Split Rock Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark perched dramatically on the cliffs of Minnesota’s North Shore, offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Planning a visit to this iconic beacon is essential to fully appreciate its beauty and historical significance. This guide provides detailed information on Split Rock Lighthouse’s hours, admission fees, and seasonal access, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this must-see Minnesota attraction.
Seasonal Hours and Admission at Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse operates on a seasonal schedule, with varying hours and access depending on the time of year. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your visit:
Winter (January 1 – February 28, 2025)
During the winter months, Split Rock Lighthouse offers a serene and quieter experience. While the interiors of the lighthouse and historic buildings are closed, the visitor center and grounds remain open, allowing you to appreciate the stark beauty of the North Shore in winter.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Admission: Free
Enjoy a peaceful winter walk around the grounds and soak in the views of frozen Lake Superior. The visitor center provides exhibits and information to enhance your understanding of the lighthouse’s history even during the off-season.
March 1 – March 31, 2025
As spring approaches, Split Rock Lighthouse begins to open up more of its historic site. In March, visitors with a grounds pass can explore the visitor center, fog signal building, and the historic grounds. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, the Keeper’s Tour provides access to the lighthouse and keeper’s house.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Admission:
- Grounds Pass: $8 (Free for MNHS members) – Includes access to the visitor center, historic grounds, and fog signal building.
- Keeper’s Tour: $25/$20 for MNHS members – A private 60-minute guided tour of the historic site, including the lighthouse and keeper’s house.
- Children ages 4 and under: Free
The Keeper’s Tour is offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, providing a more personalized and detailed exploration of the lighthouse complex.
April 1 – May 21, 2025
During this period, Split Rock Lighthouse focuses on its visitor center and museum store. The Historic Site is closed, meaning there is no access to any historic buildings during this time due to ongoing projects.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Admission: Free
While the historic buildings are inaccessible, the visitor center remains open to provide context and exhibits about the lighthouse’s history and the surrounding area. Please note that the site will be closed on April 12, 2025, for staff training.
May 22 – June 22, 2025
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, Split Rock Lighthouse expands its offerings. Visitors with a grounds pass can once again explore the visitor center, fog signal building, and historic grounds. Access to the lighthouse and keeper’s house becomes available through both the Keeper’s Tour and General Admission on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Grounds Pass only) |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Grounds Pass only) |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Grounds Pass only) |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Grounds Pass only) |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Admission:
- Grounds Pass: $8 (Free for MNHS members)
- General Admission (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday):
- Adults: $15
- Seniors/Veterans and active military/College Students (ID required): $12
- Students (ages 5-17): $8
- MNHS members: Free
- Keeper’s Tour: $25/$20 for MNHS members
- Children ages 4 and under: Free
The Keeper’s Tour is offered at 9:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Online ticket purchases are available for General Admission, Keeper’s Tour, and special events, but not for Grounds Passes. Online ticket sales end the day before at midnight.
Summer and Early Fall (June 23 – October 20, 2025)
This is peak season at Split Rock Lighthouse, with all historic buildings open for exploration. The visitor center, museum store, and historic grounds, including the iconic lighthouse itself, are fully accessible.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
Admission:
- Grounds Pass: $8 (Free for MNHS members)
- General Admission:
- Adults: $15
- Seniors/Veterans and active military/College Students (ID required): $12
- Students (ages 5-17): $8
- MNHS members: Free
- Keeper’s Tour: $25/$20 for MNHS members
- Children ages 4 and under: Free
Enjoy the full Split Rock Lighthouse experience during these months, exploring the keeper’s house, climbing the lighthouse tower (with General Admission or Keeper’s Tour), and immersing yourself in the stories of lighthouse keepers and maritime history. The Keeper’s Tour is offered at 9:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Late Fall (October 21, 2025 – January 1, 2026)
As autumn transitions into winter, Split Rock Lighthouse returns to a grounds pass and Keeper’s Tour access model. The visitor center, fog signal building, and historic grounds remain open with a grounds pass. Access to the lighthouse and keeper’s house is available exclusively through the Keeper’s Tour.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Admission:
- Grounds Pass: $8 (Free for MNHS members)
- Keeper’s Tour: $25/$20 for MNHS members
- Children ages 4 and under: Free
Beginning October 26th, the Keeper’s Tour is offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that Split Rock Lighthouse is closed on several holidays during this period, including Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (November 27), and Christmas holidays (December 22-25). It will be open from December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026.
Ticket Options and Membership Benefits
Split Rock Lighthouse offers several admission options to cater to different interests and budgets:
- Grounds Pass: Provides access to the visitor center, historic grounds, and fog signal building. Ideal for those who want to explore the outdoor areas and learn about the lighthouse from the visitor center exhibits.
- General Admission: Includes access to all historic buildings, including the lighthouse tower (when available seasonally), the keeper’s house, and the fog signal building, in addition to the visitor center and grounds. This is the best option for a comprehensive experience during peak season.
- Keeper’s Tour: A private, guided tour offering an in-depth exploration of the lighthouse and keeper’s house. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those wanting a more personalized experience.
Becoming a Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) member offers free admission to Split Rock Lighthouse and other MNHS sites, along with other benefits. Split Rock Lighthouse also participates in the Museums for All program, offering free admission to those with EBT cards, and Museums on Us, providing free admission for Bank of America cardholders on specific weekends.
Get tickets to secure your visit in advance, especially for Keeper’s Tours and during peak season.
Plan Your Visit for the Best Experience
To ensure a memorable visit to Split Rock Lighthouse:
- Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, admission fees, and any potential closures or program changes, especially due to the ongoing construction project.
- Consider the season when planning your trip to determine what parts of the site will be accessible.
- Purchase tickets online in advance, particularly for tours and during busy periods, to avoid potential sell-outs.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing some walking to explore the grounds and historic buildings.
- Bring layers as the weather along Lake Superior can be unpredictable.
Split Rock Lighthouse is more than just a historic landmark; it’s a captivating destination that tells the story of Minnesota’s maritime heritage and the rugged beauty of the North Shore. Plan your visit today and experience the beacon that has guided ships and captivated visitors for over a century.
