Events & Activities

Join us for the first evening of the Superior Dark Sky Experience, a celebration of the beauty and importance of our night skies. This family-friendly event features engaging talks, cultural storytelling, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Learn more and see the weekend's full schedule of events at https://superiordarksky.org/
Schedule of Events:
3:00 pm – Better Lights for Better Nights - Todd Burlet, Starry Skies North.
3:45 pm – Echoes of the Ancient Sky - Dave Stieler, Wolf Ridge. Learn about sky cultures throughout the world and the connections and stories people create by looking at the sky and stars.
4:30pm – The Universe at Midnight (Finding Awe in the Dark) - Bob King. The joy of exploring the night sky and how it connects us to our cosmic roots. He will also discuss ways we can keep the night sky dark and talk about the upcoming Geminid meteor shower.
5:15pm – Solar Telescope - Sidewalk Astronomy
Safely observe the Sun through specially equipped solar telescopes and get a closer look at sunspots, solar flares, and other features of our nearest star.
Kids are welcome! There will be a variety of all-ages crafts and activities available all day.
Come for one program or stay for them all—this opening night sets the stage for a weekend filled with discovery, culture, and the wonders of the cosmos.

Sidestreet Detour is back at the Silver Bay Lounge Friday, October 16th, starting at 8:00pm!
Stop in and listen to some awesome music!
FREE entry, 21+

Meet Artist & Author Sam Zimmerman at Split Rock Lighthouse!
Join us at Split Rock Lighthouse for a special book signing with Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik, author and artist of "Walking My Ancestors' Path: A Collection of Paintings and Stories."
A direct descendant of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Sam brings together his award-winning artwork and stories in this beautiful collection, with Ojibwe translations by Manidoo Ma’iingan.
Sam’s artwork has been widely exhibited, and we’re excited to welcome him back to Split Rock Lighthouse to share his newest book and meet visitors.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase in the museum shop, so be sure to stop by, meet Sam, and get your copy signed!
Split Rock Lighthouse
October 17, 2026
1-3:00 pm

4:00 pm - The End of Darkness, Why it matters and What you can do - Todd Burlet, Starry Skies North
5:00 pm - Author Talk with Sam Zimmerman, Walking my Ancestor's Path
6:00 pm - Ancient Asteroid Impacts in the Lake Superior Region - Bob King
7:00 pm until end of event - Telescope Viewing with Bob King and Todd Burlet
7:00 pm until end of event - Night Vision Stargazing with Low Light Experiences

Get ready for some fantastic family-friendly fun! We are hosting a Halloween-themed carnival, and we couldn't be more excited.
Here are the fun features we will offer:
-Halloween-themed carnival games that can be played to win candy.
-The Great Pumpkin bouncy house
-A pumpkin decorating station
-Halloween movies on the big screen
-S'mores, popcorn, hot cocoa, and coffee station by the fire
-DJ music
- 21+ Seasonal beverages available for purchase
-Costume Contest at 5pm with prize giveaways
Please join us in this community event and make this year memorable!

t's our favorite time of the year to dress up and be whoever you want to be! Please join us for a night of fun, specially themed cocktails, live music, and a night you won't forget! After the Spooktacular Carnival, we will have live music by Brett And The Little Big Show playing from 8pm-12am. There is a costume contest at 10pm with prizes for the winners! Our categories are most creative, best group costume, and scariest costume. See you all for a spooky night of fun!

This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the total loss of the 29 crew members aboard on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes.
The livestream will begin at 4 pm on November 10, 2026.
The event will also be streamed on the Minnesota Historical Society's YouTube page

’Tis the Season—to Step Back in Time!
Celebrate the holidays with a glimpse into winter life at Split Rock Lighthouse and discover Christmas traditions from the 1930s. Join a guided tour of the keeper’s home, help us decorate for the season, and learn how families celebrated the holidays nearly a century ago.
As part of the experience, guests can create a vintage-style ornament to hang on the keeper’s Christmas tree or take home as a keepsake. It’s a festive way to start a new family tradition!

Zakk Grandahl is a Traditional Country Artist from Duluth, MN that Fuses Traditional and Outlaw Country. He has opened for national acts such as Diamond Rio, Mark Chesnutt, Jackson Taylor & The Sinners, and The Steel woods. As well as touring across the Midwest, taking influences from such artists as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck, Merle Haggard, and David Allan Coe to name a few.
Join us Friday Nov. 27th as Zakk Grandahl is back at the Silver Bay Lounge starting at 7pm!
Free event, 21+