Split Rock Lighthouse
The most dramatic lighthouse setting I've ever visited is Split Rock in Minnesota. Sitting atop a 130 foot tall cliff that juts out into Lake Superior, the light was deemed necessary after the gales of November, 1909 destroyed countless ships on the Big Lake, including at least two at this location. This is one of the best restored lights that you will ever find. The huge original 2nd Order Fresnel lens is still in place, though the light has been decommissioned. All three of the keepers quarters are in prime shape and you can visit the head keeper's house, maybe even getting a hot baked cookie from the original stove in it. The light is located along Hwy 61, made famous by a native Minnesotan, and is part of a state park. One neat thing is they fire up the giant light every November in memory of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, though the Fitz went down way east of here by White Fish Point in Michigan, another great place to visit. If you love the Great Lakes, or the boats that ply their waters, or lighthouses, both places will give you goosebumps.
Split Rock Lighthouse
The most dramatic lighthouse setting I've ever visited is Split Rock in Minnesota. Sitting atop a 130 foot tall cliff that juts out into Lake Superior, the light was deemed necessary after the gales of November, 1909 destroyed countless ships on the Big Lake, including at least two at this location. This is one of the best restored lights that you will ever find. The huge original 2nd Order Fresnel lens is still in place, though the light has been decommissioned. All three of the keepers quarters are in prime shape and you can visit the head keeper's house, maybe even getting a hot baked cookie from the original stove in it. The light is located along Hwy 61, made famous by a native Minnesotan, and is part of a state park. One neat thing is they fire up the giant light every November in memory of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, though the Fitz went down way east of here by White Fish Point in Michigan, another great place to visit. If you love the Great Lakes, or the boats that ply their waters, or lighthouses, both places will give you goosebumps.