{"status":"SUCCESS","message":"Normal execution.","timestamp":1790828518,"result":{"id":"spk00266","contact":{"email":"SplitRockLthouse.StatePark@state.mn.us","address":"3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
Two Harbors, MN 55616","fax":"","hours":"Daily office hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There may be times when staff are not available to have the office open during posted hours. Call ahead if you need to make sure the office is staffed during your visit. The office will sometimes be closed if staff are unavailable or need to briefly leave to attend to other needs.","phone":"218-595-ROCK (7625)"},"narratives":{"naturalist":["There is no full-time naturalist at this park; however, interpretive programs are offered occasionally during the summer months."],"landscape":["Hiking trails in the park connect with the magnificent Superior Hiking Trail. This trail parallels much of the Lake Superior coastline and passes by scenic waterfalls. Trails wind through beautiful stands of birch, spruce, fir, and ash trees. The winter landscape is also spectacular adding to the popularity of the cross-country ski trails."],"history":["In 1905, a punishing November gale (the kind Lake Superior is famous for), claimed the Edenborn and the Madiera (a barge the Edenborn was towing) as well as five other ships, within a dozen miles of the Split Rock River. The tragic sinking of these ships fueled the demand for a lighthouse. The fog signal building and lighthouse were completed in 1909 and commissioned one year later. For 59 years, the keepers at Split Rock warned ships away from the rock and treacherous North Shore with its 370,000-candlepower beacon. "," In 1971, the federal government deeded the lighthouse station to the State of Minnesota to be operated as a historic site. In 1976, the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) assumed operation of the site which included one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. "," On the southern end of the park, pilings from old wharf and dam can still be seen jutting out of the water at the mouth of the Split Rock River. From 1899 to 1906, the Merrill and Ring Lumber Company logged most of the original Norway and white pine from the area. During peak years, the company operated a short railroad up the river. The logs were carried down to the wharf and then placed on ships. \""],"geology":["The magnificent cliffs upon which the lighthouse is built are masses of anorthosite, an unusual igneous rock (formed from the molten state) that is made of the light-colored mineral plagioclase. Huge blocks of this rock were carried up from deep below the surface in molten diabase, a dark-colored rock which makes many of the hills and cliffs in the area, about 1.1 billion years ago. Dark basalt lava flows, formed at the same time, form much of the park's bedrock. Much later, starting about 2 million years ago, a series of glaciers scraped across the landscape, scouring out the Lake Superior basin and molding the hills and valleys of the uplands. Finally, water filled the now ice-free basin, and streams eroded the dramatic river valleys."],"wildlife":["Wildlife in the park includes a variety of small songbirds, herring gulls and common loons. Peregrine falcons have been spotted on their migration along the North Shore. Visitors are also treated to sightings of white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, raccoon, beaver, snowshoe hare, red fox, bobcat and lynx."],"introduction":["This park is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Perhaps best known for its historic lighthouse, this park offers numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can cart-in their supplies to pristine campsites along Lake Superior, or enjoy drive-in sites with electricity in the Shipwreck Creek Campground."," Scenic trails along the lake link up to the spectacular Superior Hiking Trail. Anglers cast their lines for lake trout, salmon, and brown trout. And the rocky beach is perfect for skipping stones into Lake Superior."]},"related_pages":[{"type":"pdf","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/split_rock_lighthouse/bird_checklist.pdf","title":"bird checklist"},{"type":"html","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/split_rock_lighthouse/vt_splitrock.html","title":"panoramic tour"},{"url":"https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/virtual_tour/split_rock_lighthouse/dialup.html","title":"snapshot tour","type":"html"},{"title":"Explore Minnesota profile","url":"https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/split-rock-lighthouse-state-park/8337","type":"html"}],"bbox":{"epsg:4326":[-91.431972,47.175635,-91.35176,47.221465]},"directory":"split_rock_lighthouse","trails":{"winter":[{"qualifier":"","type":"Snowshoe","notes":"Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station."},{"qualifier":"","notes":"Fat bikers, hikers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers share 8.2 miles of groomed trails. All trails are intermediate and begin at the trail center.","type":"Other"}],"summer":[{"notes":"The short, paved trail in picnic area runs 0.25 miles along the shoreline of Lake Superior","type":"Accessible","qualifier":""},{"notes":"The 6 miles of self-guided trail passes several historic points of interest. Ask for brochure at the ranger station.","type":"Self-Guided","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","notes":"About 3 miles of trail run along the lakeshore

5.8 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) passes through the park. These trails will treat you to many spectacular views of Lake Superior and northern hardwood forests with remnant red and white pine.","type":"Hiking"},{"qualifier":"","notes":"The park connects to 15 miles of the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail from Gooseberry lakeshore to the Beaver River in Beaver Bay. Parking and access are available at the trail center parking lot.","type":"Paved Bike"},{"qualifier":"","notes":"The park has 22 miles of unpaved bike trails that connect to Split Rock Wilds, managed by Lake County. Parking is available near Shipwreck Creek Campground.","type":"Unpaved Bike"}]},"adaptive_equipment":[{"qualifier":"","notes":"One all-terrain, electric powered chair that may be used on designated trails within the park.

