Split Rock Lighthouse to Light Beacon During Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial

TWO HARBORS, Minn. (October 28, 2024) – On November 10, Split Rock Lighthouse will hold its annual memorial for the 29 lives lost during the SS Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking in 1975. For those who cannot attend the ceremony in person, an online livestream will bring the event to the public throughout Minnesota and beyond.

The event will be streamed on Split Rock Lighthouse’s Facebook Page, and the Minnesota Historical Society’s YouTube channel. It will feature multiple camera angles including live drone footage (weather permitting), giving viewers an up-close look at the iconic lighthouse, historic site, and Lake Superior. Those planning to watch the livestream are encouraged to register for event reminders online.

Lighthouse staff will be joined by members of the US Coast Guard for the ceremony which reflects on the memories of all lives lost on the Great Lakes. At 4:15 pm, the names of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s crew will be read to the tolling of a ship’s bell with a rendition of the navy hymn. The beacon lighting will take place immediately following the ceremony.

For those who plan on attending in-person, Split Rock Lighthouse will open at 10 am. Guides will provide information about the site and Lake Superior shipwrecks. Visitors can watch a film about the Edmund Fitzgerald and join a guided tour exploring the history of the ship's final voyage. Additionally, guests can explore all the site has to offer, including the lighthouse, historic buildings, and the exhibit. After the ceremony, the lighthouse will open until 6 pm, the beacon will remain on until 7 pm, giving guests a rare chance to see the lit beacon up close.

Tickets to the ceremony include all-day admission on November 10 and cost $15 for adults. College students, military members, and seniors are eligible for $12 tickets. Tickets for children ages 5-17 cost $8, and admission is free for children ages 4 and under and MNHS members.

What:
Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting
When:
Sunday, November 10
10 am–6 pm
Where:
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Cost:
$8-15/Free for MNHS members and children under 4 years of age.

More information about the event is available here.

About the Minnesota Historical Society
The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.