The first place our neighbor said we had to visit was The Split Rock Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse in the Great Lakes area. 
It was completed in 1910 and sits168 feet above Lake Superior. Because of its height it’s beacon can reach 22 miles. The whole complex has 3 homes and 2 barns for the three light keepers who resided there plus an oil house. Before the road was built in 1934 the keepers and their supplies used boats to reach the lighthouse and a system of hoists and derricks to lift them to the top. When a tramway was built in 1916, they had a safer way to get to the lighthouse complex. Until the road was built, the lighthouse only operated from April to December or when the lake was frozen. Once it was easier to get to the complex, the keepers stayed there year round. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969. In 2011 it was listed as a National Historic Landmark.
As we headed back to Duluth, we passed Goose Falls so we decided to check them out knowing that it has been fairly dry so there wouldn’t be a lot of water falling. We enjoyed walking around the river and viewing the Upper, Middle and Lower falls, imagining what it might look like in the spring runoff.
We also stopped in Two Harbors and drove down to their harbor, which was once almost as large as Duluth. The huge ore distribution system is still in place but we aren’t sure if it’s used or not. The town looks interesting but not much open on this day.
As we approached Duluth we realized we could stop and watch ships go under the Lift Bridge. This unique bridge raises and lowers so that ships and barges can enter the harbor.
And, what the heck, we may as well find a good place for dinner before going back to the RV. Long day!
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