Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is another popular North Shore state park. Home to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, the state park offers visitors a unique and historic experience. Although the lighthouse and state park are operated separately, most visitors take the time to enjoy both. However, there are many things to do at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, besides visiting the lighthouse!

Our Favorite Things to Do at Split Rock State Park

1. Visit the Pebble Beach: Pack a bag with a light lunch or just head down to the beach to skip some rocks. The beach provides excellent views of the lighthouse and is a great place to dip your toes in the water.

2. Bike the Gitchi-Gami State Trail: A four-mile section of the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail lies within the park. From the trail, you’ll find a great view of the Middle Falls waterfall. You will also catch a glimpse of the Upper and Lower Falls.

3. Hike the Split Rock River Loop Trail: With 12 miles of hiking trails within the park, there are many areas to explore. One noteworthy hike is the Split Rock River Loop Trail which has unique red rhyolite rock towers near the boundary of the park and a beautiful overlook of Lake Superior and the river valley on the east side of the trail.

4. Grab Some Binoculars and Go Birding: This is an excellent place for birding, especially in the spring and fall months when many birds migrate along the shore of Lake Superior on what is known as the North Shore Birding Trail.  Split Rock State Park has been designated an Audubon Important Bird Area because of the presence of Peregrine Falcon aeries (nests). When you’re at the park, be sure to bring along a copy of the Split Rock State Park Bird Checklist in hopes that you can check off the Peregrine Falcon and many other birds.

More Info

Want to learn more about this fabulous state park? Check out the Exploring the North Shore guide. This guide goes more in-depth with camping availability, accessibility, and hours/seasonality.

Getting There

Located 20 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61 at 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors. Signs along the highway will direct you to the park entrance.  There is a fee to get into the lighthouse area so be sure to stop at the history center to pay before heading in.

 

Not able to make the trip to see the Lighthouse in person?  Worry not!  I ran the whole thing to create a 6-minute speed tour of the entire Split Rock Lighthouse grounds.  Enjoy!