Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located about 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors in Lake County, Minnesota, and covers more than 2,000 acres along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior. Known for its dramatic cliffs, forested trails, and sweeping lake views, it is one of the most scenic and visited parks in the region.
The park is home to the historic Split Rock Lighthouse, along with a restored keeper’s house, costumed interpretive tours, and a visitor center featuring exhibits, a short historical film, and a museum store. With about 150,000 annual visitors, it is considered a must-see North Shore destination.
The lighthouse, active from 1910 to 1969, was built after the deadly 1905 Mataafa Storm, which damaged numerous ships on Lake Superior and highlighted the need for safer navigation along this shoreline.
Beyond its history, the park protects a large stretch of undeveloped shoreline and boreal forest. Hiking trails lead through spruce, fir, birch, and pine forests to rocky cliffs, pebble beaches, and elevated viewpoints overlooking Lake Superior and the lighthouse. Wildlife such as deer, foxes, and a variety of birds are commonly seen, and the park is especially popular for photography due to its changing lake conditions.
The park is open year-round, with reduced services in winter. Guided lighthouse tours run seasonally in summer, while winter offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Amenities include a visitor center, ranger station, restrooms, showers, potable water, and cart-in campsites that provide a more rustic, low-impact camping experience.
