Split Rock Lighthouse

Visited on: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Cost: $15.00
Split Rock Lighthouse
Text reads: "Exploring the Unexpected" in bold green letters on a beige background, like the first page of a travel journal.

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Exploring Minnesota – Virginia, Ely, International Wolf Center, & Split Rock Lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse, perched atop a 130-foot cliff on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, is one of the most picturesque and historically significant lighthouses in the United States. Commissioned in 1910 by the United States Lighthouse Service, it was constructed in response to the infamous “Mataafa Storm” of 1905, which wreaked havoc on Lake Superior, leading to numerous shipwrecks and a significant loss of life and cargo. The lighthouse was designed by Ralph Russell Tinkham and built using local materials, including native Minnesota stone, giving it a distinctive and enduring presence.

I was excited about visiting and learning. I had only been to one lighthouse on Lake Superior in Walker, MN, which was more decorative than functional.

I knew it was gonna be a good day when I rolled into the parking lot and saw this awesome bumper sticker on a truck from Kansas.

A camper van parked in a lot has an image of a smiling man next to the text, "Camping without beer is just sitting in the woods." The van has a Kansas license plate "681 PJM". Nearby, trees and cars are visible under a clear sky, suggesting a calm day.

After walking through the museum, which was quite enjoyable, I headed out to the lighthouse itself. It’s an iconic view, even from this perspective as you walk toward the cliff and the lighthouse..

A scenic view of a lighthouse partially obscured by lush greenery and trees. In the foreground, there's a wooden sign with text, and nearby, a building with a red-tiled roof. The sky is clear and blue, enhancing the natural and serene setting.

As I walked towards the lighthouse, a second building came into view. While the lighthouse is the main draw, this building housed the critical foghorns that would blast sounds out to see when the fog was too thick for sailors to see the light from the lighthouse.

Lighthouse with a blue top on rocky terrain, accompanied by a brick building with a red roof. A paved path leads to stairs between them. Trees and grass are in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. Benches and people are scattered around the scene.

The foghorns at Split Rock Lighthouse were an essential component of the maritime safety system designed to assist vessels navigating the often fog-enshrouded waters of Lake Superior. Given the lake’s notorious reputation for unpredictable weather and dense fog, these foghorns provided an invaluable auditory signal to mariners who could not rely on visual cues from the lighthouse’s beam alone. Situated strategically to complement the lighthouse, the foghorns emitted powerful, low-frequency blasts that could travel great distances, alerting ships to the perilous rocky shores they might not otherwise see.

A small beige brick building with a red roof and two large horns on top sits on a paved area. A couple of people sit on a bench outside. A fenced pathway leads to an overlook with a view of the blue sky and distant water. Trees are in the background.
A sign titled "Fog Signal" displays a black-and-white photo of a historical maritime fog signal apparatus. It features large wheels, pipes, and a steam piston engine. The sign is mounted inside a brick building, with text explaining the equipment’s purpose and history.

The operation of these foghorns involved some fascinating technology of their time. Initially powered by steam and later by more modern means, the foghorns produced sounds that were not only loud but also distinct in pattern. This allowed sailors to differentiate between various navigational aids along the coast, ensuring they could chart their courses safely even under the cover of thick fog.

Although advances in technology have reduced reliance on traditional foghorns, they remain an iconic part of Split Rock Lighthouse’s history. When visiting, one can almost hear the deep, resonant tones echoing across the waters, a reminder of a bygone era when these sounds were a lifeline to sailors braving the vast and often unforgiving lake.

A lighthouse with a beige brick facade stands on a cliff overlooking a body of water under a partly cloudy sky. Three large foghorns are mounted on the building beside it. A few people are walking and standing on the pathway near the lighthouse, facing the scenic view.

By the walkway near the hoist house, chalk marks a location where an iconic photograph of the Split Rock Lighthouse can be taken.

A cracked pavement with a chalk drawing of an "X" and the words "PHOTO HERE (SQUAT)" written below. The shadow of a person holding a camera and the tips of blue sneakers are visible at the bottom. Shadows from railings are cast across the scene.

