Split Rock Lighthouse
Minnesota
Split Rock Lighthouse, located on the North Shore of Lake Superior near Silver Bay, Minnesota, is one of the most iconic and scenic lighthouses in the United States. Completed in 1910, it was built in response to the devastating Mataafa Storm of 1905, which caused numerous shipwrecks including that of the Madeira nearby. The lighthouse stands atop a sheer 133-foot cliff, constructed with a steel-framed brick tower featuring a distinctive octagonal shape and topped with a large steel lantern housing a third-order Fresnel lens. The lens, originally designed to float on mercury for smooth rotation, was powered by a clockwork mechanism driven by descending weights. Initially lit by a kerosene oil vapor lamp, the lighthouse was electrified in 1940. The site includes the original tower, fog signal building, oil house, and three keepers' houses, all restored to their late 1920s appearance. Since its decommissioning in 1969, it has been preserved as part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society. The lighthouse remains a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours and educational exhibits, and honors maritime history including an annual light in memory of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. Its dramatic setting and rich history have made it a subject of numerous photographs, postcards, and even a U.S. postage stamp.
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Tipp: Visitors are advised to plan their trip during the warmer months for the best experience, as the lighthouse is situated on a cliff with limited access in winter. Booking guided Hard Hat Tours in advance is recommended to explore areas not open to the general public. The Minnesota Historical Society offers special events including falconry demonstrations and local art exhibits. There are no specific ticket prices mentioned, but discounts may be available for seniors, children, and groups. Arriving early in the day helps avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful views.
Interessante Fakten
- •The lighthouse's Fresnel lens floats on a mercury bath to reduce friction during rotation, a rare and delicate engineering feature.
- •Every November 10, the lighthouse emits a light in memory of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank on Lake Superior in 1975.
- •The lighthouse was featured on a 1995 U.S. postage stamp as part of the 'Lighthouses of the Great Lakes' series.
- •Construction materials were brought by water and lifted to the cliff top by crane due to the lack of roads in 1910.
- •The lighthouse keeper Lee Radzak served at the site for 37 years, the longest tenure recorded for this lighthouse.
Geschichte
Split Rock Lighthouse was constructed in 1910 following the tragic Mataafa Storm of 1905, which led to the loss or damage of 29 ships on Lake Superior.
Designed by Ralph Russell Tinkham, the lighthouse was built on a sheer cliff with materials delivered by water and hoisted by crane due to the absence of roads.
Initially lit by a kerosene lamp, it was electrified in 1940 and upgraded with a fog signal.
The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969 but preserved as a historic site.
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2011 and remains a symbol of maritime safety and heritage on the Great Lakes.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Lighthouse Tower and Fresnel Lens1910
The octagonal steel-framed brick tower rises 133 feet above Lake Superior, crowned by a third-order Fresnel lens originally powered by a kerosene lamp and later electrified. The lens floats on mercury and rotates via a weight-driven clockwork mechanism, providing a near-frictionless operation.
Fog Signal Building1910
Adjacent to the lighthouse tower, this building housed the fog signal apparatus, initially steam sirens powered by gasoline engines, later replaced by diesel engines and a diaphone signal. The fog signal was electrified in 1940 but discontinued in 1961.
Keepers' Houses1910
Three original houses where lighthouse keepers and their families lived, restored to reflect the late 1920s period. These buildings provide insight into the daily lives of those who maintained the lighthouse and its operations.
Kontakt
Telefon: (218) 226-6372
