Beacon Lighting
Split Rock’s Beacon
From 1910 to 1969, the light flashed each night at 10-second intervals across more than 20 miles of Lake Superior's navigable waters. Today, US Coast Guard regulations prohibit the light being used for maritime traffic, but the beacon is still turned on occasionally for ceremonial and maintenance purposes.
Edmund Fitzgerald: A Great Lakes Memorial
For over 50 years on November 10, the beacon at Split Rock is lit to commemorate the sinking of the freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald, and all the other vessels lost on the Great Lakes.
The ceremony consists of multiple speakers, the singing of the Navy Hymn, and the reading of the names of the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
The memorial beacon lighting will be live-streamed on this webpage, as well as the Minnesota Historical Society's YouTube page and Split Rock Lighthouse's Facebook page . You can also follow the MNHS and Split Rock Lighthouse on Instagram for more historic content.
Live video of the 2025 Edmund Fitzgerald Beacon Lighting at Split Rock Lighthouse
Edmund Fitzgerald crew members
McSorley, Ernest M., Master
McCarthy, John H., 1st Mate
Pratt, James A., 2nd Mate
Armagost, Michael E., 3rd Mate
Holl, George J., Chief Engineer
Bindon, Edward F., 1st Asst. Engineer
Edwards, Thomas E., 2nd Asst. Engineer
Haskell, Russell G., 2nd Asst. Engineer
Champeau, Oliver J., 3rd Asst. Engineer
Beetcher, Frederick J., Porter
Bentsen, Thomas, Oiler
Borgeson, Thomas D., AB Maint. Man
Church, Nolan F., Porter
Cundy, Ransom E., Watchman
Hudson, Bruce L., Deckhand
Kalmon, Allen G., 2nd Cook
MacLellan, Gordon F., Wiper
Mazes, Joseph W., Spec. Maint. Man
O'Brien, Eugene W., Wheelsman
Peckol, Karl A., Watchman
Poviach, John J., Wheelsman
Rafferty, Robert C., Steward
Riippa, Paul M., Deckhand
Simmons, John D., Wheelsman
Spengler, William J., Watchman
Thomas, Mark A., Deckhand
Walton, Ralph G., Oiler
Weiss, David E., Cadet (Deck)
Wilhelm, Blaine H., Oiler
Other beacon lightings
Historically the beacon has been lit around Memorial Day weekend and around July 31, which is the anniversary of when the beacon was first lit. Typically these lightings occur in conjunction with a public event at the site, check our calendar of events to see if one has been scheduled.
Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd. Two Harbors, MN 55616
