Annual Memorial Beacon Lighting
Split Rock Lighthouse
November 10, 2025
Ceremony starts at 4 pm CST
The Annual Memorial Beacon Lighting will take place at Split Rock Lighthouse on November 10, 2025. This reverent annual tradition pays homage to the brave crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald and all those lost within Lake Superior's waters.
The lighthouse will temporarily close for a rendition of the naval hymn, followed by the names of the 29 crew members read aloud to the tolling of a ship’s bell. After the ceremony, the beacon will be lit in their honor, and the lighthouse tower will reopen to visitors until 6 pm.
As part of the ceremony, former Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager Lee Radzak will be onsite to discuss why he started the annual memorial 40 years ago. The 204th Army Band from Fort Snelling will also perform.
If you plan on attending, make sure to get your tickets soon, as space is limited! Tickets include the price of admission to Split Rock Lighthouse all day on November 10. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and dress for the weather.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to use offsite parking offered in Silver Bay as parking at the historic site will be limited.
Located near the Silver Bay Business Park (near Black Beach Inn Hotel)
150 Mensing Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614
GPS Coordinates: 47°18'00.3"N 91°15'02.5"W
Free shuttles will run between the offsite lot and Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site.
Please plan to arrive between 1 and 3 pm at the offsite lot to allow enough time to reach the site.
The last shuttle departs at 3:15 pm.
Annual Commemoration Livestream
November 10, 2025
Livestream begins at 4 pm CST
For those unable to attend the beacon lighting in person, a livestream of the ceremony will be aired on MNHS.org.
The Enduring Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Free Panel Discussion | Minnesota History Center
November 20, 2025
Event begins at 6:30 pm
Interested in learning more about the Edmund Fitzgerald? On November 20, the Minnesota History Center will host The Enduring Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a free panel discussion exploring the legacy of the freighter.
Panelists include Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager Hayes Scriven; author John U. Bacon; Executive Director of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Bruce Lynn; and former Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager, Lee Radzak. The event will also be streamed live on YouTube.
