Who Just Turned 100? Split Rock Lighthouse

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Historical Society kicks off the 100th anniversary celebration of Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore of Lake Superior this Friday, Jan. 8.

The organization will unveil a commemorative watercolor painted by Minnesota artist Jim Povich.

The lighthouse was first lit in July 1910. The beacon was in active use for 59 years, guiding ships past the point at Two Harbors until 1969.

Historical site manager Lee Radzak says the Split Rock Lighthouse holds an important place in Minnesota history.

“For many people its the first place where they really get a good feeling for how big lake superior is and why a lighthouse was needed on an inland lake like this,” Radzak said.

Radzak also said winter is a great time to visit the Split Rock Lighthouse, which towers over Lake Superior from a 130-foot cliff.

“It’s also a very pretty time in that you are seeing things like the sea smoke out on the lake, the steam rising off the lake and the real pretty pastels of the sunsets and sunrises in the winter here,” he said.

The historical society is hosting a series of events this year to commemorate the lighthouse’s centennial.

Please support Minnesota Public Radio