3 Michigan Lighthouses with Volunteer Keepers Programs

Have you ever dreamed of living by the sea? A residence on the water is not feasible for everyone, but for those with a love and fascination for the ocean, a Lighthouse Volunteer Keeper's Program might be the next best thing.

Many of the historic lighthouses that remain in the U.S. today have opportunities for individuals to live in the lighthouse for varying amounts of time (usually 1-2 weeks) and experience life as a lighthouse keeper. Each Lighthouse Volunteer Keeper's Program is different, but typically the volunteers will have such responsibilities as: maintaining the lighthouse property, serving as tour guides for visitors to the historic attraction, running the gift shop, and other miscellaneous tasks. After the daily duties have been accomplished, the volunteers can explore the surrounding grounds and take advantage of events going on in the nearby towns, if applicable.

Lighthouse Volunteer Keeper's Programs are available at lighthouses throughout the country. Below are details and contact info about 3 popular opportunities specific to the state of Michigan:

DeTour Reef Lighthouse Volunteer Keeper's Program
P.O. Box 307
Drummond Island, MI 49726
(906) 493-6609
drlps@drlps.com

The DeTour Reef Lighthouse, built in 1931, rests on the DeTour Reef in Northern Lake Huron, near the mouth of the St. Mary's River at the far eastern end of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The lighthouse is located offshore near DeTour Village and Drummond Island, and must be reached by boat. The Volunteer Lighthouse Keeper Program offered by the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society, takes place on weekends. Volunteer Keepers will be expected to help with tours on one of the days and perform a variety of tasks to keep up the historic Michigan lighthouse. Keepers reside in living quarters that remain true to those used by the Coast Guard until 1974. More Info and the 2011 Volunteer Lighthouse Keeper Application.

Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association
Post Office Box 673
Ludington, MI 49431
231-845-7417
splkadir@t-one.net

The Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association oversees three Michigan lighthouses: Big Sable Point Lighthouse, located in Ludington State Park; Little Sable Point Lighthouse, among the sand dunes of the Silver Lake State Park; and the Ludington North Breakwater Light, also in the city of Ludington and well known for its bright green light. The association is in need of volunteers from May through October to aid them in their mission to restore and preserve the three properties and to educate the public on the history of these historic Michigan lighthouses. Volunteers are kept very busy maintaining the structures and engaging with the public through tours and special programs. They are free to explore the area and participate in the special events the city of Ludington has to offer on their off time.

Please note that in order to volunteer as a lighthouse keeper for the Sable Points Lighthouses, you must be a member of the Keepers Association. (Visit the website or call 231-845-7343 to join). You will also be personally interviewed. For more details on applying for the Sable Points Volunteer Lighthouse Keepers Program, click here.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Keeper Program
15500 N. Lighthouse Pt. Road
Northport, MI 49670
231-386-7195
gtlthse@triton.net

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, built in 1858, is located within the Lellanau State Park in the northern part of Michigan. Those participating in the Keeper Program will spend 1-2 weeks living in the former assistants' quarters of the lighthouse, with the responsibilities of greeting visitors, providing historical information, assisting in the gift shop and other similar tasks. Grand Traverse Lighthouse has recently added a winter Keeper Program (January-April) to the original program (April-December). More Details