FAQ
How is Split Rock Lighthouse commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald?
The Lighthouse will host the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting on November 10. The Split Rock Lighthouse site will be open from 10 am-6 pm, with a beacon lighting ceremony beginning at 4 pm. Folks can also watch the stream virtually on the MNHS website. Throughout the day, guests can explore the lighthouse, fog signal building, and Visitor center. Guided tours and a brief film will be available that share the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald and her final voyage.
How do I get tickets for the in-person event?
Tickets to the in-person event are currently sold out. A virtual livestream of the Memorial and the Beacon Lighting will be available on the MNHS website. Additionally, there is a free panel discussion at the Minnesota History Center on The Enduring Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald on November 20 from 6:30 - 8 PM. This event is also accessible virtually via YouTube. Click here to register for the virtual livestream.
Where do I find my tickets for the in-person event?
If you already purchased tickets for the in-person commemorative event on November 10, 2025, at Split Rock Lighthouse, you should have received your tickets via email from boxoffice@mnhs.org.
Will the Lighthouse be open on November 10?
Yes, Split Rock Lighthouse will be open from 10 am-6 pm. At 4 pm, the Lighthouse will temporarily close for the beacon lighting ceremony.
If I have tickets to the in-person beacon lighting event on November 10, what time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving as early as possible to secure parking and a viewing location. Your ticket does not guarantee you a viewing location on the observation deck or parking. Most guests arrive between 1-3 pm. Arriving earlier will increase your chances of getting better parking.
The Ceremony itself is about 30 minutes.
Where can I park for the event on November 10?
For 2025, we will run free shuttles from the Trail Center and Camping Parking lots at Split Rock State Park. In addition, we are offering off-site parking in Silver Bay at the Silver Bay Business Park. There will be a free shuttle leaving from this location every 15 minutes and dropping off at the front of the Visitor Center. After the service, a shuttle will return visitors to the parking lot. We strongly encourage guests who pre-purchase tickets to park in the off-site parking in Silver Bay and utilize the free shuttle. The last shuttle from this location will leave at 3:15 pm.
Use this address to get near the parking lot: 150 Mensing Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614, or use these GPS coordinates: 47°18'00.3"N 91°15'02.5"W
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We have designated Handicap Parking and, like in years past, these spots fill up quickly. This year, we have partnered with the State Park to provide additional Handicap parking at their contact station. In addition, we have partnered with Silver Bay Shuttle to offer a free shuttle from the DNR contact station to the Visitor Center at no charge.
What are my viewing options for the beacon lighting on-site for the in-person event on November 10?
You can view the ceremony from the observation deck, the historic site lawn, inside the Visitor Center on a TV monitor, or in the movie theater.
The observation deck viewing is very limited and can be very crowded. Guests interested in viewing from the observation deck are encouraged to arrive early. Access to the observation deck is typically closed 30-45 minutes before the ceremony because it is at capacity.
When viewing from the Lighthouse lawn, the ceremony will be obstructed, but you have a great view of the beacon. Please note the historic site recently has undergone a trails and landscape project. The historic grounds are currently covered with straw blankets. You are allowed to stand on them, but parts of the ground may be uneven or soft. Plan accordingly with footwear and clothing.
When viewing in the Visitor Center at the TV or in the movie theater, you are watching the live stream of the event.
What time will the Beacon turn on, and how long will it stay on?
Split Rock’s beacon will be turned on at the end of the ceremony, around 4:30 pm, and typically stays lit for 2 hours after the ceremony.
Do I get to go inside the Lighthouse when the Beacon is on?
Yes, as part of the admission, you can climb the 32 stairs to the top of Split Rock Lighthouse and see the lens spinning while on.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a headlamp or flashlight, and don’t forget to dress for the weather.
The Enduring Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Free Panel Discussion | Minnesota History Center
November 20, 2025
Event begins at 6:30 pm
Interested in learning more about the Edmund Fitzgerald? On November 20, the Minnesota History Center will host The Enduring Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a free panel discussion exploring the legacy of the freighter.
Panelists include Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager Hayes Scriven; author John U. Bacon; Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Bruce Lynn; and former Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager, Lee Radzak. The event will also be streamed live on YouTube.
