5 Unbeatable Reasons to Spice Up Your Life by Volunteering as a Lighthouse Keeper in Michigan’s Historic Beacons

Hey, did you know about the Assistant Keeper Program at the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse? It’s a unique chance to live in the Assistant Keeper’s house right on the lighthouse grounds, and to volunteer at a real working lighthouse! Plus, you get to immerse yourself in a piece of Michigan’s living history as you work and explore as an Assistant Lighthouse Keeper.

![Pointe Aux Barques Light](https://thumbwind.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/img_4011-1024×740.jpg)

## Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse – A Snapshot

The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse is nestled on the shores of Lake Huron in Huron County, Michigan, just a short drive from Port Hope and Port Austin. The park, spread over 120 acres, has 110 campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and six cozy cottages.

The Lighthouse County Park also includes the Pointe aux Barques U.S. Life-Saving Service Station and the Captain’s residence, along with the lighthouse and campsite. The station, which was commissioned in 1876, was originally about 300 yards southeast of the lighthouse. Although decommissioned and fallen into disrepair by 1937, it was relocated to the Huron City Museum in 1959 and returned to Lighthouse Park in 2017, where restoration is currently underway.

In 1908, a second dwelling was built near the lighthouse to serve as the assistant keeper’s house. Recently, this house has been renovated to launch the “Assistant Keeper Program.”

## The Pointe Aux Barques Assistant Lighthouse Keeper Program

![Pointe Aux Barques Light Tower](https://thumbwind.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/org_dsc08280-681×1024.jpg)

If you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, you’ll love the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse. A group of two to four people can stay at the assistant keeper’s house for a week or longer, taking in the stunning views of Lake Huron’s rocky beaches and volunteering as an “Assistant Keeper.” The weekly fee is $100 per person, plus your commitment to volunteer services.

The assistant keeper’s house has two bedrooms, each with a queen-sized bed, and can accommodate up to four people. It has a spacious living/dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. The house is heated but not air-conditioned. You’ll need to bring your own bedding, but there’s a washer and dryer in the basement.

Please note that the Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse Society officers use the dining room as an office. They may occasionally use the office but will always announce their presence before entering and will only use the office between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except in emergencies.

## Your Role As A Lighthouse Keeper

![Pointe Aux Barques Lifesaving Station](https://thumbwind.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/org_dsc08283-681×1024.jpg)

Imagine walking the same grounds and performing the same tasks as an actual 19th-century lighthouse keeper, including the first woman lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.

As an Assistant Keeper, you’ll welcome visitors, give tours, and share information about the lighthouse and the surrounding Thumb area. You’ll also be responsible for basic facility maintenance like sweeping, dusting, and trash collection.

You might also help keep the gift shop tidy and stocked, receive and price items, and provide on-site security for this historic site.

Typically, at least two Assistant Keepers are on duty from Wednesday through Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The total time commitment won’t exceed 35 hours per week per person, but it could be less if your group has three or four people.

## How to Join The Assistant Lighthouse Keeper Program

By the end of your week at the lighthouse, you’ll know every corner of the Lighthouse campus, and I bet you’ll have some great stories and interactions with the public. You might even make some new lighthouse-loving friends!

You can find more details about the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper Program and the application process on the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse website.

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Live the life of an Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at Pointe Aux Barques, where history meets adventure. Immerse yourself in a unique experience, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Huron and the charm of a working lighthouse. Make new friends, learn new skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to live, explore, and volunteer in one of Michigan’s historic lighthouses.

#LighthouseLife #MichiganHistory

See the original post at [Live, Explore, and Volunteer As an Assistant Lighthouse keeper In One of Michigan’s Historic Lighthouses](https://thumbwind.com/2021/11/17/volunteer-as-an-assistant-lighthouse-keeper/)

Paul Austin

Paul is a writer living in the Great Lakes Region. He dabbles in research of historical events, places, and people on his website at Michigan4You.When he isn't under a deadline, you can find him on the beach with a good book and a cold beer.

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