While Split Rock Lighthouse is often the star of the show, the park is equally a dream destination for astrophotography—especially in the fall. Milky Way core season, which runs from February/March to October, is when the core is most prominent and offers the best opportunities for capturing its beauty. In the fall, the Milky Way is visible early in the evening, standing almost vertically in the southwestern sky, making it an ideal time for night photography without staying up too late. Here’s how I make the most of photographing the night sky at Split Rock, along with some tips for your own visit.

Scout the Area and Think Outside the Box

Before heading out, do your homework and scout the area. The Milky Way appears in the southwest sky during fall, so instead of pointing your camera toward the famous lighthouse, you’ll need to turn your back on it. One of my favorite compositions is capturing the Milky Way over Ellingsen Island. This lesser-known viewpoint allows for a unique composition.

Take some time to review the state park map to familiarize yourself with key spots, what is open and what isn't. The campground, for example, is near the Pebble Beach/trail center area, and there are several campsites you’ll want to be respectful of, especially if people are camping nearby. Since Minnesota state parks close at 10 p.m., be sure to call ahead and let the park staff know your plans if you intend to stay after hours. They’re usually very accommodating, as long as you’re respectful of the park’s guidelines. Please also be aware they do have night security that patrols the park.

While photographing the night sky, you’re likely to encounter others—whether fellow photographers or people simply enjoying the stars. It’s important to be considerate and keep noise to a minimum. If you’re using a headlamp, make sure it has a red light option to preserve your night vision and avoid disturbing those around you. Red light is much less obtrusive than bright white light and won’t spoil the view for others who may also be capturing long exposures.

If you’re new to astrophotography, don’t stress about getting the perfect shot. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to simply put the camera down and take in the view with your own eyes. The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and there’s something incredibly calming about spending a quiet night under the dark skies of Lake Superior.

Enjoy the Experience

While fall color on the North Shore is undeniably stunning, don’t overlook the beauty that lies in the night sky. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers some of the darkest skies in Minnesota, and the combination of Lake Superior’s vastness with the infinite stretch of stars overhead is a humbling experience. Whether you’re there to document the night with your camera or just want to enjoy the stars, make sure to take a moment to appreciate the natural wonder of this special place.

The next time you visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in the fall, don’t pack up your camera after sunset. Instead, turn your attention skyward, and let the stars take center stage. The Milky Way’s brilliance, especially when set against the backdrop of Lake Superior, is just as impressive—if not more—than the vibrant autumn leaves you came to photograph.

So, as you head out for those iconic fall color shots, don’t forget to stay a little longer for the night show. The dark skies over Lake Superior are equally breathtaking, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park offers the perfect stage to capture them.

First, the name. Myre-Big Island State Park along the shores of Albert Lea Lake does contain a de facto island reachable by road. Campers flock to the Big Island Campground in the same way that bird watchers flock to the island for a glimpse at hundreds of migrating birds each fall and spring. A county highway connects the island and mainland.

Land lubbers may appreciate the park geography and geology. Tallgrass prairie and deciduous forest meet up at this park so there’s some of each to please everyone. The yellow canopy of the remnant maple basswood forest offers a nice contrast to the windswept acres of tallgrass.

It's hard to avoid the impact of shoreline here, and many park visitors make this place their paddling destination. You could park at Little Island, just north of Big Island, launch your boat, and paddle to your campsite. (The park has five remote campsites that are walk-in only.) Rental canoes and kayaks are seasonably available during park office hours—call the park office to make sure equipment is available this late in the fall.

Biking is a great way to get some exercise on a cool, sunny day. The multi-use Blazing Star State Trail meanders through the park from the esker to the interstate. (Eskers are ridges made of sand and gravel that were deposited by glacial meltdown thousands of years ago.)

By bike, binoculars, boat, or boots, Myre-Big Island is a wonderful place to be this fall, and next!