Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Introduce New Cabins in 2027

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, a popular spot on Minnesota’s North Shore, will soon offer new accommodations for visitors. Four camper cabins are scheduled to open in June 2027, according to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) representative.

These additions will increase the options available to campers, offering an appealing alternative to traditional tents. The DNR’s parks and trails division, overseen by Rachel Hopper, identified the park as an ideal location. Camper cabins are highly popular, and parks along the North Shore are among the most frequented of Minnesota’s 73 parks and recreation areas.

With limited opportunities for camper cabin development along the North Shore, Split Rock was one of the best options for us to expand overnight amenities, Hopper stated.

Located between Two Harbors and Silver Bay, Split Rock is the 28th state park to include camper cabins. Previously, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Mine State Park introduced four cabins in 2020 and another four in 2021.

The proposed one-room cabins will feature heat, electricity, and bunks, typically accommodating five to six people. They will support year-round use, facilitating winter camping, which has gained popularity, according to national reports. Unlike some parks where cabins are limited to partial weeks or seasonal availability, these cabins are expected to remain open all week, throughout the year.

Completion of the cabins depends largely on weather conditions. Asphalt work, postponed due to fall weather constraints, remains necessary. The new cabins are situated near Shipwreck Creek, a campground that debuted in 2022 with 46 electric sites to cater to the rising demand from recreational vehicle users. Originally, the park only offered cart-in and backpack sites.

The entire project includes road construction, parking, and utility installations, costing $1.4 million. The funding is sourced from the Parks and Trails Fund, supported by sales tax under the Legacy Amendment.

The opening for cabin reservations is undetermined. Typically, the park system allows bookings 120 days ahead. Hopper explained the opening date is tentative, contingent on spring weather for asphalt work completion. Her team will finalize reservations once the timeline becomes reliable.