Where Can I Be A Light Keeper?
Lighthouse enthusiasts often wish to know where they can experience the life of a lighthouse keeper, even if just for a short time. Opportunities, range from staying overnight at a lighthouse B&B to owning your own lighthouse. The following list is a work in progress as circumstances and prices change over time. Please contact the organizations directly for current information and available opportunities. This information is provided as a courtesy of the United States Lighthouse Society, who receives no royalties of any kind for the listings.
If you are aware of opportunities that are not listed or can provide updated information on any of the listings, please send the details to skip@uslhs.org .
In general, opportunities to stay at a lighthouse include:
1. Bed & Breakfast or Vacation Rental - Pay to stay, no keeper duties.
2. Hostels - Inexpensive pay to stay, no keeper duties.
3. Keeper for a Fee - Pay to stay, some keeper duties.
4. Keeper Host Programs - Perform keeper duties in return for accommodations.
5. Full Time Keeper/Caretaker Programs - You are the keeper!
6. Own your own lighthouse - You are the keeper at your own lighthouse!
Some lighthouses and/or their keeper's quarters have been converted into a bed and breakfast or a vacation rental. These provide an opportunity to spend some time at or near a lighthouse and since they do not involve any lighthouse keeping chores, they are not listed here. There are a number of sources that can provide information about these accommodations including:
United States Lighthouse Society
Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy
Cyberlights Lighthouses
Lighthouses with Overnight Accommodations
Allstays.com - Lighthouse Lodging
In addition to the B&B/Vacation Rentals, there are several lighthouses in the U.S. that have a hostel on the property. While there involve no duties, we list these for the simple reason that this is a fun way to spend a week at a lighthouse for as little as $20 a day.
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse Hostel (Cape Vincent, NY)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel (North of Santa Cruz, CA)
Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel (San Franscisco, CA)
Some lighthouses or local lighthouse societies have programs where you can stay, for a fee, in the keeper's house for several days or weeks. Some duties that may be required include giving tours, working in a gift shop, historical interpretation, landscaping and light maintenance. Sometimes the fee is no more than being a member of a local lighthouse organization.
Browns Point Lighthouse (Tacoma, Washington)
Conduct tours of the lighthouse grounds and facilities and perform light chores. Tour of duty is Sunday to Sunday. Minimum two adults, maximum six people. Fee = $600-$700 per week depending on season.
Contact: Lighthouse Keeper's Program, Points NE Historical Society, 1000 Town Center, Suite 180, PMB 135, Browns Point, WA 98422, (253) 927-2536.
Big Sable Point Lighthouse, the Ludington North Breakwater Light, and Little Sable Point Lighthouse (Ludington, Michigan)
Duties include cleaning, tower tours, historical interpretation, and operation of a gift shop. Two week tours at Big Sable; 1-2 week tours at Little Sable and the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouses. Housing provided at all three. There is no fee, but you must be a member of Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association.
Contact: (231) 845-7343, PO Box 673, Ludington, MI 49431 bsplka@t-one.net
Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse (Cheboygan, Michigan)
Lighthouse is open on weekends from Memorial Day to end of September. Volunteers stay on the second floor and staff the light during open hours. Volunteers also give tours of the Cheboygan Crib Light. There is no fee but you must be a member of GLLKA.
Contact: Great Lake Lighthouse Keepers Association - (231) 436-5580 or info@gllka.com
Crisp Point (Lake Superior, Michigan)
Greet visitors, answer questions and let them climb the tower for one or more days a week (including Saturday) in the summer. You can stay in motels or tent/RV camp south of the lighthouse. There is no fee for members of C.P.L.H.S.
Contact: Dee Smith, (906) 492-3496.
DeTour Reef Light (Lake Huron, Michigan)
Keepers reside at the fully restored off-shore lighthouse Friday through late Sunday. Duties include cleaning and light maintenance tasks, assisting with tours and keeping a log. Must be in good physical condition, capable of making multiple trips up and down the vertical 20-foot pier ladders. $220 for non-members or $200 for DRLPS members per person for 3 day program.
Contact: DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society, P.O. Box 307 - Drummond Island, MI 49726 - (906) 493-6609 or keepers@drlps.com
Grand Traverse Lighthouse (Northport, Michigan)
Stay in the former assistant's quarters. Duties include greeting visitors, providing historical information about the lighthouse, helping in the gift shop and other miscellaneous duties. $390 for members or $440 for non-members per person for two weeks, or $195 for members or $220 for non-members per person for one week.
Contact: Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum, PO Box 43, 15500 N. Lighthouse Pt. Road, Northport, MI 49670, (231) 386-7195
New Dungeness Light Station (Sequim, Washington)
Two or three couples serve as Keepers each week staying in the well furnished, two story keeper's quarters. Must be a member of the New Dungeness Light Station Association. Keepers have specific duties at the Light Station including maintenance & providing tours to the public. Fee (2009) is $315 per adult, and $165 per child (under 18).
