![]() However, you need to be in good physical condition, so you can climb up and down the 20 foot pier ladder. Children are allowed to participate in this opportunity. You’ll also have light cleaning and maintenance duties. One day during the weekend, you host visitors touring the light, serve refreshments and operate the gift shop. Lighthouse keeper’s stay for one full weekend, without shore leave, because of the remote location. Then you’ll wait while your gear is hoisted up on a rope. You’ll have to climb a ladder from the boat up to the lighthouse. There is no dry land around it, so it’s only accessible by boat. It sits about a mile offshore, on a cement base, on top of a water covered reef. I think it would be a thrill to act as lighthouse keeper for this crib light. There are other Volunteer Keeper options for more adventurous folks, such as a stay at Detour Reef Lighthouse in northern Lake Huron. Detour Reef Lighthouse in northern Lake Huron, near Drummond Island. Generally only two adult lighthouse keepers are allowed each week. You’ll also get to wake up to Lake Michigan right outside your window and go to bed surrounded by black water and dark sky, illuminated by the lighthouse’s lifesaving beacon. You’ll get one day off during your stay, as well as evenings after the lighthouse closes at 5 pm. You just bring linens and a smile to greet visitors. It’s furnished with everything you need, from cooking utensils to a washer and dryer. In exchange for your work at Mission Point, you’ll receive a week-long stay in the former keeper’s quarters inside the lighthouse. You may also be asked to do simple outdoor gardening and maintenance, such as painting. You’ll also do light housework, including cleaning the tower windows. ![]() At Lighthouses that are easily accessible, like Mission Point on Old Mission Peninsula, just outside Traverse City, duties include acting as host for tour visitors and operating the gift shop. Your experience and required duties vary depending the location where you serve as lighthouse keeper. There are lighthouses on Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior that have Volunteer Keeper programs. Mission Point Lighthouse on Old Mission Peninsula, outside Traverse City, Michigan. Many lighthouses are operated as non-profits, and the Lighthouse Keeper Program helps keep the lighthouses accessible to the public, while also maintaining them. A handful of those lighthouses have Volunteer Keeper Programs. Forty of our remaining lighthouses are open to the public for tours. Today there are 109 light houses still standing. ![]() ![]() At one time, the ships on our Great Lakes were protected by as many 247 lighthouses. Michigan has more coastline than any other state, with the exception of Alaska, and it has the most lighthouses. It’s certainly on my Michigan Bucket List. Are you one of those romantic souls who dreams of living in a lighthouse? Are you fascinated by maritime history? Do you love being on the beach and near the water? Then the Volunteer Keeper Program is the perfect way for you to spend your summer vacation in Michigan. ![]()
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