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    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    4.5 (20 reviews)

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    Bob A.

    This review is based on a camping-specific visit in October, 2021. I booked one of the backpacking sites ("BP/K3") and had a very marvelous time. This is one beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors! This is one of several Minnesota State Parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Canadian border. You'd be forgiven for only knowing about the lighthouse as a tourist attraction. But the park itself is a favorite of many campers ("my favorite place on Earth" was a phrase used by a friend when I mentioned this upcoming trip). I totally get it. There are twenty cart-in campsites, where you park in a nearby parking lot instead of right at your site, and they are nicely spaced apart. The four backpacking sites are between 1 and 2 miles away from the parking lot. The trail I took to mine had some elevation variation, and even several flights of stairs. An alternate route on the map appears to be more straight, but since you're descending toward the shore of the lake there will still be some change in elevation either way. But it's worth it because camping right by the lake down there is amazing! I basically had this long rocky beach all to myself. The park also has some picnic tables set up in some pretty spots, as well as multiple sheltered picnic spots. One of them had fireplaces; I assume that must be reserved and rented. But there are enough free ones with views of the lake that you should consider having a picnic here on a day that you're also visiting the lighthouse. This isn't a sprawling park. Most of it clings to the shoreline, which means that even the most remote campsites are near the popular hiking trails and are within earshot of highway traffic. Even though I prefer to be more isolated, these factors won't stop me from getting excited to return to this stunning park for another camping trip.

    More "beach"
    Carolyn W.

    Views, views , views. Let me start by saying we haven't camped in years. Our first foray into MN state parks and we are hooked. All the campsites have mulch under the area for tents, the campfire ring have a swing grate to cook on, there is a food locker to store your food in for safety and all have a picnic table. The showers are free but push button and the timing is short but you can easily get cleaned up. The stocking of paper towels in the bathroom was poor but hey, it is the year of COVID. There are outhouses near the further campsites and they did have TP. IMO the best campsites are 13 and 17 for the views; 13 is really the best since it is closer to the main lot but 17 is a bit higher up and really worth the waking up and down to get there. While it is called Pebble Beach do not think it is an actually a beach. Those "pebbles" are an average of 6" in size. There is no putting towels down and lying on a beach! The water though is crystal clear, cool, and on a hot day so refreshing. If you have aqua socks that would be ideal. There are trails everywhere. So much to see. Bring heavy duty bug spray, mosquitoes are no joke. Keep your tent zipped tight to keep them out. Weekends, starting on Friday, are super busy and there will be lines for the lighthouse. Cell service is spotty so it is helpful if buy any permits etc prior to entry to the park.

    Lighthouse
    Susan K.

    Beautiful park on a sunny day. We hiked from the Light House to Split Rock Point and included the Day Hill, 6 miles. The park offers nice camping facilities, trails for all abilities, and nice cold water beaches. The fee structure is funny. You must pay $7 to the State and $8 to the Light house if you start from the Light House parking lot. We just paid the state.

    Lighthouse
    Michelle A.

    Our family stopped here MEA Thursday. I had been here years ago but our son had not been here. We purchased the yearly parking pass for $35, a no brainer as we would also be visiting other state parks. Gooseberry Falls was so packed, we couldn't find parking. The cost to lighthouse is $10 for adults. We watched a 20 minute movie about the construction construction of Split Rock as a way to prevent ship wrecks after 1905. I walked up to light itself as other family stayed below. Also walked in light keeper's house. The ladies at front desk were nice. Afterwards I went to Pebble Beach but did not see the lighthouse from there. Highly recommend. Beautiful place.

    Paige G.

    Oh how I love Spilt Rock Lighthouse. There is something magical about this place. I have been here twice and the beauty never gets old. I took my mom here over MEA weekend when she was visiting Minnesota. This was the highlight of her trip. There is free parking and a nice welcome center. You do have to pay to get in but students and seniors get a discount. The views are breathtaking if you walk down to the shore. There are a lot of stairs to climb up and down but it's worth it! One of my favorite places in Minnesota!

    Light house
    Caitlin U.

    This is a great place to take picture! The light house it Nice looking and has been properly maintain. They also have a lot of different hiking trails that you can walk around. Parking $7 a day or $35 for an annual state park pass. I definitely recommend having this on your to see list if you are in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

    View from the top
    Courtney R.

    Worth the trip up here from Duluth. Take the scenic highway 61 ride. Catch the video about the history of the lighthouse before taking the tour so you have the backstory. Breathtaking views of the north shore and fall trees. Good exhibit with history about the industrial revolution and early 1900s.

    Nick M.