And yes, I squatted and here’s the result.

A tall lighthouse with a brick exterior and large glass windows stands against a sky filled with wispy clouds. The lighthouse features a black metal top and is part of a larger structure. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, creating a serene backdrop.

That is a cool picture, but I kinda liked the selfies a little bit better.

In the foreground, a man with curly hair and glasses smiles, wearing a black T-shirt. Behind him is Split Rock Lighthouse, with its wide base and black dome. The sky is partly cloudy, with a view of the ocean and distant greenery.
Smiling man with curly hair and glasses wearing a black T-shirt stands near a brick lighthouse under a partly cloudy sky. The lighthouse features a glass lantern room and is situated near a body of water. A beige building with a red-framed window is on the right.

Of course, I did head upstairs in the lighthouse. However, I didn’t take any pictures, only videos which you can view in Exploring Minnesota – Virginia, Ely, International Wolf Center, & Split Rock Lighthouse.

After visiting the lighthouse, I headed over to the light keepers home to explore the period restoration and artifacts at that location.

View of two-story brick houses with red roofs and dormers, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky. A pathway runs alongside the houses, flanked by benches. The area is serene with a forested backdrop, partially cloudy skies, and a well-kept grassy lawn.
A house with a red roof sits atop a green, tree-covered cliff overlooking a calm body of water. The sky is partly cloudy, and a rocky shoreline is visible in the distance. Dense forest surrounds the area, creating a serene and secluded atmosphere.
Sign titled "Home Away From Home" at Split Rock Lighthouse describes early 1900s keeper homes, construction, and living conditions. Includes an old black-and-white photo of families in front of the houses. Sign positioned on grass.
A vintage desk with an old typewriter, documents, and framed photos. An oil lamp with a pink shade sits on the desk. A wooden chair is pulled out. The desk is by a light-colored wall, and wood flooring surrounds it. A broom and dustpan rest nearby.

The typewriter sitting on the desk was probably one of the best typewriter ever built – of course, the Oliver typewriter.

Overhead view of an antique Oliver typewriter with a unique lever action design on a wooden surface. The keys are round and labeled in black and white. Nearby, there's a vintage Dust-Tex box and a "Please Refrain from Touching" sign. A document lies to the side.
An antique Edison phonograph with a wooden case is displayed on a wooden table covered with a lace doily. The lid is open, revealing a blue cylinder for recording or playback. A small informational card is placed in front of it. A partially visible photo is on the left.
An antique Singer sewing machine with ornate floral designs sits on a wooden table. A checkered fabric is positioned under the needle. Behind it, there's a vintage black-and-white photograph and a sign requesting not to touch the artifacts. A jar is filled with buttons on the left.
A cozy, vintage bedroom with green walls features a wooden bed adorned with a colorful patchwork quilt. A wooden dresser with a mirror holds various items. A rocking chair sits by a window with lace curtains. A trunk is at the bed's foot, and a patterned rug covers the floor.

Walking Around Split Rock Lighthouse Grounds

I spent some time walking around the grounds at the top of the cliff. To say the views were picturesque would be an understatement. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty of this setting, especially when playing with my camera and trying to capture the scene.

