TWO HARBORS, MN — For the first time since 2019, the iconic sweep of light from the Two Harbors Lighthouse beacon will return to the night sky, restoring a beloved visual symbol to the shores of Lake Superior.
As part of the Lake County Historical Society’s (LCHS) Centennial Celebration, sponsored by Lovin’ Lake County on July 4th, the newly restored beacon will be relit—bringing back a familiar presence that once guided mariners and delighted visitors. The lighthouse’s light went dark on November 25, 2019, due to a hardware failure. In 2020, with the help of the U.S. Coast Guard and volunteer lighthouse keepers Leon Jacobson, Todd Ronning, Tom Koehler, and Brad Ronning, a temporary beacon was installed to allow the lighthouse to remain a private aid to navigation.
Since that time, LCHS has been actively fundraising the $50,000 needed to replace the light. Thanks to generous support from the LaBounty Community Foundation, IRRRB, Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, Scrooby Foundation, and an outpouring of contributions from the local community, the full amount was secured in 2024. A new beacon was ordered and delivered, and preparations began in earnest—including the installation of new wiring and replacement of the lighthouse glass to accommodate the modern light.
Now, with help once again from the original volunteer lighthouse keepers and with the support of Cooperative Light & Power with master electrician Blake Prince, the new beacon is ready to be installed and illuminated on July 4th—just moments before the town’s annual fireworks celebration.
“With 2025 marking the 100th anniversary of the Lake County Historical Society, we felt that relighting the beacon during our centennial and right before the Fourth of July fireworks was the perfect way to honor our past,” said Ellen Lynch, Executive Director of LCHS.
“This has been a long journey for us—from fundraising to installation—and we’re incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished,” added Sam Gangi, President of the LCHS Board.
The beacon relighting is just one part of a full day of celebration in Two Harbors. Both the Depot Museum and the Lighthouse will be open and free to the public all day, giving guests the opportunity to explore the rich history of Two Harbors and Lake County. Outdoor festivities kick off at 10 a.m. in the grassy area beside the Depot Museum and will continue into the evening with engaging, family-friendly programming for all ages.
Guests can explore hands-on activities and historical exhibits from the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and a special presentation on the iconic Fresnel lens technology that once lit beacons around the Great Lakes. Enjoy free admission to the Depot and Lighthouse Museums including an open house at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast where the original Fresnel lens is on display.
In addition, there will be an open house for the second installment of its rotating photography exhibit, Photography at the Depot — featuring local photographer Hayes Scriven.
One of the day’s highlights will be Teddy Roosevelt’s Camp, a living history experience that brings the 26th president to life. Attendees can enjoy “Lunch with the President,” witness his signature 4th of July-inspired address, and interact with educational and entertaining displays that transport guests back to the early 1900s.
As the evening sets in, the Two Harbors Ukulele Group (THUGS) will take the stage for a lively and crowd-pleasing performance, followed by a formal dedication of the restored lighthouse beacon. Then, Minnesota’s own GB Leighton will keep the energy high with a special concert leading up to the moment many have been waiting for—the relighting of the lighthouse beacon—just before the sky erupts in the town’s spectacular 4th of July fireworks.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Centennial Celebration promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with history, music, family fun, and a brilliant light returning to the shoreline.