","type":"All-Terrain Track Chair"}],"notes":"

Need a vehicle permit but the ranger station is closed?

If the ranger station is closed when you arrive, please purchase your permit online, or buy a one-day vehicle permit by following the instructions on the QR codes outside the ranger station. If you buy an online permit, write your confirmation number on any piece of paper and display it clearly on your dashboard while you are in the park.

Lighthouse tours

Split Rock Lighthouse is a Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) site and is not managed by the state park. There is a separate tour fee for the lighthouse. Construction on the lighthouse grounds began April 14, and will briefly limit tour hours and access. Get more details and updates at mnhs.org/splitrock, including a map of where to snap a great photo of the lighthouse.

Things to see and do here

Hike to the top of Day Hill, sit by the stone fireplace and enjoy the lake view. Walk along Pebble Beach, admire Ellingsen Island and snap a photo of the lighthouse. Here are more suggestions from park staff.

All-Terrain Track Chair

Track chairs are all-terrain, electric powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs are available to anyone who has a need and can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.

Track chair reservations can be made through mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling the park office. Available for use during staffed office hours only.

Firewood

Purchase firewood at the ranger station when it is open or pay using Yodel. Gathering firewood can spread tree-killing insects and is against state park rules. Protect our trees - please burn only approved firewood!

","hours_of_operation":"Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.","overnight_facilities":{"camping":[{"qualifier":"","notes":"The Shipwreck Creek Campground had 46 electric sites open seasonally, May - October. Most site parking pads are at least 70 feet long.

When you make your reservation, please doublecheck that you are reserving a campsite at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. There is also a Split Rock Creek State Park in southern Minnesota. Don't get the two mixed up!

","type":"Drive-in Sites"},{"notes":"The Shipwreck Creek Campground has three accessible drive-in sites with electric hookups. Sites 110 and 203 have elevated tent pads with a ramp. Site 314 does not have an elevated tent pad, but the entire site is packed, crushed gravel with no grass.

The cart-in campground has two accessible sites.

","type":"Accessible Sites","qualifier":""},{"notes":"The park has four backpack sites that range from 0.5 to 2 miles from the campground parking lot. Two of the sites are accessible by kayak from Lake Superior.","type":"Backpack Sites","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","type":"Cart-in Sites","notes":"

The park has 20 secluded cart-in sites 2,000 feet of the parking lot. Wheeled carts are available to haul gear and supplies to your campsite.

Carts are not available in the winter. A backpack or sled is recommended to haul gear during the winter months. Call the ranger station for questions.

"}],"lodging":[],"sanitation":[{"notes":"Accessible shower buildings are available seasonally in each campground.","type":"Showers","qualifier":""},{"notes":"Accessible flush toilets are available from May through early October in each campground. Year-round flush toilets are available in the Trail Center.","type":"Flush Toilets","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","notes":"Vault toilets are available year-round throughout the park.","type":"Vault Toilets"},{"qualifier":"","notes":"The dump station is available mid-May through October in the Shipwreck Creek Campground. There is also a potable water fill station in the same location.","type":"Dump Station"}]},"point":{"epsg:4326":[-91.368248,47.20565]},"amenities":[{"notes":"The ranger station is about one block off Highway 61. Stop here for park-specific information as well as information about the area.","type":"Ranger Station","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","notes":"Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Visitor Center is open May 15 - October 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 16 - May 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays.","type":"Visitor Center"},{"notes":"Exhibits, films and programs are conducted in the Minnesota Historical Society's Split Rock Lighthouse visitor center, which also includes a gift shop.","type":"Interpretive Exhibit","qualifier":""},{"type":"Historic Site","notes":"Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site is open May 15 - October 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October 16 - May 14, Lighthouse and historic buildings are closed. Visitor Center and Museum Store are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays.","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","type":"Tours","notes":"MN Historical Society Split Rock Lighthouse tours are available May 15 through Oct. 15."},{"type":"Gift Shop","notes":"The nature store in the ranger station has t-shirts, books, caps, postcards and other gift items.","qualifier":""},{"notes":"Birding kits and kids' discovery kits (activities and stories for ages 5-12) are free to check out from the ranger station.

Snowshoe rentals are available at the ranger station in the winter.