Scenic view of a rocky coastline with lush green trees on the left, jutting into a calm, blue lake under a partly cloudy sky. The water near the shore is clear, revealing submerged rocks. The horizon meets with the vast expanse of blue sky and distant green hills.
Rugged cliffside overlooking a calm, vast body of water under a partly cloudy sky. The cliff is covered with dense green trees and shrubs. Clear, emerald water is visible below, revealing submerged rocks near the shore. Red flowers and green foliage frame the foreground.
View from a cliff overlooking a clear, blue body of water. The water transitions from deep blue to turquoise near the shore. Large rocks are visible beneath the water's surface. Green foliage and trees frame the foreground of the image on the right side.
A scenic view of a calm blue lake with a distant shoreline under a blue sky with white clouds. In the foreground, green leaves and clusters of red berries hang from a tree on the left. The horizon is clear, and there is a small, forested hill on the left side of the lake.
Cliffside view overlooking a vast, calm body of water under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Lush green trees and shrubbery cover the cliff, with some reddish berries in the foreground. The clear water reveals submerged rocks near the cliff, creating a picturesque natural scene.
Sign titled "The Gales of November" features an illustration of a ship facing rough waters with waves crashing against it. Text describes a 1905 storm on the Great Lakes, shipwrecks, and the Split Rock Lighthouse's construction. Lush greenery surrounds the sign.
A serene coastal scene featuring a vast expanse of blue water under a partly cloudy sky. Lush green foliage with touches of red frames the foreground, while a distant, tree-covered peninsula extends into the water. The horizon line blends softly with the sky.
Sign explaining the Steam Engine Hoist at Split Rock Lighthouse. Includes a historic photo of a steam engine and derrick with text about its use in 1909 to transport materials for lighthouse construction. Background shows greenery and part of the old building's foundation.
Cracked stone path with lush green bushes, overlooking a calm, blue sea under a partly cloudy sky. The image captures the contrast between the textured foreground and the smooth, expansive water in the background.

Heading to the Beach

It would’ve been easy to spend a couple more hours snapping pictures and enjoying the setting. But I knew there was so much more to see once I walked down the trail through the forest to the top of the Tramway and took the stairs to the beach.

A small building with yellow brick walls and a red roof sits on a stone foundation in a forest. It has a closed, double blue door. Tall green trees, including pines and birches, surround the building under a partly cloudy sky.
A historical sign titled "Tramway" features an old black-and-white photo of a tramway track on a steep hill with a small building at the base and large rocks in the background. The text explains the tramway's use in 1916 for lighthouse supplies. The background shows greenery.
Wooden stairs descend through a lush forest with a mix of green and some red-tinted foliage, suggesting early autumn. Rocks and dense undergrowth line the path, leading to a distant view of a lake under a partly cloudy sky.

The tramway at Split Rock Lighthouse was a vital logistical component in the early operations of the lighthouse. Installed during its construction in 1910, the tramway was the primary means of transporting supplies and materials from the shore the lighthouse perched high on the cliff.

Given the remote location and the steep, rugged terrain, traditional transportation methods were impractical, making the tramway an ingenious solution to a challenging problem.

This inclined railway system was powered initially by a hoist engine and later by a gasoline engine. It could haul heavy loads, including fuel, building materials, and provisions needed for the lighthouse keepers and their families.

The tramway consisted of a rail track running from a dock at the water’s edge to the top of the cliff, where a small platform allowed for unloading. It played a crucial role not only during construction but also in the regular resupply missions necessary to keep the lighthouse operational.

The tramway remained in use until 1934, when a new access road was built that allowed trucks to deliver supplies directly to the site. Today, remnants of this tramway can still be seen, offering visitors a glimpse into the ingenuity required to maintain such a remote and essential navigational aid.

About halfway down the staircase, there’s a viewing platform where you can stop and see the lighthouse. There was a family snapping pictures on the platform when I arrived. I waited for a while, and then they headed on down, and I spent some time trying to capture the perfect photo and, of course, a selfie or two.

