Split Rock #lighthouse #minnesota #travel #vacation

One of my favorite places we went in Two Harbors, Minnesota was Split Rock Lighthouse. 

We loved the view! There was a lot to do.

We disliked that there was no places to eat anywhere near there. Their state park should invest in a lodge to eat at. Even if they'd just have sandwiches they'd certainly sell them. I think we would have stayed longer if we would have had lunch.

Cost:

Adult $10
Seniors $8
Kids 5 -17 $6
Kids 0-4 FREE

Hours:

10-6 Daily

First Stop:

Was to pay, for a tour at The Visitor's Center. It was so worth it!

Stand:

They had a fun little stand, where you could peak your heads in. Of course, since I take 99.9% of the photos I had to Photoshop myself in there. While I was at it, I put in a few local people that everyone knows. Travis rolled his eyes and said, "Really?!" I took them out, and put in puppets.

The View from the Visitor's Center:

The Lighthouse:

I had never seen a Lighthouse (except for in movies). I was excited. I did feel like I was patiently waiting a lot. I wanted shots with no people in them. That's not easy to do.

I do wish the sky was a little more interesting that day.

See the rock retaining wall that holds the steps up? They tell you not to climb on those in the Visitor's Center. A Mom - not me, decided it was a great idea to have all her kids climb on there to take a picture. Sometimes rules are meant to be broken. When it's not our place, we should respect the property of others.

Shop:

The square building off to the side had a little shop. 

The Outside of the Lighthouse: 

It was pretty cool!

The Inside of the Lighthouse:

Down the Steps They Went!

Isaak said, "Why do they have 2 railings. I don't have to hold on to either of them!" I said, "Yes you do! The steps are metal, steep and slippery. Hang on!"

Drone:

While we were going down the steps I could hear a drone flying around. Another one of their rules was, "No Drones Allowed!".

Backside of the Lighthouse:

Finally a little blue in the sky!

 View From the Lighthouse:

House:

There was a house that was built at the same time the Lighthouse was built. They had it close to its original state. 

I have one of the dolls that was in their cradle.

I loved their attic stairs! That was my favorite thing about the house.

Leaving the Lighthouse:

There was a long walkway where we could travel along to see the Lighthouse from a distance, and water views. It was super pretty!

Travis and Mica kept saying, "Hurry up!" How could I when I kept getting shots like this:

Lighthouse From a Distance:

My favorite shot:

Enjoying the View:

Along the way I talked with a family from India. They know over 4 languages. They said their English was rocky. I thought they spoke pretty clear. It was fun that they traveled so far to to see what we were seeing, for the first time.

Back to the Car:

How many lighthouses have you seen? 

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Minneapolis Institute of Art - MIA @artsmia #travel #vacation Part 2

We went to Minneapolis Institute of Art - MIA twice. Yep you read that right.

Two Times = Two Posts

This is the second post. You can see the first one here.

Walker Art Center wins the award for best sculpture garden, but MIA wins the best award for an art museum. Hands down we enjoyed this one so much!

Cost: 

FREE

Some exhibits require tickets. We got to go to one of their special exhibits! I'll share that in this post.

Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
Wednesday: 10am – 5pm
Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm

A lot of museums are closed on Mondays in Minneapolis. Joslyn Art Museum here in Omaha, Nebraska is also closed on Mondays. Possibly it's a thing to be closed on Mondays. Just take note of that if you do travel places. I'd hate for you to get to a place thinking you're going to visit all kinds of museums, only to find out they are all closed.

Parking was a little tighter than the first time, but not awful.

We went to see their special exhibit on Native American Women Arts. Usually their special exhibits do cost money, but they had a special event. We became members, but it was all free.

Downside: We went to see Fort Snelling in the morning, Mall of America in the afternoon, and then the MIA. The little/tall boys were tired of walking. Who am I kidding? I was tired too. Right off the bat Isaak was complaining about his stomach hurting. I could tell Travis would hate us if he had to leave. He wanted to see it so much. What's a Mom to do? I didn't want him tossing his cookies on high end art! I sent him off to the bathroom, then had him sit in a room that was not part of the special exhibit. We took turns walking through the show.

Upside: I really wanted more time in this museum. In fact I could have gone three times! The exhibit was wonderful, so worth it. They had activities downstairs. Isaak participated in one of those.

I could wear these!

Stacking Fabrics:

It reminds me of the story Princess and the Pea. I just want to bounce on the top.

Super Powerful:

Mexican Doll:

I like that these paintings go off the canvas and tapestry! 

Something 3D. It felt much like bing in the South West among Cacti. 

This was Mica's favorite. He digs anything with space.

I saw something from this artist at another museum. In laid wood takes time!

Lots of masks!

This one has a lot of feeling attached to it!

Lit up pieces:

Certainly worth the extra tired feet.

Do you like Native American Art?
Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own.