There’s something magical about standing at the base of a lighthouse. The tall tower against the sky, the sound of waves in the background, and the feeling of history surrounding you. It’s an experience that connects people to both the past and the present. At Lakeshore Keepers, we’re proud to care for five historic lighthouses along the Lake Michigan shoreline. But here’s the secret: these lighthouses don’t run on their own.
Every visit, every climb, and every smiling face in our gift shops is thanks to Volunteer Keepers. We’re a volunteer-based organization, and that’s at the heart of who we are. Without volunteers, our lighthouses would be silent. With volunteers, they’re alive, welcoming, and inspiring tens of thousands of guests each year.
We invite you to learn more about how to get involved at our lighthouses.
Why We’re a Volunteer-Based Organization
When Lakeshore Keepers was founded, the goal wasn’t just to preserve lighthouses as museum pieces. We wanted them to remain places where people can step inside, climb the tower, and feel connected to the past. That vision is only possible with a strong community of volunteers.
Operating as a volunteer-based nonprofit allows us to preserve history with heart, keep the lights accessible to all, and build a community.
What Volunteers Do at the Lighthouses
Volunteers help in several important ways, including:
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Welcoming Visitors – First impressions matter. Volunteers are the friendly faces that greet guests, answer questions, and point out interesting details.
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Gift Shop Support – From ringing up sales to helping visitors find the perfect souvenir, volunteers ensure that guests leave with a little piece of lighthouse history.
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Tower Climbs – Volunteers help guide visitors up the lighthouse towers, ensure safety rules are followed, and share stories about the history and construction of these incredible structures.
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Special Events – During the summer, we host concerts, fundraisers, and family-friendly programs. Volunteers assist with setup, registration, and keeping events running smoothly.
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Preservation Projects – Volunteers occasionally lend a hand with hands-on projects like painting, landscaping, or seasonal cleaning, which help keep our lighthouses looking their best.
No matter what role you play, you’re part of a team that keeps our lights open and welcoming. And the best part? You don’t need to be a lighthouse expert. We provide training and resources to help you feel confident in your role.
Who Can Volunteer?
The short answer: almost anyone 18 years and older!
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Retirees looking for meaningful ways to stay active and give back.
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Teachers seeking a unique summer experience and enjoy connecting with visitors of all ages.
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College Students who want opportunities to build skills, meet new people, and make a difference.
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Couples and Friends who love the outdoors and want to spend time together on the lakeshore doing something meaningful.
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Locals and Travelers alike — some volunteers live nearby, while others travel from out of state or country to spend a week serving at the lights.
No prior experience, special skills, or background in history is required. All you need is a willingness to share your time, a welcoming spirit, and a love for the lakeshore.
A Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Volunteer
Wondering what volunteering actually looks like? Here’s a glimpse:
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Morning: Volunteer Keepers gather before the lighthouse opens. You might sweep the walkways, stock the gift shop shelves, or review the day’s schedule with your fellow keepers.
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Late Morning to Late Afternoon: The lighthouse is open to visitors. Some volunteers are stationed at the base of the tower to check tickets, while others are in the gift shop or guiding climbers at the top of the tower. Between guests, you might share stories with your team or enjoy the view. At closing, the team works together to tidy up and prepare for the next day.
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Evening: After closing the lighthouse for the day, volunteers typically have dinner, explore the grounds, socialize, and relax in the lakeshore beauty.
Most describe volunteering at Lake Michigan lighthouses as equal parts rewarding and relaxing. It’s a chance to step away from daily routines, meet people from all over the world, and spend time in some of Michigan’s most breathtaking locations.
How to Get Involved
Becoming a Volunteer Keeper at Lakeshore Keepers is simple. Here’s how:
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Visit Our Volunteer Page – Explore the details about each lighthouse and the types of opportunities available.
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Fill Out an Application – It’s quick, easy, and helps us get to know your interests and availability.
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Choose Your Schedule – Some volunteers serve for a week or two, while others commit to a half-day to full-day schedule in our daykeeper program. We’ll work with you to find the right fit.
- Connect with the Operations Manager – Once we receive your application, our Operations Manager will reach out to match you with the best opportunities.
We’re always happy to welcome new faces!
Stories from Our Volunteers
One of the best ways to understand what volunteering means is to hear directly from those who have done it. Here are a few highlights from our volunteers:
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“I’ve met people from all over the world at the top of the lighthouse. It’s incredible to see their faces light up when they reach the top and look out over Lake Michigan.” – Karen, volunteer since 2019
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“We signed up for a week at Big Sable, and it turned into a family tradition. Every summer, we come back to volunteer together — it’s our way of giving back.” – Tom and Lisa, volunteer couple
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“I love the opportunity to come and be a part of preserving the history of these lighthouses.” – Clayton, volunteer
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“We love helping light the way for our visitors! Each year, we look forward to our ‘lighthouse camp’ with our volunteer friends. The best part is sharing the love of Little Sable Point Lighthouse with our friends, new and old.” – Sue and Debbie, volunteer friends
These stories capture what makes volunteer opportunities at Lakeshore Keepers so unique: it’s more than just preserving lighthouses; it’s about creating memories and connections that last a lifetime.
Why Your Time Matters
Every hour a volunteer spends at a lighthouse makes a difference. By giving your time, you are:
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Keeping historic landmarks open to the public.
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Helping visitors learn about and appreciate Michigan’s maritime history.
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Supporting preservation projects that protect these structures for future generations.
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Bringing warmth, personality, and passion to the visitor experience.
Be Part of the Legacy
Lighthouses have always been about guidance and connection. They guided sailors safely to shore, and today they connect us to our past and to each other. Volunteering with Lakeshore Keepers is your chance to be part of that ongoing story.
If you’ve ever stood at the base of a lighthouse and felt inspired, imagine what it would be like to invite others to feel the same. We hope you’ll join us, share your time, and become part of the legacy.
Learn more today. If you’re looking for Lake Michigan lighthouse volunteering, look no further — the lights are waiting, and they need you.
