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Split Rock Lighthouse

W 10s🇺🇸Minnesota, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Split Rock Lighthouse

Completed in 1910, Split Rock Lighthouse stands 16 meters tall with its light positioned 51 meters above the water. The structure, designed by engineer Ralph Russell Tinkham, was built by the United States Lighthouse Service for $75,000, which included the land and associated buildings. The lighthouse is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior, southwest of Silver Bay, Minnesota. Its light characteristic was a white flash.

Why it matters: Split Rock Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Split Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse located southwest of Silver Bay, Minnesota, US on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The structure was designed by lighthouse engineer Ralph Russell Tinkham and was completed in 1910 by the United States Lighthouse Service for $75,000, including the buildings and the land. It is considered one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
W 10s
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Focal Height
51m
Light Range
19NM (35.2 km)

Construction & History

Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3378404 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m

Location

City
Minnesota
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
47.1999°
Longitude
-91.3669°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Split Rock Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 51 meters and a nominal range of 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km), Split Rock is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
Which ports and harbors does Split Rock Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Split Rock Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Silver Bay at 6.7 NM to the NE. Other ports served include TWO HARBORS (16.8 NM SW), Taconite Harbor (26.7 NM NE), Bayfield (32.6 NM SE), LA POINTE (34.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Split Rock Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Split Rock Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Split Rock Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Split Rock Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.