Split Rock Lighthouse got added to our list of must sees after an enthusiastic suggestion from our üCamp friends, Pam & Mike. Our excitement about it elevated to the next level when we pulled in and discovered that it is a Minnesota Historical Society site. Ever since we visited the Oliver Kelley farm we’ve been big fans of MNHS and the quality of historical interpretation they offer, so of course we signed up for the guided tour. Our guide gave us the history of the 1905 Storm of the Century that led to the building of the lighthouse and details of the equipment Of course we geeked over the clamshell shaped Fresnel lens and the fact that all the lighthouse equipment is original and in working order but we also loved the details in the keeper’s house even down to the hand stitched quilts in the bedrooms. And of course there’s the incredible views and the spectacular setting!
Over a long weekend we sampled some of the myriad things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, unique among national parks for it’s environmental reclamation, historic preservation, and recreational opportunities adjacent to the populous cities of Cleveland and Akron in northeastern Ohio. Can’t wait to return and explore more.
Our journey from Portsmouth, England to our home in Ohio might have been accomplished in about sixteen hours but my avoiding air travel we were able to enjoy a fifteen day journey home via train, ship, Uber, train, as well as our own feet and finally our personal vehicle.
It’s been a fascinating two day visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. We managed to pack in tours of the HMS Warrior, the HMS Victory as well ast Victory Live: The
Big Repair, and finally the Mary Rose. All were incredibly informative and well presented.
One for my bucket list. Beautiful picture!