Lighthouse perched on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Superior, surrounded by lush green trees. The sky is partly cloudy, and the water reflects the blue of the sky, creating a serene and picturesque landscape. Rocky shorelines are visible leading up to the cliff.
Lighthouse perched on a rocky cliff, surrounded by greenery. The structure features a round tower with a black top and a beige base, attached to a rectangular yellow building. The sky above is mostly clear with light clouds.
Rocky cliff beside a calm, blue body of water. The cliffside is rugged with visible layers, and large rocks at its base extend into the water. Green foliage on the right contrasts with the earthy tones of the cliff. The sky is clear with a light blue hue, suggesting a serene day.
The image shows a lighthouse perched atop a rugged cliff overlooking a large body of water under a partly cloudy blue sky. The structure is tan with a black dome and is surrounded by greenery. The cliff is steep and rocky, providing a dramatic contrast against the calm sky.
A lighthouse sits atop a rugged cliff overlooking a calm, expansive body of water. The cliff is surrounded by dense green foliage, with trees framing the scene. The sky is partly cloudy, casting soft light over the landscape, creating a serene and picturesque view.
A person with curly hair, glasses, and a smile stands in the foreground. Behind them, a lighthouse sits on a cliff overlooking a large body of water. The scene is surrounded by lush green trees, and the sky is partly cloudy and blue.
A person with curly hair and glasses smiles while taking a selfie. They are standing on a trail surrounded by lush green trees. In the background, a lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking a calm body of water under a partially cloudy sky.

As I neared the bottom of the staircase, I could hear the happy sounds of the family. I had waited for on the platform above. This is a state park, and you can swim in the lake as these kids were happily doing.

Four people explore rocky terrain by the ocean. Two individuals stand near the water's edge, and two sit on the rocks. The water is calm. Green foliage frames the foreground. The group appears relaxed, enjoying the natural setting.

When I reached the shoreline, I did like most people and clicked away, trying to capture the grandeur of this picturesque location.

A scenic view of a rocky lakeshore with people exploring the rocks by the water. A lighthouse is perched atop a cliff on the left. Lush greenery surrounds the area under a partly cloudy sky. The tranquil water stretches to the horizon, blending with the blue sky.
A lighthouse perched atop a steep, rocky cliff overlooks a vast expanse of calm water under a blue sky dotted with wispy clouds. The rugged cliff is partially covered with green foliage, creating a striking contrast with the serene waters and sky.
A lighthouse stands atop a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Below, the edge of a calm blue sea is visible. The sky is partly cloudy, with a mix of blue and white clouds, creating a bright, serene setting. Verdant bushes frame the foreground.
A rugged coastline with large rocks leads to a steep, tree-covered cliff. Atop the cliff, a lighthouse stands prominently against a partly cloudy sky. The calm, clear water of the sea stretches into the distance, reflecting the greenery and rocks along the shore.

How amazingly cool is this? I managed to catch a sailboat in a few photos of the lighthouse!

A lighthouse sits atop a steep, rocky cliff covered in greenery on the left. The vast, calm blue water of a lake extends to the right, where a small sailboat is visible in the distance. The sky above is partly cloudy with patches of blue.
A lighthouse sits atop a rugged cliff overlooking a calm body of water. The cliff is steep and rocky, with the lighthouse perched near the edge. A small sailboat is visible in the distance on the water. The sky is lightly clouded, creating a serene coastal scene.

Beyond its practical function, Split Rock Lighthouse is an iconic symbol of the North Shore. Its scenic location, combined with its architectural beauty, attracts tourists from all over the country and the world.

Even after decommissioning in 1969, it remains a popular tourist attraction and is now part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The lighthouse’s legacy is celebrated annually on November 10th when its beacon is lit to commemorate the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and all lives lost on the Great Lakes.

Throughout its history, Split Rock Lighthouse has not only illuminated the waters of Lake Superior but also left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural and economic landscape.

Signage From Inside The Foghorn Building

Several informative signs were displayed inside the foghorn building. If you’re using a computer browser, you can write click on the image and open it in a new tab to zoom into the image.