Contact: (360) 683-6638 or email scheduling@newdungenesslighthouse.com
Old Mission Point - (Mission Peninsula, Michigan)
Conduct tours and perform light maintenance. This program was new in 2008 and is being administered by the Grand Traverse Light - $800 per month. See related news story.
Contact: Stef Staley is coordinating the Old Mission program and accepting applications.
(231) 499-1787
Pottawatomie Lighthouse Museum (Lake Michigan, Door County, WI)
The Friends of Rock Island recruits volunteers who take turns living at the lighthouse for one week stints from Memorial Day through Columbus Day in October. Up to six volunteers may be accommodated at one time. The volunteers give tours, operate a small gift shop, and perform minor maintenance duties.
Contact: Friends of Rock Island State Park, 126 Country Club Drive, Clintonville, WI 54929
Phone: (715) 823-6873, email: tjswet@charter.net
Rose Island Lighthouse (Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island)
Regular Keeper Vacation Week - Daily devote 1-2 hours to lighthouse keeping chores, responsibilities and maintenance projects. Full Time Keeper Week (Tax-Deductible) 6-8 hours per day for five days. Skills are matched with needs to maintain, restore and renovate the light station. Fee ranges from $700 - $2,000 depending on program and season.
Contact: Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, PO Box 1419, Newport, RI 02840, (401) 847-4242
St. Helena Island Lighthouse (Lake Michigan, Michigan)
A unique opportunity to experience life as it was lived at an offshore lighthouse circa 1900. Volunteer keeper openings are available from mid June through mid August, with tours of duty ranging from a minimum of 5 days to the entire 2 month period. Positions are open to singles, couples and families (children must be at least 8 years of age). Duties can run the gamut from painting, cooking, sanding, washing dishes, cleaning, hand-pumping and carrying water, serving as tour guide to clearing brush and weeds. An experienced keeper will be on site throughout your entire stay to offer guidance and assistance. Costs for the program for non GLLKA members are $110.00 ($75.00 for members) per person plus $12.00 per day for food and incidentals.
Contact: GLLKA, P.O. Box 219, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, Phone: (231) 436-5580, email: info@gllka.com
Tawas Point Lighthouse (Tawas Point State Park, East Tawas, Michigan)
One or two weeks stays. Duties include 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. Keepers stay in the keeper's quarters on the second floor of the lighthouse residence. Cost is $275 per person, per week.
Contact: Tawas Point Lighthouse Museum Store at (989) 362-5658 or the Tawas Point State Park at (989) 362-5041
Volunteer opportunities exist at some lighthouses located in county, state or national parks. In addition, a few nonprofit associations provide similar host programs. The length of stay varies from several weeks to several months. Duties usually involve acting as an interpretive host, giving tours, operating a gift shop or bookstore and maintenance work. Accommodations range from a fully equipped house, usually a restored keeper's house, to a space and hookups for an RV.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Lake Superior (Bayfield, Wisconsin)
Opportunities exist at Devil's, Michigan, Raspberry, and Sand Islands in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Volunteers conduct tours, perform light trail work and grounds maintenance, keep records and maintain visitor facilities. Although the housing varies from island to island, all quarters at the light stations have: propane space heater, propane cook stove, propane refrigerator, twin beds, kitchen utensils, dishes, brooms, buckets, and an assortment of tables and chairs.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, 715-779-3397 or email: APIS_Volunteer_Coordinator@nps.gov
- Devil's Island Lighthouse
The brick "Queen Anne" style keeper's house is approximately 300 feet from the light tower. Two bathrooms with flush toilets, bathtubs, and showers; potable hot and cold running water; and limited DC electricity make Devils the most "upscale" of the quarters. - Michigan Island Lighthouse
The keeper's quarters is a two-story brick house built in 1929. There is no running, potable water. Volunteers pump water from the lake into a tank that gravity feeds to the kitchen. This water needs to be filtered or boiled. There is an outhouse behind the quarters. There is no electricity. The volunteer must bring battery powered lanterns. - Raspberry Island Lighthouse
The half of the lighthouse that was once occupied by the head lighthouse keeper is refurnished as it may have looked in the 1920s. The other half provides housing for park staff and volunteers. The quarters have running water (hot and cold), a shower, and a flush toilet. - Sand Island Lighthouse
Campground host duties occupy much of the lighthouse volunteers time. There are two group sites and three individual campsites on Sand. The housing unit on Sand is a modern two bedroom cabin with solar powered lights, hot and cold running water, but no toilet. The outhouse is across the lawn from the cabin. Other than ceiling lights, there is no electricity.
