Experience the dramatic beauty of Lake Superior with this Split Rock Lighthouse Poster by Swell Scenes. Featuring Minnesota's most iconic lighthouse perched on 130-foot cliffs above the world's largest freshwater lake in vintage travel poster style, this artwork celebrates the North Shore's most photographed landmark. The lighthouse's distinctive yellow brick tower has stood sentinel since 1910, guiding ships through Superior's treacherous waters. Perfect for Minnesota residents, North Shore cabin owners, Duluth area visitors, lighthouse collectors, or anyone who's hiked the trails and marveled at this engineering marvel.
Why You'll Love It
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Most Iconic Minnesota Landmark: Features Split Rock Lighthouse dramatically perched on sheer cliffs with Lake Superior's vast waters stretching to the horizon.
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Vintage Travel Poster Style: Retro 1930s-1960s travel art aesthetic celebrates the North Shore's rugged beauty and maritime heritage.
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Perfect Minnesota Gift: Essential for North Shore enthusiasts, lighthouse collectors, cabin owners, Duluth residents, or University of Minnesota alumni.
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Museum-Quality Print: Premium matte paper with archival inks preserves Lake Superior blues and dramatic cliff details for lasting beauty.
About Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1910 and perched 130 feet above Lake Superior on sheer rock cliffs, stands as Minnesota's most iconic landmark and one of America's most photographed lighthouses. The lighthouse was constructed following the Great Storm of November 1905, when a massive Lake Superior gale destroyed 29 ships in a single weekend. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie funded much of the construction after losing several ore freighters in the disaster. Engineers faced extraordinary challenges building on the isolated cliff face, hauling materials up the rocky shoreline and constructing the tower's distinctive yellow brick structure that could withstand Superior's fierce storms.
The lighthouse operated continuously from 1910 to 1969, its powerful Third Order Fresnel lens visible for 22 miles across the lake, guiding iron ore ships from Duluth and Two Harbors to ports across the Great Lakes. Keepers and their families lived in the restored Victorian houses on site, maintaining the light through brutal Minnesota winters when temperatures plunged below zero and lake spray froze solid on the tower. Today the lighthouse is Minnesota's most visited historic site, welcoming over 300,000 annual visitors who explore the keeper's homes, walk the dramatic clifftop trails, and photograph the tower from every angle.
Located within Split Rock Lighthouse State Park along scenic Highway 61 between Duluth and Grand Marais, the site offers hiking trails with breathtaking Lake Superior vistas, rocky shoreline access, and interpretive programs sharing maritime history. The annual November "beacon lighting" ceremony honors shipwreck victims and draws thousands who gather to watch the historic Fresnel lens illuminate once more. For lighthouse collectors, Split Rock ranks among America's most dramatic beacons. For Minnesota residents, it represents North Shore pride and Great Lakes heritage. For visitors driving Highway 61's scenic route, it's the mandatory photo stop. Whether you've climbed the tower stairs, explored the keeper's houses, or simply pulled over to photograph the lighthouse from the cliff-edge overlook, Split Rock captures Minnesota's connection to Lake Superior's power and beauty.
Print & Frame Details
- Premium 189gsm matte paper using archival pigment inks
- Framed options include a 0.75″ (1.9 cm) Ayous wood frame in black, white, or natural
- Lightweight Acrylite front protector and hanging hardware included
- Available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed
- Printed to order to reduce waste and support sustainable practices
Thoughtful Craftsmanship
At Swell Scenes, every print is made to order with museum-quality materials. Our lighthouse series transforms iconic beacons into vintage-inspired artwork. We celebrate maritime history, honor Great Lakes heritage, and bring Minnesota's North Shore beauty into your home.
About Swell Scenes
Swell Scenes turns iconic locations into bold, beautiful artwork. From lighthouses to national parks, coastal destinations to mountain landscapes, our posters capture meaningful places with passion for travel, natural beauty, and quality design.
