Split Rock Lighthouse

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Hiking at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

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.

Planning a Trip to the North Shore

Planning a Trip to the North Shore

From Jay Cooke to Duluth and up to the Canadian Border, these are my favorite places to stop along Lake Superior’s North Shore of Minnesota off of MN-61. Included are favorite hikes at Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Temperance River, Cascade, George Crosby Manitou, Judge Magney, Grand Portage, and the Superior Hiking Trail. See amazing waterfalls, sea caves, spend time on the beach, skip rocks, hike to incredible overlooks, and canoe through lakes clean enough to drink from.