If you’ve ever wished to be a lighthouse keeper, here’s your chance. The state of Michigan is presently accepting applications for groups of four to spend two weeks manning the historical Tawas Point Lighthouse on the coasts of Lake Huron.
Throughout two weeks, you and your group will be responsible for welcoming visitors, leading tours, and performing fundamental upkeep jobs. In overall, the program estimates you’ll need to invest about 35 hours volunteering throughout your stay.
You need to use with three other individuals, and each one of you will need to send your own application (and $10 application fee) referencing your other teammates. You’ll need to describe why you’re interested in being a Lighthouse Keeper, what your experience is with public speaking, and what background you might have with lighthouse or maritime history. You’ll also need to provide 2 individual references.
Image by Paulius Dragunas While you will not get paid for this gig– in fact, you have to pay them for this opportunity– it might be a dream chance to invest adequate time disconnecting from the outdoors world with 3 people you love. The lighthouse has 2 bed rooms and a contemporary bathroom.
The Lighthouse Keeper program ranges from mid-May through mid-October, so quite a few teams will have the opportunity to play Keeper throughout the season. In 2015, the Keeper program was on hiatus because the 148-year-old lighthouse underwent structural repairs. The application due date is February 17 at 11:59 PM.
Other Ways to Experience Lighthouses
Looking for something a little bit more long-term? The Northern Lighthouse Board of the U.K. lists jobs on its site, including a current opening for a cook/steward on its ships, which travel around Scotland and the Isle of Man in “severe conditions.” Pay starts around $45,000 per year and requires a 28 days on/28 day of rests schedule.
True vacation more your style? Naturally, you can find many decommissioned lighthouses on scheduling platforms like Airbnb. The Rose Island Lighthouse, on its own small island in Newport, Rhode Island, is likewise a beautiful place to remain, and it offers visitors the opportunity to rent the entire island.
Image by Jackson Eaves Appointments usually open in December for the following year and can schedule up rapidly, but you’re in luck– there’s still some schedule for 2024. The open season is April 1 through October 31, and you can remain in personal rooms in the lighthouse or in the lighthouse keeper’s apartment. Or, for a huge group, you can lease the entire home and island for private use.
Whether you are trying to find a long-term lighthouse stick with your friends or a couple’s getaway to a lighthouse, there are alternatives across the U.S., and we hope you discover your ideal lighthouse experience.
Have you ever wanted to be a lighthouse keeper? Here’s your chance to do just that in the Great Lakes area.