    This state park is truly amazing. We happened to get what has to be the best camping site in the park, from which you can climb a little peak and sit on a bench overlooking the lake, the little island offshore, and take in great views of the Split Rock Lighthouse. This camping site was a cart-in site, but the distance was very manageable and the site was large and comfortable. You could easily pack in a lot of people. There are trails to hike and the pebble beach nearby is really cool. There is a nice shower building nearby and a large parking lot. We checked out some of the other cart-in sites and all looked really nice. I would definitely recommend this park to anyone, and if you're going to check out the Split Rock Lighthouse you may as well spend a night or two next door. This is one of the nicest parks I've been to in Minnesota and certainly one of the most unique and breathtaking, considering its location. It's very easy to get to from Duluth, or the Twin Cities.

    Nhina Y.

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is famous for its lighthouse. It's super pretty but overly crowded. I love the state park itself though and would recommend it! There's a trail along the lake to the lighthouse, pebble beach, and the famous view: the lighthouse from below. It's stunning! I've never camped here because it always gets busy but stopping by is a must. If you're a fan of hiking, pictures and the beach, definitely make your way to Split Rock. I'd say avoid the crowd if you can!

    Split Rock Light
    Richard F.

    This is a beautiful park with beautiful views of Lake Superior and Split Rock Light. We were just traveling through so we didn't have much time to spend. We have it on the list to return and spend more time.

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    Ask the Community - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    Is there handicap ficilities . I have difficulty going up and down stairs?

    I would give them a call (218) 595-7625. Like you see in the Yelp pic, there is a stairway going down to the lake. My hound, also has bad legs and there is a ramp/trail you can walk up but that too is steep as you can see with the lighthouse sitting… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

    You must pay $7 to the State and $8 to the Light house if you start from the Light House parking lot.

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    Tettegouche State Park

    Tettegouche State Park

    (34 reviews)

    Cart-in campsites are normally great and well taken care of, especially campsite H…read more We scooped up a campsite(H) and reserved it early on. We get to the site after pushing a full cart(with a messed up wheel) to find a dozen fallen trees that haven't been clean up, and a bunch of dry old rotting brush on the site, and the fire pit is needing to be cleaned out(its full) Site needs maintenance, bad, was really looking forward to our stay, and now just kinda disappointed.

    Tettegouche State Park yes what a worthwhile place to come for a visit! Tettegouche is located…read morealong North Shore Scenic Drive running up and down the Minnesota coast. For me...the star attraction is the hike to HIGH FALLS!!! You can never have enough waterfalls and these High Falls were fantastic! I highly recommend everyone make the trek to High Falls and take some time to appreciate the beautiful backdrop. First off, Tettegouche SP is sort of a hidden little park. When I arrived here, the parking lot was small and it appeared that I fortunately got the last available spot. I visited back in June around 9am and the park and trailhead had filled up. I read at the entrance sign that the trail to High Falls was 1.5 miles each way taking roughly 2 hours. I was able to arrive at High Falls in a little over 1 hour each way with a quick pace. I found the hike to be relatively difficult especially starting out and towards the end. Leaving the trailhead I did have to climb up and over some rocks and cliff areas that I wasn't expecting to be so rugged. I'd say the elevation along the way was pretty elevated at times. When you do arrive near High Falls, there's a sign that states you have to step down 83 stairs to the base. But not to fret...it's all worth it. Upon making it to High Falls, I found the setting to be spectacular! It was a sunny, brisk and pleasant morning for the start of summer. Also, there was zero wind. I was able to climb on the rocks for some great looking photos of this 63 foot tall waterfall along the banks of the Baptism River. High Falls splashed down the cliffside and is sort of divided, making the appearance you're gazing out upon two unique looking waterfalls. Really, in total, it was a beautiful scene. If you don't mind taking your shoes off you can certainly step onto the waters for closer views up to High Falls. You can cross the river for different perspectives. I was really impressed with the surroundings at High Falls. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and as I always point out...I got fortunate with the sun being at my back and allowing for picturesque photo opportunities. On the side next to the trail you can climb safely up to the falls. For me, I was content getting a panoramic view from the riverside area. I simply took a seat on the rocks and had High Falls in plain clear sight for one grand magical moment. I hung out for 45 minutes. Eventually it filled up with hikers. For the time I was there though, I was appreciative for looking at such a pretty waterfall. Also at these High Falls, there was a sign for the Two Step Falls Access. I tried to decipher where this access lead towards but unfortunately I never discovered anything worthwhile. For those wanting more out of their time here you can connect to the Superior Hiking Trail. There were signs for it. Another worthwhile spot was Shovel Point. According to the entrance sign, if you follow the cliff line trail to Shovel Point, you're afforded views of the world's largest freshwater lake. Finally, you can also hike to Tettegouche Camp where you can reserve a cabin in advance and stay overnight in nature. Or it's mentioned that you can simply picnic in the lodge or canoe Mic Mac Lake. My experience here at Tettegouche State Park was fulfilling. Getting the chance to hike to High Falls for fantastic photo chances was memorable. I left feeling satisfied and grateful for taking a few hours out of my summer morning to visit. I highly recommend stopping here during your travels along North Shore Scenic Drive. I've become a waterfall enthusiast and believe if you make the 1.5 mile trek each way, you will not be disappointed with the sights and surroundings of this 5 star attraction.