Informational sign titled "Shipping" featuring a map of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Includes text about lock systems, the Twin Ports, and two harbors. Illustrations of lock mechanisms and a photo of a ship in a lock are shown. The background is a brick wall.
Informational board titled "Edmund Fitzgerald" featuring text about the ship's history and sinking. Includes a map of its route on the Great Lakes, two images of the ship in different conditions, and a quote from Captain Jesse Cooper. The board is framed in wood.
A display board titled "Fresnel Lens" details the history and function of the lens. It includes text, diagrams, and a historical photograph. The board is framed in wood and supported by a black metal stand, positioned under a sunlit, triangular ceiling. A sign with "61" is partially visible.
A historical display titled "Supplying the Station" with text on lighthouse logistics, featuring four black and white images: a steamship, a crane operating on a barge, a lighthouse beside a shack, and a man standing by a small structure. The board is mounted on a wooden frame.
An informational display titled "Building a Lighthouse" includes text about the construction of a lighthouse, historical challenges, and what preceded it. Below are three black-and-white photos showing construction stages and an image of a partially built lighthouse framework.
A poster titled "Lighthouse Blueprint" is displayed on a white brick wall. It features a technical drawing of a lighthouse structure with detailed annotations about its design. The text provides information on the lighthouse’s construction and purpose.

Even More Lighthouse Photos

When you’re snapping away, it’s easy to say I’ll pick the best of these photos later. Well, I said and did that, but I still ended up with so many excellent pictures of this iconic lighthouse. So I’m just tossing them down here at the end of this post.

A tall brick lighthouse with a black metal top stands under a partly cloudy sky. It is next to a low building. The ocean is visible in the background, and several people are walking around the lighthouse area, with some looking out at the ocean.
A lighthouse sits atop a steep rocky cliff overlooking a calm, expansive body of water. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue. Dense green foliage surrounds the area, framing the lighthouse and water, creating a serene, natural landscape.
Lighthouse atop a rocky cliff, against a blue sky with scattered clouds. The lighthouse is tan with a black lantern room. Greenery surrounds its base. People are visible near the structure, suggesting a viewing area. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and scenic beauty.
The image depicts a lighthouse perched on a rocky cliff with lush greenery at the base. The sky is mostly clear with a few scattered clouds. The lighthouse is cylindrical with a light at the top, positioned against a backdrop of blue sky and serene landscape.
The image shows a lighthouse perched on a steep cliff. The structure is beige with a black top, surrounded by trees and greenery. A vast blue sky with few clouds serves as the backdrop, giving a serene and scenic atmosphere to the landscape.
A man wearing glasses and a black shirt with a colorful graphic stands on a lush, tree-lined cliff overlooking a rocky shoreline. In the distance, a lighthouse stands atop another cliff. The sky is partly cloudy, and the ocean is calm, reflecting the blue of the sky.
A lighthouse perches atop a rocky cliff on the left, surrounded by trees. Below, calm blue water stretches to the horizon, where a small sailboat is visible under a partly cloudy sky. The scene conveys a tranquil, coastal atmosphere.
A lighthouse stands atop a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery. The cliff overlooks a calm body of water under a clear blue sky. The foreground features rocky waters, while the lighthouse is positioned prominently on the right side of the image.
A lighthouse sits atop a rugged cliff surrounded by lush green trees, overlooking a calm, expansive body of water. The sky is mostly clear with wispy clouds. The rocky shoreline leads to the clear blue horizon, creating a serene coastal landscape.
A lighthouse stands atop a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green trees, overlooking a calm body of water. In the foreground, large rocks and pebbles line the shoreline. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue visible. The scene conveys a serene, natural coastal landscape.
A lighthouse sits atop a rugged cliff surrounded by lush green trees on the left. The vast expanse of calm water extends to the horizon beneath a cloudy blue sky. Large rocks are scattered in the foreground water, while the lighthouse overlooks the tranquil scene.
A lighthouse stands atop a steep, rocky cliff, surrounded by dense greenery. Below, calm waters stretch out, reflecting the blue sky dotted with clouds. In the distance, a sailboat is visible, adding to the serene coastal scene.
A man with curly hair wearing glasses and a colorful Rasta-inspired alien T-shirt T-shirt smiles for a selfie by a lake. Behind him, a rocky cliff with lush green trees rises, topped by a lighthouse. The sky is mostly cloudy with patches of blue. The calm water reflects the serene landscape.
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From: Minnesota
Filed Under: Architectural Fascination, Discovered Treasures, State Historic Sites, State Parks
Journal Entry Tags:
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