Split Rock Lighthouse Centennial

Split Rock Lighthouse celebrates its 100th birthday in 2010

A mighty and fatal 1905 gale over western Lake Superior spurred the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse overlooking one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of water. On July 31, 1910, after five years of arduous labor constructing the edifice atop a 130-foot sheer rock cliff, the now world-famous North Shore landmark first sent its powerful beam out across the water.

The Minnesota Historical Society is getting ready to celebrate the centennial of Split Rock Lighthouse in 2010.

Restored to its early-20th century splendor, it is one of America’s best-preserved lighthouses. Special activities and events will be offered throughout the year, along with the popular destination’s regular programming.

More than 120,000 visitors a year tour the lighthouse and keeper’s home, climb the lighthouse tower to see the original, still operational French bivalve lens, and take their own shots of one of the most photographed sites in the country. "For many who visit Split Rock Lighthouse this is their first view of Lake Superior," says Lee Radzak, the historic site's manager and modern-day keeper. "Seeing the endless horizon from the top of the lighthouse and the great ships far out on the sparkling water, just as the early keepers saw them, is an experience many people never forget."