According to Split Rock Lighthouse Keeper Hayes Scriven, the historic site and local photography go together “like peanut butter and jelly.”

When he took over as keeper in 2019, he wanted to re-envision a space in the visitor center with a great view of the lighthouse.

“We want to kind of provide these people that are taking photos or doing art here that venue to showcase their work because it is hard to get your work out there,” Scriven said.

It’s become a rotating gallery for photographers, changing to a new one each month. Jill Beim is featured in May. She finds inspiration from nature itself.

“What I try to capture or what I want people to see or feel is just a feeling of awe when they look at what is around them in this great state of Minnesota,” she said. “We have gone on a few photography excursions elsewhere, but Minnesota is kind of where it’s at.”

She particularly loves winter photography, especially scenes of a frozen Lake Superior.

“The only thing I would say to people starting out in photography is don’t get so hung up on the technical aspects that you lose sight of what you’re in, the environment you’re in, the bird that you’re photographing,” Beim said. “Wherever you are, take that in. It’s better to take that experience home than to have an award-winning picture.”

There is some construction at Split Rock, but the site is still open to visitors.