    Agate Bay Beach - The walking path to the lighthouse is what makes Agate Bay worthwhile.

    Agate Bay Beach

    (3 reviews)

    Agate Bay Beach sits beside the waterfront town of Two Harbors, Minnesota…read more First off, the town of Two Harbors, MN is a worthwhile stop to make while driving along the popular 150-mile North Shore Scenic Drive up the northeastern part of Minnesota's coast. Here at Agate Bay, you can pause to appreciate the setting viewing onto the endless waters of Lake Superior. The big highlight is walking on a cement pathway that extends out to a remote lighthouse observation point. This pedestrian strip only takes 10 minutes to walk, but it affords you a picturesque overlook into the wide-open appearance of Lake Superior. You can breathe in the fresh air while making the stroll over to the lighthouse and ultimately, coming to Agate Bay allows for a casual rest from driving, if you're not in any hurry. While visiting back in early June, there were a couple of cars parked in the lot and just a few tourists checking out this cool little beachfront. Generally, it was quiet and not nearly as congested as I had anticipated it to be for peak summer visitations. The historic lighthouse at the end of the beach pier is a rewarding opportunity for a picture with Lake Superior in the background. Lol, it made me ponder...how many of the 5 Great Lakes had I been to??? But overall, it's a pleasant moment outside. And definitely, making the journey on North Shore Scenic Drive is the epitome of enjoying nature, with loads of beautiful state parks and gushing waterfalls. Lastly, located just before the walking pier, they have a few picnic tables set up which is a nice chance to enjoy lunch with a view. From here at Agate Bay, I'd suggest grabbing dessert 3 miles away at Betty's Pies before spending time at fantastic MUST DO - Gooseberry Falls State Park.

    Good spot to walk all the way down to the lighthouse with the kids. Very windy the day we wentread more

    Meyers Beach- Bayfield Sea Caves

    Meyers Beach- Bayfield Sea Caves

    (4 reviews)

    We hiked the Lakeshore Trail from the Meyers Beach parking lot. (National Park Service. $5 parking…read morefee; $2.50 if you have a Senior Pass or Access Pass. May, 2023). As noted by others, this is a launch point for kayaks to launch for views of the sea caves and cliffs. We were at this location twice in late May, 2023, and national park Rangers were there on both days (Wednesday, Friday) ensuring that kayakers were prepared for the rough and cold waters, and to provide guidance to hikers. There are clean vault toilets at the location. Regarding the Lakeshore Hike, we did about 2.2 miles of the hike, returning on the same trail to make it about 4.4 miles roundtrip. The trail continues to a campground site (I believe NPS reservations are required) but we didn't go that far. The first 1.8 miles are largely inland, without views of Lake Superior. Of this segment, the first 0.7 miles are almost completely on a double plank boardwalk that goes over swampy land in parts. It requires some stepping up and down on planks, following terrain changes. After you cross a service road at 0.7 miles, the trail alternates between plank boards and regular trails. As you approach the crevasse at 1.8 miles, there are quite a few ascents and descents wherein you go down to a stream-bed and then back up. Some of these are steep but have logs to help with footing. The stream crossings all had sturdy boards or bridges to cross. At 1.8 miles, you reach the crevasse area with views of Lake Superior. Take a look on both sides to see sea caves and the deep crevasse. There are benches here too so it made a great lunch spot. Be careful not to get too close to the edges. It's a long way down! Beyond the crevasse, walk another 0.4 miles to the "basin". This stretch is relatively easy (flat) walking with spectacular views. My husband, who has been hiking in the Himalayas recently, found the entire trail to be easy. For me, I'd characterize it as moderately challenging. On the positive side, there is very little elevation change, so I wasn't huffing and puffing. However, I have balance issues, so I didn't particularly like the footing for the ascents/descents to the stream beds nor all of the roots on the trail. Some of the steps up and down, even on the boardwalk, were also a bit too high for my short legs! Having walked with hiking poles and an occasional hand from my husband helped. Finally, remember bug spray. The mosquitoes are active. 4-star rating overall instead of 5 due to distance required to walk to get views of the sea caves and mosquitoes. 5 stars for the Park Service.

    You have to come check out the sea caves on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Meyers beach is the…read morelaunching point for kayaks. It's also the location for the hiking trail. The views from the water are beautiful! I highly recommend the water instead of the walking trail. There are multiple vendors you can rent kayaks and wet suits from. You can even take a guided tour. We personally, have our own kayaks and decided to do our own trip. The DNR do sit at the beach and give you the whole spiel on safety and risks. It is recommended to use sea kayaks due to the rough waters of Lake Superior. We have used normal lake kayaks and used good judgement on the water/ weather conditions. Both times were just fine on the normal kayaks. Just be careful. The waters are freezing all year-round and if you do go overboard near the caves there's no good spot to pull off. Check out my pics of the stunning caves!

    Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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