A volunteer vacation can be a lot of fun in one of Michigan's lighthouses that allow volunteers to spend the night and help maintain this portion of Great Lakes history.
Located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, the Coast Guard established Grand Traverse Light in 1852. The current quarters and light dates to 1858. In 1972, the Coast Guard established an automated lighthouse nearby and the original Grand Traverse Light sat empty for 13 years.
In 1985, a group of community volunteers organized to save and restore Grand Traverse Light. After their aged groundskeeper was no longer able to care for the property, the community volunteers started this program in 2003.
The volunteers typically serve from Friday to Friday. Paid staff and other volunteers are on hand over the weekend, typically the busiest period, but much of the remainder of time, the overnight keepers are on their own. Cell phones and walkie-talkies keep them in touch with paid personnel in case of emergency.
Chores are simple: sweep the walks, take money for the lighthouse tours, sell things in the gift shop, change a lightbulb now and then. If volunteers are so inclined, painting, mowing and mild construction projects may be done as well. On Saturdays, volunteers get to sound the foghorn, whether it is foggy or not.
The keeper's quarters has two bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens. Volunteers must bring their own bed linens, food and personal toiletries. The lighthouse is located in beautiful Lelanau State Park, a tranquil setting for campers, families and nature lovers.
Of Michigan’s 120 lighthouses, only three have volunteer keeper’s programs for overnight stays. Grand Traverse Lighthouse was the first. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the United States.
Grand Traverse Light is open to the public from early April through December. Call 231-386-7195.
National Lighthouse Day
August 7 is National Lighthouse Day, a day set aside by the U.S. Congress to provide recognition for the nation’s lighthouses, to promote the values of safety, heroism and American ingenuity that they represent, and to encourage citizens to rededicate themselves to the protection and restoration of these facilities. National Lighthouse Day was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Nov. 5, 1988 after being sponsored by Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island.
Congress approved an act to establish and support lighthouses in 1789. Boston Harbor Light Station, built in 1716, is the United States' oldest lighthouse. It is also the only remaining light station in the United States to have an official keeper. All other stations are automated.
The other overnight volunteer keepers programs in Michigan are DeTour Reef Light on Drummond Island and Big Sable Lighthouse at Ludington.
The Great Lakes Ship Wreck Museum in Michigans' Upper Peninsula is an enjoyable tour for those interested in lighthouses and the history of the Great Lakes.
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