Au Sable Light Station - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Lake Superior)
Duties include operating the contact station consisting of a small bookstore and museum. In addition to light maintenance, hosts assist a ranger with interpretive tours of the lighthouse. Volunteers live on the second floor of the keeper's house which includes a kitchen, indoor bathroom, small living room, and one bedroom. Tour of duty is one month in July or August
Contact: Pam Baker, Volunteer Coordinator (906-387-3700) or Gregg Bruff, Heritage Education Program Manager (906-387-2607 x 208)
Cape Ann Light Station (Thacher Island, Massachusetts)
Lodging is in one of the keeper's houses and duties include welcoming guests to the island, offering tours and performing basic maintenance. Skills in carpentry, mechanical aptitude and landscaping are preferred. Keepers must be able to operate a boat and tractor equipment as well as possess a basic knowledge of CPR. These are volunteer positions and only housing is provided.
See related news story.
Contact: suellenwedmore@comcast.net, Phone: 617-335-1799. Send resumes and rationales for interest to: 155 South St., Rockport, MA 01966
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (North Carolina)
Opportunities exist at both Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Ocracoke Island. Volunteer RV hookups may be available.
Contact: Park Volunteer Coordinator at (252) 995-6018 or Maggie_Tyler@nps.gov
- Cape Hatteras
Volunteer staffs bottom and top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; provides safety messages to visitors; collects tickets; monitors weather conditions; serves as a tour guide at the top of the Lighthouse; orients visitors to attractions and programs within, and outside, the park; answers telephones; answers visitor questions, and; provides one-on-one informational contacts with visitors on park grounds as assigned. - Ocracoke Island
The National Park Service Visitor Center and the Ocracoke Lighthouse are located within Ocracoke Village. Duties include staffing the information desk and lighthouse, and answering questions about the Seashore's natural resources and history, and the Ocracoke community.
Forty Mile Point Lighthouse (Presque Isle County Lighthouse Park, Rogers City, Michigan)
Greet visitors and provide them with historical information about the museum, work in the gift shop, light house museum and pilot house and keep the buildings neat and clean. You must supply your own RV. There are four (4) fully equipped RV parking spaces located just south of the open pavilion.
Contact: 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society, P.O. Box 205, Rogers City, MI 49779. (989) 785-2468 or abyrnes@i2k.net
North Head Lighthouse (Cape Disappointment State Park)
Contact: For a description of this position contact Sarah Oldfield (360) 902-8583 or e-mail volunteers@parks.wa.gov
Oregon State Parks
Oregon has a number of opportunities at their state parks for hosts at lighthouses, all of which provide RV sites for volunteers. For a description of duties and accommodation go to the Host Directory and click on any of the following parks:
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse
- Cape Mears Lighthouse State Park
- Coquille River Lighthouse
- Heceta Head Lighthouse State Park
- Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
- Yaquina Bay Lighthouse State Park
Contact: Applications should be sent to: Jill Nishball, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem, OR 97301
Seguin Island (Seguin Island, Bath, Maine)
Summer caretaker position lasting from Memorial Day until Labor Day with lodging in the keeper's quarters. Duties include touring the island in order to insure it is secure and landscape maintenance. Keepers should be in good health, have First Aid training and be all-round handy persons. Caretakers receive a $75 per week per person stipend.
Contact: Friends of Seguin Island, 72 Front Street, Suite 3, Bath, Maine 04530, (207) 443-4808 or email: keeper@seguinisland.org
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport, Oregon)
Hosts provide assistance to park interpretive staff with emphasis on interpreting the area's natural and cultural resources, environmental education, visitor safety, and resource protection. Summer: Three month commitment. June through Labor Day weekend. September through April: Minimum two month commitment during the first year of hosting at Yaquina Head? one month commitment for retuning hosts. An RV campsite with a view of the Pacific Ocean is provided free of charge for hosts.
Contact: Katherine Fuller at 541.574.3143 or kafuller@blm.gov
These opportunities are few and far between. When they do come available, competition is often high for the position. Some are a full time caretaker position which includes housing, while others require fewer duties and the payment of rent. There may also be opportunities to manage a lighthouse which has been converted into a bed and breakfast. The best way to become aware of these openings is to monitor one or all of the following lighthouse news websites, which usually publicizes these positions:
- Lighthouse News
- New England Lighthouse Treasures
- New England Lighthouse News
- American Lighthouse Foundation News Room
The museum association recruits volunteers who sign on for TWO YEAR stints as resident caretakers.
Contact: Hiawatha National Forest, USDA Forest Service, 4000 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, Phone: (906) 437-5272 or (906) 635-5311
Other examples include:
Old Scituate Lighthouse
Wind Point Lighthouse
The ultimate dream of any lighthouse buff is to own and occupy their own lighthouse. Under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the Coast Guard can declare a lighthouse as excess property at which point the General Services Administration (GSA) may offer it to state or nonprofit organizations through the GAS Office of Property Disposal Resource Center. If this results in no takers, the property may be auctioned to the highest bidder. Lighthouses currently being auctioned can be found at the GSA site (under "Property Type" choose "Other"). It should be noted that each sale or auction may have special conditions relating to the use and/or preservation of the lighthouse. Check the following for more insight into purchasing your own lighthouse:
Lighthouse News maintains an updated page on Lighthouses for Sale.