Split Rock LighthouseDULUTH, MINNESOTA
In 1905, off the coast of Duluth Minnesota, almost 30 ships were wrecked in what is known as the most dangerous piece of water in the world. One third of those ships that wrecked were the uninsured freighters owned by the U.S. Steel Corporation. Those shipwrecks prompted lobbying to the U.S. Lighthouse Service which in turn began construction on a congress appointed $75,000 Split Rock Lighthouse Station and fog signal. |
Construction was finished in 1910 on the 7.6 acre facility and became known as one of Minnesota’s most popular destinations. For more than a half a century, the lighthouse had breathtaking views of Lake Superior, and safely guided ships through the waters to safe harbor.
The Split Rock Light Station was under the authority of the U.S. Lighthouse Service which is a branch of the Department of Commerce until 1939. At that time, when it was absorbed by the U.S. Coast Guard which continues to operate all lighted aids in the United States to date.
For almost 15 years, you could only access the lighthouse by water. Then in 1924, the Lake Superior International Highway was finished making it car easier to reach the lighthouse. Roughly about 5000 people visited the lighthouse annually in the 1930’s.
By 1938, the keeper of the lighthouse, Franklin Cowell estimated there were nearly 100,000 visitors to the lighthouse annually. In 1939, it rose to the most publicized and visited lighthouse in the United States of America. The advancement of new navigational technology caused a decline in the use of lighthouses and so the Split Rock Lighthouse was closed in 1969.
In 1971, the State of Minnesota purchased the lighthouse and with the transfer of the 25 acre Split Rock Lighthouse, it was the states responsibility in 1976. The historic site has been restored over the years to its original appearance.
The Split Rock Light Station was under the authority of the U.S. Lighthouse Service which is a branch of the Department of Commerce until 1939. At that time, when it was absorbed by the U.S. Coast Guard which continues to operate all lighted aids in the United States to date.
For almost 15 years, you could only access the lighthouse by water. Then in 1924, the Lake Superior International Highway was finished making it car easier to reach the lighthouse. Roughly about 5000 people visited the lighthouse annually in the 1930’s.
By 1938, the keeper of the lighthouse, Franklin Cowell estimated there were nearly 100,000 visitors to the lighthouse annually. In 1939, it rose to the most publicized and visited lighthouse in the United States of America. The advancement of new navigational technology caused a decline in the use of lighthouses and so the Split Rock Lighthouse was closed in 1969.
In 1971, the State of Minnesota purchased the lighthouse and with the transfer of the 25 acre Split Rock Lighthouse, it was the states responsibility in 1976. The historic site has been restored over the years to its original appearance.
- OPEN DAILY -
- Monday - Sunday | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm -
- Please check website for advance ticket purchase -
- Monday - Sunday | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm -
- Please check website for advance ticket purchase -
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Learn more about the Split Rock Lighthouse by visiting their website.
Address: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone: 218-226-6372
Address: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Phone: 218-226-6372
Updated 09/29/20- LLS
