For centuries, lighthouses have provided a beacon of light for ships seeking safe passage through fog, storms and treacherous waters. Today, many of those towering structures also offer safe harbor for families interested in sleeping amid seafaring history. In honor of National Lighthouse Day Aug. 7, here are five to consider:
1.Saugerties Lighthouse, Saugerties, N.Y.
Stunning beauty and rich history beckon visitors to this alluring locale where the Catskill Mountains meet the Hudson River. Learn how whale oil lamps kept the beacon burning. Discover what it means to be a modern lighthouse keeper. Wander along nature trails where beaver, eagles and heron make their home. Docent-guided tours are available on Sunday afternoons during summer. A documentary film also illuminates the lighthouse history for visitors.
Contact: saugertieslighthouse.com.
2.Big Bay Point Lighthouse, Big Bay, Mich.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse is run by avid preservationists eager to share local history. Their goal is to maintain the romance of an era when mariners relied on the skill of a lightkeeper to bring them safely through this challenging stretch of Michigan coastline. Today visitors enjoy the peaceful solitude of the pristine, cliffside location overlooking Lake Superior. Hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available on 40 acres of trails. A full breakfast is included. For safety reasons, children must be 16 or older.
Contact: bigbaylighthouse.com
3.Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero, Calif.
Just 50 miles south of San Francisco, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as you and your family learn how mariners once navigated the central California coast with the help of the 115-foot lighthouse. Be on the lookout for whales, wade into tide pools and catch the star show overhead. An affordable seaside option, the unique hostel offers shared and private rooms. Cook your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Free history talks are offered on weekends.
Contact: norcalhostels.org
4.Two Harbors Light Station, Two Harbors, Minn.
Spend the night in the oldest operating lighthouse in the state, overlooking Lake Superior. Constructed in 1892 to provide safe passage into the Agate Bay harbor, the lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today visitors and overnight guests can learn about modern navigation as well as steep in the region's sea-faring history through the onsite museum.
Contact: lighthousebb.org
5.Heceta Head Lighthouse, Yachats, Ore.
Spend the night and take family selfies in front of what some say is the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S. Set high above the Pacific Ocean, the working lighthouse casts a beam 21 miles out to sea. An interpretive center, located on the first floor of the nearby Keeper's House, offers free, docent-led, guided tours during the summer months. The lighthouse offers tours year round. A seven course breakfast awaits B&B guests.
Contact: hecetalighthouse.com
