Split Rock Lighthouse was built in 1910 in response to the growing number of shipwrecks along the North Shore in western Lake Superior. At first, it was only accessible by water, but the modern Highway 61 opened in 1924 and brought tourists with it. It became the most visited lighthouse in the United States by 1940, which I ascribe to Minnesota being cold and relatively monotonous (mining, lakes, trees). Newer technology obviated the lighthouse, which was closed in 1969 and restored to its pre-1924 appearance.


One of the shipwrecks that motivated the lighthouse's construction was the Madeira, which was one of over 20 Lake Superior ships that met their demises in a bad November 1905 storm. This one wrecked pretty much right here at Gold Rock Point. I have no information on the provenance of the anchor, so all I can tell you is Chester.


Looking north at Gold Rock Point from Split Rock.


I've walked about halfway to Gold Rock Point, and now panning across the Apostle Islands at the tip of Wisconsin back south to the lighthouse.


Close and closer looks at the lighthouse and the lightkeeper's house to its north (right).


Back to Split Rock with views of the oil house, fog signal building, and the light itself in consecutive photos. The oil house was to store kerosene for the original lamp, magically never exploding in its tenure. The fog signal building was also original equipment, outfitted with better and better horns over the years.


This patient lagomorph let me photograph the lighthouse buildings between glamour shots.


The sun's still rising as I leave.

Out onto Highway 61
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