Tawas Point Lighthouse Keeper Program (Michigan DNR / Michigan History Center)
Two weeks living inside a Lake Huron lighthouse.
Record checked Oct 27, 2026 · official source not yet confirmed by our automated check
Summary
Michigan's DNR / Michigan History Center recruits teams of four volunteer keepers who live in the Tawas Point Lighthouse keeper's dwelling for two-week stays between early May and late October, greeting visitors and leading tours.
Dream spread
Two weeks living inside a Lake Huron lighthouse.
Relocation reality check
You pay to do this: $250 per person plus a $10 non-refundable application fee per team, and you must apply as a team of four. About 30 hours a week of tours and cleaning. The 2026 round closed 28 Feb 2026 and 2027 dates are not yet published. A volunteer stay gives no US visa.
- You pay to stay ($250 per person per stay + $10 non-refundable application fee per team): a volunteer holiday, not free housing or a way to relocate.
Caretaker & Guardian HousingLighthouse keeper
Caretaker terms
This program does not provide a visa.
- Housing
- No housing — you pay to stay or run a business
- Utilities
- Included
- Cost to you
- $250 per person per stay + $10 non-refundable application fee per team
- Stipend or pay
- None
- Commitment
- Two-week stay, about 30 hours per week, early May-late October
- What you give
- Greet visitors, lead tower tours, basic facility maintenance, clean quarters on departure
Reality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Teams of four, all 18 or older and able to climb the tower's 85 steps; no pets.
The long game
If United States becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
United States · residency → PR → citizenship
Curated- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y5Citizenship eligible~5 years
Citizenship: 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (3 if married to a US citizen) before naturalizing.
Permanent residency: No fixed clock — a green card requires family, employment or investment sponsorship; relocation incentives don't provide one.
Does program time count toward citizenship? · Does not count
Tulsa Remote and Choose Topeka are domestic cash incentives for people already authorized to live and work in the US — they confer no immigration status.
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Application deadline
- 28 February 2026Passed — check the official source for the next round.
- Property purchase
- Not required
No amounts on record. Check the official source.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇺🇸 United States. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/SameGrassButGreener
The sub for relocating within the US — city-vs-city threads.
- r/Tulsa
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“"For just $250 per person, you'll live along the Lake Huron shoreline in an historic lighthouse keeper's dwelling." (michigan.gov/mhc Lighthouse Keepers)”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 27, 2026- Secondary referenceLast checked Oct 27, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.