Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Overview
Split Rock Lighthouse became a necessity in 1905 when a storm wrecked six ships within a dozen miles of the Split Rock River. The historic lighthouse sits on a 130-foot anorthosite cliff pushed up by magma within the Midcontinent Rift over a billion years ago. The combination creates a stunning setting that visitors come from around the world to see. The Minnesota Historical Society manages the Lighthouse Historic Site and the state park manages 2,200 acres around it. Visit and explore Shipwreck Creek Campground, the cart-in campground, rugged trails, Lake Superior shoreline and Split Rock River.
- Trails
- 10
- Viewpoints
- 6
- Activities
- 1
- POIs
- 27
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Mountain Biking
1.0 mi from park centre
Open · 09:00 – 18:00
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Stay at least one body length away from cliff edges and remain on designated trails, overlooks, and observation decks at all times.
- Steep drop-offs along the 130-foot cliffs can be extremely dangerous, and rocks below may be unstable or slippery.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking Club
Hiking/Mt. Biking
Hiking
Superior Hiking Spur Trail
Hiking
Hiking Club
Superior Hiking Trail
Gitchi Gummi State Trail 2
Hiking
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Overlook (Lighthouse)
Viewing Area
0.3 mi
Overlook (Corndum Point)
Viewing Area
0.8 mi
Split Rock Lighthouse (Historic Site)
Lighthouse
0.9 mi
Overlook (Split Rock Point)
Viewing Area
1.4 mi
Waterfall
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park features a series of hidden waterfalls, primarily located along the Split Rock River. While the historic Split Rock Lighthouse itself sits prominently on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, the waterfalls are located a short distance away within the surrounding state park
1.6 mi
Waterfall
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park features a series of hidden waterfalls, primarily located along the Split Rock River. While the historic Split Rock Lighthouse itself sits prominently on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, the waterfalls are located a short distance away within the surrounding state park
1.6 mi
Nearby Happening
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Split Rock Lighthouse became a necessity in 1905 when a storm wrecked six ships within a dozen miles of the Split Rock River. The historic lighthouse sits on a 130-foot anorthosite cliff pushed up by magma within the Midcontinent Rift over a billion years ago.
Where is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park located?
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has 10 mapped trails covering 23 miles in total. The longest is Superior Hiking Trail at 7.4 miles.
What is there to see at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Places to see at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park include Overlook (Corndum Point), Overlook (Lighthouse), Overlook (Split Rock Point), Split Rock Lighthouse (Historic Site), Backpack/Kayak camping, Carry-In Access and 2 more.
What facilities are available at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Facilities at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and Visitor / Ranger Station.
Is there parking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Yes, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
Yes, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has 5 campsites marked on its map, including Backpack Campsite., Campsite (Shipwreck Creek) and Cart-in Campground.
How can I contact Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
You can contact Split Rock Lighthouse State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park know?
Stay at least one body length away from cliff edges and remain on designated trails, overlooks, and observation decks at all times. Steep drop-offs along the 130-foot cliffs can be extremely dangerous, and rocks below may be unstable or slippery. Keep pets on a 6-foot leash and closely supervise children around cliff edges and water access points.
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