Split Rock Lighthouse

Evidently, Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota's prized landmarks, turns 100 years old this year.

We drive by it each any every time we go up north, but this July, in an effort to avoid holiday traffic, we stopped for a visit.

"Um, Dad, I think we might be lost."

"No, Eli, this is just where we are supposed to be."

The views are breathtaking.

We explored the lighthouse and the living quarters, which fascinated the kids.  They offer both one-hour guided tours as well as 10- to 15-minute power tours, which can be a better fit for kids with short attention spans.  Throughout the park, there are people in period dress who are knowledgeable about the history, shipwrecks, and other stories.


But there is one image of Split Rock that you always see depicted.  We never knew where it was photographed, sketched, sculpted or painted from.


Until we decided to hike down the 100+ steps marking the path of the old tramway.

There we found what Brian always refers to as the "money shot."  The image of the lighthouse sitting atop a 130 foot cliff.  Indeed, that is part of what makes Split Rock so great.

We explored.

And enjoyed the scenery.

And even tried to get a photo of the boys.  Which, with them looking into the sun, wasn't easy.

Then we had Caleb take a "whatever you do, don't drop the camera" shot of us.

Of course, no trip would be complete without some kind of a silly shot.  So we wrapped it all up with one of this.

But if you are ever in northern Minnesota (near Two Harbors), I highly recommend a visit to Split Rock.  It's incredibly well maintained and oozes cool shipwreck history.  The kids loved it.  We loved it.  And I can see why it's one of Minnesota's treasures.


And yeah, you can't beat those views.