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Field Trips: Split Rock Lighthouse

Field Trips: Split Rock Lighthouse

Due to construction, we are currently not accepting any field trips through May 2026.

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

Program designed for 6th grade, but adaptable to students of all ages.

A visit to Minnesota’s most recognized landmark challenges students to learn through four engaging stations, each about 10 minutes. Bookings include a showing of our 13-minute film, The Story of Split Rock Lighthouse. 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.

After your experience, groups are encouraged to explore the visitor center exhibits and/or visit the gift shop. 

Already booked?

Here is all you’ll need to know to Prepare for Your Field Trip!

Request a field trip

Split Rock Lighthouse

3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd
Two Harbors MN, 55616

fieldtrips@mnhs.org

Available Year Round

  • Fall, Beginning November 1: Monday & Thursday, Friday
  • Winter: Monday, Thursday, Friday
  • Spring: Closed for construction.
  • Summer: Monday - Thursday

Length of program: 90 minutes

Capacity: 90 students per time slot

Cost

  • $8 per student   
  • $80 minimum group fee
  • District staff FREE
  • One free adult per ten students. Additional chaperones invoiced at student rate.

Admission costs are for anyone age 4 and over. Memberships and 6th grade passes are not valid on field trips.

Enhance your field trip

Add time to your experience to explore the nearby state park!

Visit the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which is managed by the MN DNR. Explore the shoreline below the Lighthouse, or reserve the Trail Center for your lunch by calling 218-595-7625 or email SplitRockLthouse.StatePark@state.mn.us

Academic standards

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

Summer programming

During a self-guided experience at Split Rock Lighthouse, students have the opportunity to see the lighthouse up close. In addition, they can explore the exhibit hall and restored keeper’s house to discover what it was like for keepers to live and work in an isolated location.

Highlights :

  • 13-minute film, The Story of Split Rock Lighthouse
  • Explore exhibit hall and restored keeper’s house
  • Climb the lighthouse stairs to see the original 3rd order Fresnel lens

Summer 2026 reservations open February 2026.

Scholarships

See if you’re eligible for scholarships or discounts, and apply on our Scholarships and Subsidies Page.

Billing and cancellation

No payment will be accepted the day of the field trip. All schools will be invoiced after their trip based on the projected attendance numbers provided by the lead contact 14 days prior to the scheduled visit. To avoid fees, cancellations must be received 14 days before your trip.

For more information see our Program Policies.

Questions?

Please contact our staff at fieldtrips@mnhs.org or schedule an appointment. All booking requests must be submitted through our Request Form.