Split Rock Lighthouse MN
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Description: Split Rock Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, USA. It is situated atop a 130-foot (40-meter) cliff overlooking the lake, approximately 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors, Minnesota. The lighthouse was constructed in response to a series of shipwrecks in the early 20th century, which highlighted the need for a navigational aid to guide ships safely along the treacherous shoreline of Lake Superior. It was completed in 1910 and first lit on July 31 of that year. Split Rock Lighthouse is an iconic structure with a distinctive octagonal shape and a classic red brick exterior. The lighthouse stands at 54 feet (16 meters) tall and features a powerful third-order Fresnel lens that emits a unique pattern of light, with two white flashes followed by one red flash, every 10 seconds. For many years, the lighthouse was staffed by lighthouse keepers who ensured that the light remained operational and that ships could safely navigate the area. However, with advancements in technology, the need for constant human presence at the lighthouse diminished, and it was eventually automated. In 1969, the lighthouse was decommissioned and replaced by an automated light tower nearby. Since then, Split Rock Lighthouse has been preserved and opened to the public as a museum and historic site. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, keeper's dwelling, and other historic buildings on the property, and learn about the history of the Great Lakes shipping industry, maritime accidents, and the lives of the lighthouse keepers. The site is managed by the Minnesota Historical Society and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the country who come to admire the beauty of the lighthouse, learn about its fascinating history, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Superior from the top of the cliff.