Keepers

To showcase Big Sable, Little Sable and Ludington North Breakwater to the public, we need about 200 volunteer keepers per year. All keepers are SPLKA members.  Depending on the season we need 4-7 keepers at Big Sable and 3-5 keepers each at Little Sable and Ludington North Breakwater.

We assign volunteer keepers into tours which vary from one to two weeks. A two week tour usually includes half a day off in the first week and a full day off in the second week. In the Spring we provide a one day training class for keepers.  Generally each tour has at least one experienced veteran.

We do not pay keepers for their work, nor do we charge them for the privilege to help. We do provide them housing during their tours. Keepers at Big Sable live on the second floor of the lighthouse for their tour.  Keepers at Little Sable live in an offsite residence formerly used by the Silver Lake State Park ranger. Keepers at Ludington North Breakwater live in an offsite residence formerly used by the Ludington State Park ranger.   

Keepers give tower tours, operate a gift shop at Big Sable, interpret the role of lighthouses and their equipment, and perform light maintenance, e.g. painting and cleaning. 

Please click on the volunteer inquiries link for more information.