","type":"Rentals","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","notes":"Purchase firewood at the ranger station or through Yodel. Prevent the spread of tree-killing insects by burning only approved firewood. Gathering firewood in state parks is not allowed.","type":"Firewood"},{"qualifier":"","type":"Ice Sales","notes":"Ice is available May through October at the ranger station."}],"acres":2260,"maps":[{"type":"pdf","title":"campground","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00266_camp.pdf"},{"type":"pdf","title":"lighthouse area","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00266_lighthouse.pdf"},{"type":"pdf","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00266_summer.pdf","title":"summer"},{"url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00266_winter.pdf","title":"winter","type":"pdf"},{"type":"geopdf","url":"https://mobile-maps-files.dnr.state.mn.us/file/State_Parks/Split%20Rock%20Lighthouse%20Winter%20GEO.pdf","title":"winter"},{"url":"https://mobile-maps-files.dnr.state.mn.us/file/State_Parks/Split%20Rock%20Lighthouse%20Summer%20GEO.pdf","title":"summer","type":"geopdf"}],"alert":"","emt_id":8977,"recreation_facilities":{"water":[{"qualifier":"","type":"Canoe Access","notes":""}],"summer":[{"qualifier":"","type":"Picnic Area","notes":"The picnic area on the Lake Superior shoreline includes tables, fire rings and shelter buildings."},{"notes":"The enclosed shelter has restrooms, an outdoor patio and an indoor room that serves as a warming house in the winter. The other picnic shelter is smaller and open on all sides. Both are accessible and may be rented by calling the ranger station at 218-595-ROCK (7625).","type":"Picnic Shelter","qualifier":""}],"winter":[{"type":"Warming House","notes":"The trail center serves as a warming house.","qualifier":""}]},"directions":"Located about 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors on MN Highway 61.","name":"Split Rock Lighthouse State Park","seasonal_update":{"reservations":"All campsites are reservable. No first-come, first-serve sites. Reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 or by going online It is highly recommended that you make your reservations early, as campsites are in high demand and book quickly during the summer season.","trails":"The park has 12 miles of hiking trail and connections to the Superior Hiking Trail. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail also runs through the park, providing 15 miles of paved bike trail during the summer season. Mountain bikes are allowed on about 8 miles of park trail, and these trails become fat bike trails in the winter season. See link to park maps for more information.","water":"The Cart-in shower building and the Shipwreck Creek Campground shower building, campground, and potable water fill station have water on. Anticipated water off date is October 26th, 2026.","electric_sites":"46 electric campsites in Shipwreck Creek Campground are open.","rentals":"Borrow free equipment from the park office during open hours! We have an all-terrain trackchair that is free to use. Reservations are encouraged and can be done by calling the park office or by going online. Try bird watching or check out a kid's discovery kit about wildlife, campfire activities, or camping skills.","drinking_water":"The Cart-in shower building and the Shipwreck Creek Campground shower building, campground, and potable water fill station have water on. Anticipated water off date is October 26th, 2026.","programs":"Self-guided tours of the Split Rock Lighthouse historic site are available daily.The Lighthouse visitor center is open limited hours in the winter. Call the historic site for more information (218) 226-6372.","buildings":"","rvs":"Parking spurs vary in length, please check website. Campground is located on the inland side of Hwy 61, little or no lake view from the campsites.","bathrooms":"Flush toilets are located at our Trail Center, Shipwreck Creek shower building, and the Cart-in shower building. Vault toilets are available at Pebble Beach, the Diver's Lot, Cart-in Campground, and the Mountain Bike Trail Lot. Facilities are wheelchair accessible.","dump_station":"Dump and potable water fill station are open. Anticipated close date is 10/26/2026.","other":"","campgrounds":"Tentative water shut off and Shipwreck Creek Campground close date is 10/26/2026.","showers":"Showers are available at the Shipwreck Creek Campground shower building and the Cart-in shower building.","contact":"Daily office hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There may be times when staff are not available to have the office open during posted hours. Call ahead if you need to make sure the office is staffed during your visit. The office will sometimes be closed if staff are unavailable or need to briefly leave to attend to other needs."},"nearest_town":"Two Harbors","widgets":{"tripadvisor":{"review_rating_count":{"5":"187","2":"2","3":"15","4":"72","1":"3"},"write_review":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReview-g43583-d142988-Split_Rock_Lighthouse_State_Park-Two_Harbors_Minnesota.html?m=60688","num_reviews":"279","rating":"4.6","rating_image_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/4.5-60688-5.svg","web_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g43583-d142988-Reviews-Split_Rock_Lighthouse_State_Park-Two_Harbors_Minnesota.html?m=60688"}},"ta_id":"142988","highlights":["Lake Superior shoreline","Historic lighthouse tours","Mountain bike trail access","Waterfalls and scenic views","Rustic cart-in and backpack campsites","Drive-in electric sites in the new Shipwreck Creek Campground"]}}