🌤 Weather at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–64 °F | 48–77 °F | 21–66 °F | 1–25 °F |
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)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| General Admission | ~$12 adults (discounts for students) |
| Ground Pass | Available for exterior access only |
| Open Season | Late April through late October |
| Winter Hours | Visitor Center with limited hours |
| Annual Event | Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting — November 10 |
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.
Top Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Rock Lighthouse & Day Hill Loop | 7.0 miles | Moderate | Shoreline + elevated views from Day Hill |
| Split Rock River Waterfall Loop | 3.8 miles | Moderate | River valley, waterfalls |
| Superior Hiking Trail (through park) | 5.0 miles | Moderate | Spur trails to lakeshore, gorge views |
| Gitchi-Gami State Trail | 17.0 miles (paved) | Easy | Biking/walking to Gooseberry Falls & Silver Bay |
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
| Campground | Sites | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipwreck Creek (opened 2022) | 46 | Drive-in | Electric hookups, 70-ft RV pads, showers, flush toilets |
| Cart-In Sites | 20 | Cart-in (0.5–2 mi) | Between Day Hill & Lake Superior, tent pads, fire rings, bear lockers |
| Backpack Sites | 4 | Backpack/kayak | Some kayak-accessible, most remote |
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
Getting There
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.
⛺ Camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 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. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Statewide MN DNR policy: pets on 6-ft leash, attended; not allowed in buildings or on the beach. |
| Reservations | reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required. |
| Season notes | Shipwreck Creek Campground sites are seasonal drive-in; modern restrooms/showers at Shipwreck Creek. |
Camping questions about Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Can you camp at 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.
How do you reserve a campsite at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park?
reservemn.usedirect.com or 866-857-2757; vehicle permit required.
Are pets allowed at the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park campground?
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
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
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
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