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

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.