Waterfall Viewing 🌤 Weather at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park by season Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Two Harbors 7NW, 15 mi away, elevation 1,355 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go. Minnesota’s Most Iconic Landmark on Lake Superior’s North Shore Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is home to one of America’s most photographed lighthouses — a 54-foot tower perched on a 130-foot cliff above Lake Superior’s wild North Shore. The park offers far more than its iconic beacon: 14+ miles of hiking trails through boreal forest and along dramatic Lake Superior shoreline, a modern campground opened in 2022, and access to the legendary Superior Hiking Trail . With cart-in campsites nestled between Day Hill and the lakeshore, pebble beach exploration, and even scuba diving to the Madeira shipwreck, Split Rock delivers the quintessential North Shore experience. The Lighthouse: A Living Piece of History Built in 1910 after a devastating November storm destroyed or damaged 29 ships on Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse operated for 59 years before being retired in 1969. Today it’s managed by the Minnesota Historical Society as a separate historic site within the state park. Lighthouse Visitor Information (2026) Note: The lighthouse admission is separate from the state park vehicle permit. The park and lighthouse are managed by different agencies. Hiking: 14+ Miles Along Superior’s Edge Split Rock’s trail system combines Lake Superior shoreline walks, dense boreal forest, and connections to the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail. In winter, 8.7 miles of multi-use trails are open for cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and skate-skiing. Camping: Modern Sites and Lake Superior Cart-In Sites Split Rock offers two distinct camping experiences — a modern drive-in campground and one of the most scenic cart-in camping setups in the Midwest. Campground Options Seasonal carts are provided at the cart-in trailhead; in winter, bring a sled or pack. Firewood sold year-round at the park office. Flush toilets and showers available May–October; vault toilets year-round. Lake Superior: Beaches, Kayaking, and Shipwrecks The park’s extensive Lake Superior shoreline features pebble beaches, views of Ellingsen Island, and the lighthouse cliff face from water level. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular, with access points within the park. For certified divers, the Madeira shipwreck — a steel steamer sunk in 1905 — lies just offshore and is accessible for scuba diving. Visitor Information Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located at 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616 , approximately 50 miles northeast of Duluth on Highway 61. Park Hours and Fees Park open daily 8 AM – 10 PM year-round. Ranger station: 9 AM – 4 PM. A Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit is required: $7 daily or $35 annual . Best Time to Visit Fall (September–October) for North Shore foliage and fewer crowds. Summer for cart-in camping and lake access. November 10 for the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting ceremony. Frequently Asked Questions Is the lighthouse tour included with the state park vehicle permit? No. The state park and the lighthouse are managed by different agencies. You need a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year) for the park, PLUS a separate admission (~$12 adults) for the lighthouse historic site run by the Minnesota Historical Society. What are the cart-in campsites like? The 20 cart-in sites are among the most scenic in Minnesota, located between Day Hill and Lake Superior. You park and use wheeled carts (provided seasonally) to transport gear 0.5–2 miles to your site. Each has a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and animal-proof food locker. In winter, bring sleds or backpacks instead. Can I bike to Split Rock from Gooseberry Falls? Yes! The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail connects Gooseberry Falls State Park to Silver Bay, passing through Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The 17-mile section is open for biking, walking, and skating. Explore More Minnesota State Parks Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features. Wildlife & Nature Split Rock Lighthouse SP — on Lake Superior’s North Shore — features Minnesota’s most iconic lighthouse (1910). Built atop a 130-foot cliff after the devastating 1905 storm that sank 29 ships, the lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in Minnesota . Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs. Lake Superior agates wash up on the beach. Common loons fish offshore. Nearby Attractions Two Harbors — 20 miles south. Beaver Bay — adjacent. Gooseberry Falls SP — 5 miles south. Tettegouche SP — 5 miles north. North Shore Scenic Drive — Hwy 61. Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with North Shore State Trail (a short drive away) or Gooseberry Falls State Park (a short drive away).

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Minnesota state parks online at reservemn.usedirect.com . About the Author America's State Parks Editorial Team America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis. ⛺ Camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins Camping questions about Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Yes. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has Approx. 71 sites across two camping areas: Shipwreck Creek Campground (46 electric drive-in, opened 2022) plus the original Cart-In area (20 cart-in sites, 4 backpack sites, 1 Lake Superior Water Trail kayak site). 46 electric drive-in sites (70-ft parking pads, accommodates RVs/trailers) in Shipwreck Creek Campground — the park's first vehicle-accessible sites, added 2022; 20 cart-in sites (1/2-2 miles from parking, wheeled carts provided) between Lake Superior and Day Hill; 4 backpack sites; 1 first-come first-served kayak site. Note: park was cart-in-only camping until Shipwreck Creek Campground opened June 1, 2022. reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required. Statewide MN DNR policy: pets on 6-ft leash, attended; not allowed in buildings or on the beach. Source: dnr.state.mn.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking. 🐾 Dogs & Pets at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Are dogs allowed at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park? Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival. Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us . More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared Plan your gear for Split Rock Lighthouse State Park From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: Camping mattresses for two Bear canisters: IGBC-certified picks Trolling motors sized for state park lakes Electric-only lakes: the 50-state directory Satellite communicators for cell dead zones State park packing lists Nearby State Parks (within 100 mi) Gooseberry Falls State Park Ray Berglund State Wayside Gitchi-Gami State Trail Flood Bay State Wayside Tettegouche State Park Caribou Falls State Wayside George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Temperance River State Park No state parks found within this radius. Try increasing the search distance. More Parks in Minnesota Willard Munger State Trail Mississippi Blufflands State Trail Gooseberry Falls State Park Big Fork State Forest Top Tours & Activities Near Duluth