Volunteer Lighthouse Keeper Programs
Lighthouse keeper programs are available at several lighthouses in the State of Michigan with more lighthouses either considering or starting these programs every year. These programs are a “pay to play” type of program where you are charged a fee, just like staying at a hotel or extended stay apartment, but your job is to stay and work at the lighthouse. Typical stays range from one week to three weeks in some cases. Prices vary, so check with the lighthouse you are interested in from the list below. Two lighthouses in Michigan offer camping/RV programs where you bring your own place to stay, they are noted below.
During your stay at a lighthouse, keeper(s) will be responsible for a variety of duties, including greeting guests, providing information about the history of the lighthouse, helping in the gift shop and taking care of the various artifacts located in the lighthouse museum. Training is usually provided on-site upon arrival. Some resources for training are available online prior to arriving so you can study up ahead of time, leaving you more free time while you are there. Most keepers quarters have modern appliances so you don’t have to cook your dinner on the old wood fired stove or make a trip to the ice house!
These programs offer a wonderful working vacation experience that most people never get to enjoy, plus being able to stay in an actual lighthouse. You will learn a lot and get a small taste of what life was like for the lightkeepers of yester-years. Please see the information provided below sorted by lake of available programs, availability is limited and proper planning is recommended.