One 1938 entry casually notes both routine chores and a major sporting event:

“Wed. Jun. [1938] Weather hot. Easterly wind. Mowing weeds and brush, etc. Working on grounds. Mail and supplies. General cleaning day. Schmelling [sic] fights Joe Louis tonight. Louis knocked Schmelling [sic] out in first round of the fight.”

Clarence Tupper remained head keeper at Forty Mile Point until his passing on January 11, 1947, at age 63.

From left to right: Mrs. Sayles, Keeper Orren P. Young, Mrs. Tupper, 1st Assistant Clarence Tupper

When the road came, the crowds followedHighway 61, once known as International Highway 1, changed everything for Split R...
09/02/2026

When the road came, the crowds followed

Highway 61, once known as International Highway 1, changed everything for Split Rock Lighthouse. Before its construction in 1924–25, the only way to visit was by boat. But once the highway opened, it transformed Split Rock from a remote, secluded light station into a major tourist destination.

By the mid-1930s, thousands of visitors were stopping by, and the Lighthouse Service deemed it necessary to bring in extra help just to manage the crowds. Even today, Split Rock remains a must-see on Minnesota’s North Shore with annual visitation exceeding 150,000 people. This is thanks in large part to the road that made it accessible.

Fall is coming to the North Shore.The days are getting shorter, the evenings are getting cooler, and soon the landscape ...
09/01/2026

Fall is coming to the North Shore.

The days are getting shorter, the evenings are getting cooler, and soon the landscape will begin to change. But September is still a great time to get outside and explore.

We are open daily from 10 AM–6 PM, with tours, programs, and plenty of opportunities to experience the lighthouse, the historic site, and Lake Superior.

The crowds are thinning. The adventure continues.

Choose the North Shore.

From Dirt to PavementHighway 61 began as a narrow, unpaved path—more of a brush trail than a true road. By 1900, it had ...
08/31/2026

From Dirt to Pavement

Highway 61 began as a narrow, unpaved path—more of a brush trail than a true road. By 1900, it had been upgraded to a rough stage route. As automobiles grew in popularity, local auto associations took responsibility for maintaining gravel and dirt roads that closely followed the Lake Superior shoreline.

By the mid-1920s, approximately 175 miles of Highway 61 were paved with concrete, and another 75 miles had been graded along Minnesota’s North Shore, including the stretch past the lighthouse in 1924. The entire route from Duluth to the Canadian border was fully paved by 1940.

SRL lens with the galaxy in the background.Photo by | IG | https://mnhs.info/4zqHYvCIn a partnership with Destination ...
08/29/2026

SRL lens with the galaxy in the background.

Photo by | IG | https://mnhs.info/4zqHYvC
In a partnership with Destination Duluth we are featuring photos from their archives that feature Split Rock Lighthouse

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to find a new favorite view of Split Rock Lighthouse!And he...
08/28/2026

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still plenty of time to find a new favorite view of Split Rock Lighthouse!

And here’s a little North Shore pro tip: with the Minnesota State Fair underway, this can be one of the best times to visit. Many people are heading to the Cities, which means the crowds on the North Shore start to thin out a bit.

So if you’ve been thinking about a North Shore getaway, this might be the perfect time to come see us!

The Minnesota State Fair starts today! Don't get us wrong, we love the fair, but we prefer this view.
08/27/2026

The Minnesota State Fair starts today! Don't get us wrong, we love the fair, but we prefer this view.

Calling All Artists & Photographers!Do you create artwork inspired by the beauty of the North Shore? Have you captured t...
08/26/2026

Calling All Artists & Photographers!

Do you create artwork inspired by the beauty of the North Shore? Have you captured the landscapes, wildlife, or unforgettable moments that make this place so special?
We're now accepting applications for our 2027 Photography and Art at the Rock exhibit series at Split Rock Lighthouse!

Each month, our Visitor Center features the work of a local photographer or artist, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to experience the North Shore through a new perspective. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate wildlife moments and creative interpretations of this remarkable place, we love showcasing the passion and talent of our regional artistic community.

To apply, submit:
Three images that best represent your work
The month(s) you're available to exhibit in 2027

Artists selected for the program should also be available to visit Split Rock Lighthouse during the month their work is on display.

📆 Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

If you've ever wanted to share your work with visitors from around the world, we'd love to see what you've created!

To apply visit the link: https://mnhs.info/4bYYadG

Aurora photo by Mark Ellis and Wolf painting by Eric Klepinger

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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