Things to do at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Minnesota is a hub of nature, featuring splendid
waterfalls and beautiful landscape, but it also has a rich history that’s exuded by its monuments.
One of them is the Split Rock Lighthouse, still standing in all its glory after a century.
The lighthouse is located on the coast of Lake Superior, on a cliff that is 130-foot tall.
It has the honor of guiding hundreds of ships passing through Lake Superior’s stormy waters.
Over the years, its use has declined, and today it is a National Historic Landmark.
Most travelers might know Lake Superior as a fun place to kayak,
canoe, and take pictures of. But historically, it hasn’t always been seen in such a positive light.
According to James Oliver Curwood, an American novelist, Lake Superior is
one of the most dangerous pieces of water in the world. And he was certainly right.
As the local iron ore industry became larger, the freight ships felt the need for a safe passage.
As a result, Congress spent around 75 thousand dollars on building a lighthouse at Split Rock,
which is known as the Split Rock Lighthouse today. Built in 1910, the lighthouse has stayed pretty
much the same over the century. You can go to the top by climbing
a spiral staircase with 32 steps. At the top, there’s a lantern room that is still functional.
Although the state decommissioned the lighthouse in 1969, the lantern still functions perfectly.
Every year, it lights up on November 10 in the Edmund Fitzgerald Beacon Lighting Ceremony.
If you’re lucky to be traveling to or through Minnesota during this time, don’t forget to spend
the day at the Split Rock Lighthouse. Other Activities
Although the Split Rock lighthouse is a major attraction on its own,
kids are bound to get bored after some time. Luckily, there are many other interesting
activities to do in the area, including tent camping, cross-country skiing, and biking.
The Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is home to picnic spots, camping sites,
hiking trails, and snowshoeing areas. If you’re planning to camp in the area,
make sure to reserve a spot from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Since there are several tent camping areas in the park, you’ll surely find a spot to
spend the night or the whole weekend. However, if you’re just here for a day,
you might want to hike up the shore to get closer to Lake Superior.
The quarter-mile trail starts at the cliff’s bottom and takes you up to the lake.
If you want to pass through the state park and see more historic sites in the way,
take the longer Superior Hiking Trail. Irrespective of the trail you take,
you’ll always be in proximity to Lake Superior. Water Activities
But if you want to get even closer to the lake, you might have to get inside it.
You can kayak or canoe along the lake’s shoreline, absorbing the majestic views and photographing
them for a keepsake. Biking
If you’re not a huge water activities lover, you can rent a bike from the visitor’s center and
bike along the Gitchi-Gami State trail. It’s a 17-mile path that takes you to
the Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and the visitor center.
Besides enjoying historical sites, you’ll also hear the waves of Lake Superior on your way.
For an even more convenient route through the area, take Highway 61
and drive through the North Shore Scenic Drive. It has many relaxation rest points in the way,
where you can stop to marvel at the natural beauty of the region.
From rock formations and state parks to waterfalls and lake views, the drive has it all.
Winter Activities When traveling in winter,
some activities like hiking might not be possible. But the Split Rock lighthouse is a stunning sight
in the winter months, while the surrounding areas have a lot of potential for enjoyment.
You can camp in the state park or take a bike ride to experience the frosty lake.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to get your snowshoes
on and hike up the shoreline to see the frozen waterfalls.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to be safe because the ice might be slippery and the path rocky.
Plan beforehand to have the time of your life at the Split Rock lighthouse.
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