Ever want to stay the night in a lighthouse? I know when I was kid, I did. And even now, the idea makes me all giddy.

Now we've got a chance to experience sleeping on the Michigan shores of Lake Superior, at the base of the oldest active lighthouse on the lake. The adaptively restored 1923 US Coast Guard Lifesaving Crews Quarters, located next to the Whitefish Point Light Station, is now ready for guests!

The lighthouse was commissioned by President Polk in 1849 and upgraded to one of the few "iron pile" lighthouses by President Lincoln in 1861 assuring safe passage for iron ore shipping and other commerce to support the national economy and Union efforts during the Civil War.

Each of the five rooms available in the Crews Quarters has a private bath, entertainment center and data ports with full satellite technology yet retain their historic charm. The entire Coast Guard Crews Quarters building has been professionally restored to period. Carefully selected images located throughout the Quarters capture historic moments and commemorate Lifesaving efforts and Coast Guard personnel stationed at Whitefish Point along Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast. Overnight guest policies include a smoke free environment, no children under age 16 and no pets. The Society is asking for a contribution of $150.00 per night with no additional taxes or separate fees for double occupancy. Annual Society membership is $25.00; a portion of both contributions are tax deductible. Enjoy continental breakfast and long walks on the beach at no charge.

The Light Keepers home on-site is restored to original turn of the century appearances featuring many artifacts and exhibits that retell the story of Light Keepers living along the treacherous Shipwreck coast. Interpreters provide guided tours of the Keepers home and Shipwreck Museum presenting over 300 years of Great Lakes shipping and maritime history. The memorial to the Edmund Fitzgerald holding the Ships Bell may be viewed in the museum. The theater provides a film presentation produced for the Discovery Channel with assistance from National Geographic on the raising of the bell. Co-located on the grounds is the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory hosting an interpretive center on Audubon Society programs, research, migration routes and other information.

Your first overnight stay includes a one year membership in the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, an internationally recognized professional research and maritime heritage organization.

Whitefish Point is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately an hour and twenty minutes from the Straits of Mackinac.

For a unique winter season getaway experience, contact the Society at 1-888-492-3747 for reservations. Visit online at www.shipwreckmuseum.com for more information.