Split Rock Lighthouse is the second MN State Park as you head north on Hwy 61 from Duluth along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This state park includes Pebble Beach, a fantastic beach full of small, flat, smooth rocks, absolutely perfect for skipping. There is a hike up to the lighthouse, or you can drive to a second parking lot right next to the lighthouse.

The best long hike in the park is Split Rock River, which takes off from a small unmarked parking lot 2.5 miles south of the main park entrance. This trail goes past the namesake “split rock” and several small waterfalls which occur in the Split Rock River. The trail ends with views high in the bluffs of the park overlooking the valleys and Lake Superior.