Winter at Split Rock Lighthouse
Winter at Split Rock Lighthouse offers crowdless access to the lighthouse grounds, observation deck, and museum. On a winter tour of the North Shore, I recommend exploring this iconic Minnesota Historical Society attraction – no matter how cold it is!
While you’re here, venture into the adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to explore the sights and trails near Lake Superior.
Crowdless Access to Split Rock Lighthouse
On my visit during a polar vortex, the temperature hovered around zero. That’s just what you get during a North Shore winter! But I bundled up and didn’t let the weather stop me from taking in the unique winter scene at the Minnesota Historical Society’s Split Rock Lighthouse!
Here on the North Shore, we have a saying: there’s no bad weather, only bad gear. So come prepared to layer up and explore the outdoors!
You won’t be surprised that I was just about the only person outside (there were others, but not many). During a warmer winter day (above 20 degrees F.), Split Rock Lighthouse sees about 50 – 100 visitors, compared to over 2,000 per day during peak season. That’s a great reason to visit during the winter!
It is incredible to stand before the historic structures that date back to the early 1900s (without anyone standing in your way of the historical scenery and dramatic sights).
Take your time exploring the grounds, take pictures, experience the surreal solitude 130 feet above Lake Superior, and relish the view.
The interiors of the buildings are closed during the winter, and tours of the grounds are self-guided only.
Lake Superior Observation Deck
Speaking of the view, it is incredible! The observation deck sits at the foot of the lighthouse, which is atop a 130-foot cliff rising above Lake Superior. Karly Fransen, site operations supervisor for Split Rock Lighthouse, said,
“The winter season brings weather events, and people love to travel here to see them. The lake will show off with sea smoke and ice forming in late winter. There are many photographers trying to get the perfect weather or non-weather picture. Then, of course, there is watching the surfers on the big waves! Winter is just so unique with all the different weather happenings.”
Split Rock Lighthouse Museum and Visitor’s Center
Come inside the Visitor Center and Museum Store when you want to warm up. Meet the friendly and knowledgeable staff and browse the locally made goods and art. You can also buy books, souvenirs, North Shore apparel, outdoor gear, stuffed animals, and many other cute things.
Museum Exhibit Gallery and Theater
Throughout the exhibits, discover the importance of Lake Superior shipping and the legendary shipwrecks that led to the lighthouse’s construction. This exhibit showcases artifacts and stories that bring the history of the lighthouse and the North Shore to life.
As you explore the Museum Gallery, check out the replica of the hoist engine used to hoist supplies and equipment from Lake Superior to the clifftop (quite the feat in 1910!). You’ll also love the model of Split Rock Lighthouse, made with 20,000 LEGOs, created for the centennial in 2010.
New artifacts include:
- Third-order Fresnel lens is a full-scale replica of the third-order Fresnel lens that currently sits atop the lighthouse
- Water, land, home features the many stories of the Indigenous people who have called the place where the lighthouse stands their home
- Madeira ship wheel is part of a shipwreck recovery dive, and once sat at the bottom of Lake Superior for decades
- Keeper Young’s uniform hat, which was worn by Split Rock’s first head keeper
As you meander the museum, soak in additional facts and stories across the many informational panels, videos, pictures, and fun interactive stations.
Click here for more winter activities at Split Rock Lighthouse.
Split Rock Lighthouse made out of 20,000 Legos!
Winter at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Winter is also a special time at the adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The biggest attractions are hiking, snowshoeing, or fat tire biking along the 8-mile mixed-use trail. Even in the polar vortex, a few groups of people were exploring the Lake Superior shore at Pebble Beach and snowshoeing on the trails around the park.
The multi-use winter trail starts at the Picnic Area and hugs the shore until you get past Ellingsen Island. Then it cuts north to Day Hill, pedals past Corundum Point, and curves around Crazy Bay. Just after Split Rock Point, it hooks up with the Gitchi Gami State Trail (unmaintained in the winter). There are many great things to see along this stretch!
See the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park winter use map.
Former Park Manager Luann Udenberg’s favorite snowshoe trail starts at the Lighthouse.
“You start at the lighthouse and snowshoe the Lake Superior shoreline along the Little Two Harbors Trail. Go through the picnic area to Pebble Beach and head towards Ellingsen Island. That is where you can see that incredible view of the lighthouse on top of the cliff.”
She also said that the Little Two Harbors Trail was the former home of a Norwegian fishing village from 1910 to 1940. Cool, huh?!
Please note that a Minnesota State Park Pass is required to enter the park.
Best Sunrise on the North Shore MN
Watching the sunrise behind Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most amazing views on Lake Superior! Especially in the winter.
Hayes Scriven, the Split Rock lighthouse keeper, site manager, and avid photographer, verified this.
“Pebble Beach, inside the state park, is the best view of the sunrise on Lake Superior! The sun’s rays casting over the lighthouse are stunning. If that wasn’t enough, add the mysterious Lake Superior sea smoke, and an ice-covered shore…it’s amazing.”
Special Events at Split Rock Lighthouse
Don’t miss these winter events at the Split Rock Lighthouse Historical Society and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting
On November 10, Split Rock Lighthouse lights her beacon to commemorate the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and all of the other vessels lost on the Great Lakes. At 4:30 pm, the lighthouse closes temporarily while the Naval Hymn is played, and the names of the 29 lost crew members are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell.
At the end of the ceremony, the beacon is lit, and visitors are welcome to tour the lantern room. This is the only time during the year that visitors can see the interior of the light tower while the beacon is lit. The beacon lighting ceremony attracts nearly 900 people each year.
Split Rock Lighthouse Hours
The Minnesota Historical Society Split Rock Lighthouse Visitor’s Center, Museum Store, and outdoor grounds are generally open Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) during the winter months. The lighthouse and historic building interiors are closed in the winter. Admission is free.
Hours and admission change based on the season. For up-to-date information, click here.
How to Get There
Address: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Split Rock Lighthouse is located at mile marker 46 along Highway 61. It is between Castle Danger and Beaver Bay.
Free parking is available for Historic Site visitors during site hours only. During off-hours, a State Park vehicle permit is required.
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