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Minnesota
52

Minnesota State Parks

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USA Parks
Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
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Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © bobby hissam
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Day Hill spring view © Wes Gerber
View of Lake Superior from Day Hill lookout.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Cart-in Camping © Wes Gerber
Camp site in the cart-in campground.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Jeff Beck
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Split Rock Lighthouse © Wes Gerber
View from a kayak
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Ben Prepelka
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Jeff Beck
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Ben Prepelka
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Kim Lyons
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Lake Superior © Nancy Bauer
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Kim Lyons
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park © Kari Fischer
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SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK
SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, Minnesota   55616

Phone: 218-226-6377
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
This park is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Perhaps best known for its historic lighthouse, this park offers numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can cart-in their supplies to pristine campsites along Lake Superior. Scenic trails along the lake link up to the spectacular Superior Hiking Trail. Anglers cast their lines for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout. The rocky beach is perfect for skipping stones into Lake Superior.
Nature of the Area
Hiking trails in the park connect with the magnificent Superior Hiking Trail. This trail parallels much of the Lake Superior coastline and passes by scenic waterfalls. Trails wind through beautiful stands of birch, spruce, fir, and ash trees. The winter landscape is also spectacular adding to the popularity of the cross-country ski trails.

The magnificent bluffs upon which the lighthouse is built are formations of anorthosite. The bedrock is a result of ancient lava flows. Then over an immense time span, many complex geological processes occurred. Water covered the area depositing sediment over the bedrock. Later this rock was bent and compressed by mountain-building forces. Eventually a series of glaciers scraped the landscape, scouring out the Lake Superior Basin and shearing off the shoreline cliffs. Then the meltwaters of the glaciers flowed over the upland rock cliffs, carved away the less resistant rock and filled the basin we know as Lake Superior.

Wildlife in the park includes a variety of small songbirds, herring gulls and common loons. Peregrine falcons have been spotted on their migration along the North Shore. Visitors are also treated to sightings of white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, raccoon, beaver, snowshoe hare, red fox, bobcat and lynx.
History of the Area
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has a rich and varied history. From 1899 to 1906, the Merrill and Ring Lumber Company logged most of the original Norway and white pine from the area. During peak years, the company operated a short railroad up the river. Pilings from old wharf and dam can still be seen jutting out of the water at the mouth of the Split Rock River. In 1905, a punishing November gale (the kind Lake Superior is famous for), claimed the Edenborn and the Madiera (a barge the Edenborn was towing) as well as five other ships, within a dozen miles of the Split Rock River. The tragic sinking of these ships fueled the demand for a lighthouse. The fog signal building and lighthouse were completed in 1909 and commissioned one year later. For 59 years, the keepers at Split Rock warned ships away from the rock and treacherous North Shore with its 370,000-candlepower beacon. In 1971, the federal government deeded the lighthouse station to the State of Minnesota to be operated as a historic site. In 1976, the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) assumed operation of the site which included one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Kayaking is popular, with rentals available on-site and the opportunity to explore Lake Superior's shoreline or paddle out to nearby islands. Canoeing is another option, offering a slower-paced way to enjoy the lake's beauty. Motorized boats are also allowed in designated areas but there aren't any boat ramps within the park boundaries; however, public access points can be found at neighboring locations outside of it.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing in the park's Lake Superior. Species include trout, salmon, walleye and northern pike. Shoreline or boat fishing are both available options for anglers. Fishing licenses are required to fish within this area.


Location
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is

Picnicking
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers picnic tables and grills near the visitor center, with stunning views of Lake Superior.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a popular activity, with the Gitchi-Gami State Trail offering stunning views. Be aware of steep sections.

The trail extends 10 miles from Beaver Bay to Silver Creek Tunnel and can be challenging for beginners.

Ensure you have proper gear as weather conditions on Lake Superior's North Shore can change rapidly.

Mountain biking isn't permitted within park boundaries; stick to designated paved trails only.

Always wear helmets while cycling; safety should always come first when enjoying these scenic routes.

Remember that some parts are shared-use paths so keep an eye out for pedestrians or wildlife crossing your path.

Do not cycle after dark due to limited visibility and potential hazards along the route.

Respect other users by keeping noise levels down - this helps preserve everyone's enjoyment of nature's tranquility here.
Birding
The park offers birdwatchers a variety of species, including warblers during migration season. The lakeshore attracts waterfowl and gulls while the forested areas house woodpeckers and songbirds. Raptors can be spotted along the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior.

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Directions
Located about 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors on MN Highway 61.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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