Have you ever thought it would be fun to spend the night in a historic lighthouse? Good news! Some lighthouses permit overnight stays. Here’s a list of five lighthouses that allow overnight guests and what you can expect. As you can see, the experience will vary greatly from primitive to luxurious, depending on where you stay–and some even provide ghosts at no extra charge!:
*East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast (East Brother Island, CA; near San Francisco). This beacon sits on top of a Victorian-style keeper’s house. Even though it was built in 1873, the light station has modern amenities. For example, there is running water. But due to a limited water supply, guests that stay only one night are not permitted to shower. And there is a foghorn that is active from October – April. On the up side, the meals are delicious and the house is full of lovely rugs and antiques. www.ebls.org
*The Lighthouse Inn (West Dennis, Massachussetts). Like East Brother Light Station, the beacon is perched atop the two-story keeper’s house. This lighthouse has some great amenities, such as renovated guest rooms, heated pool, and private beach. If the five guest rooms are booked up, you can stay in the nearby guest cottages that have been added due to demand. Guests are expected to dress for dinner. www.lighthouseinn.com
*Keeper’s House (Isle au Haut, Maine). This light station dates back to 1907 and f you’re looking for a truly authentic lighthouse experience, this is it. Live with the lighthouse keepers did…no electricity, no Internet, no television. Lighting is provided by candles and kerosene lanterns. No worries though. Three gourmet meals are served daily with the use of solar power. Bicycles are provided so that guests can explore the island, which is a 40-minute boat ride (aboard the mail boat) from the mainland. There is a quaint fishing village (population 75) on the island and Acadia National Park extends 2,700 acres. There are four guest rooms in the lighthouse and two cozy cottages available. www.keepershouse.com
*Sand Hills Lighthouse Inn (Ahmeek, Michigan). This is the lighthouse to go to if you want to be pampered. The 1917 structure is so cute and roomy since it was built to house three keepers and their entire families. The King Room offers a canopied king bed, fireplace, and view of Lake Superior. The interior is completely Victorian, which provides a lovely ambiance. Guests will enjoy their nightly desserts while listening to piano music. www.sandhillslighthouseinn.com
*Heceta Head Lighthouse (Yachats, Oregon). If you’re the adventurous sort, you may want to stay in a haunted lighthouse. Heceta Head Lighthouse is haunted by the Gray Lady. The most haunted room in the lighthouse is Victoria’s Room so be sure to request it–if you dare. But even if you don’t have a ghostly encounter, you won’t be disappointed. The rooms are cozy and the food is superb, starting with a seven-course breakfast. www.hecetalighthouse.com
***To learn more about Rue, a.k.a. The Gray Lady who haunts Heceta Head Lighthouse or the other ghosts (including a pirate ghost, princess ghost, and keeper’s ghost) that haunt other lighthouses (such as Point Lookout Lighthouse,Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, and St. Augustine Lighthouse), check out SPOOKIEST LIGHTHOUSES (Safari Publishing, 2013).***
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