Field Trips: Split Rock Lighthouse

Experience the sights and history behind this signature Minnesota landmark while learning about the region and technology that made such a marvel a necessity.

Core experience

Offered September 2 - June 11, 2024

We are currently not accepting any field trips for spring 2025 (March - May).

Grades K–12 
A visit to Minnesota’s most recognized landmark challenges students to learn through four engaging stations, each 15-20 minutes. Bookings include a showing of our 13-minute film. Topics include:

History of Split Rock Light
Provides a timeline of the Split Rock area, our station, why it was built, its construction, and a general overview of the station buildings.

Living and Working at Split Rock
Shares what life was like for the families living at the station and some of the keepers’ duties and responsibilities at Split Rock. This includes exploration of the restored Keeper’s House.

Light Station Technology
Discusses how the Fresnel lens works, how fog signals changed over time, and how Split Rock’s signal worked.

Lighthouse
Students get a closer look at and learn about Split Rock Lighthouse’s original lens and equipment by going into the tower.

Academic standards

All programs support state of Minnesota academic standards in social studies.

Summer youth groups

Offered June 12 - September 1, 2024

Experience includes:

  • Check-in and welcome; including bathrooms and water fountain.
  • Thirteen-minute film The Story of Split Rock Lighthouse.
  • Self-guided experience; includes access to the exhibit hall, restored keeper’s house, fog signal building, and lighthouse.

Request a field trip

1-888-387-5008 
fieldtrips@mnhs.org 

Split Rock Lighthouse

3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd 
Two Harbors MN, 55616

Cost

  • $8 per student, $80 minimum group fee
  • District staff free
  • One free adult per 10 students
  • Admission costs are for anyone age 4 and over
  • Memberships and 6th grade passes are not valid on field trip days

Billing information

No payment will be accepted the day of the field trip. All schools will be invoiced after their trip. For more information see our Program Policies.

Cancellation fee

Cancellations must be received 14 days before your trip. See our Program Policies. Contact us at fieldtrips@mnhs.org if you need to reschedule.

Details

  • Length: 90 minutes
  • October through April: Core experience offered Monday and Thursday, Friday self-guided experience only.
  • September, May and June: Core experience offered Monday through Thursday, Friday self-guided experience only.
  • Picnic facilities are available in the adjacent Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
  • Free bus parking
  • For groups smaller than 20, the core experience will be modified to better accommodate group size.
  • Accessibility

Scholarships, grants, and subsidies

Apply for scholarships, grants and subsidies.