Summary
Introduction to Rose Island Lighthouse
What would it be like to stay in a lighthouse overnight? Find out for yourself during your New England visit by planning a stay at Rose Island Lighthouse.
Rose Island Lighthouse lies off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, just about a mile from shore. The historic lighthouse, dating back to 1870, was vandalized and badly neglected after its abandonment in 1971. However, in 1993, thanks to the efforts of the non-profit Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation, the lighthouse was restored and relit.
Accommodations at Rose Island
Today, Rose Island Lighthouse is open to the public as a museum during the day in the summertime, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Moreover, for those seeking a unique lodging experience, you can stay overnight on the island year-round. There are two lighthouse bedrooms or the keeper’s apartment available on the second floor. Additionally, during warm weather months, couples seeking a romantic getaway can opt to stay in the separate 1912 Fog Horn Building. This building is cozy and furnished with a queen bed, although the nearest bathroom is 100 feet away outside. For the adventurous, the Barracks Room in a separate historic building offers a unique stay as well. This bomb-proof bunker has a queen bed, but again, bathroom facilities require an outdoor trek of about 30 feet. The Barracks Room is available seasonally.
Keeper for the Week Program
If you’re a true lighthouse fan and wish to do more than just stay a night or two, you have the chance to contribute to the preservation of this historic lighthouse by applying to become a “Keeper for the Week.” The second-floor keeper’s apartment accommodates two adults and up to four children. Volunteer keepers pay a fee and engage in various work projects during their stay.
More Lighthouse Overnights in New England
Several other New England lighthouses also offer overnight accommodations:
- Race Point Light Station in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provides nightly rooms from May 1 through November 30 inside a restored Keeper’s House. Transportation to the lighthouse is included. For solitude, consider a stay at the Whistle House, which accommodates private parties for a minimum stay of two nights.
- Bakers Island Light Station in Salem, Massachusetts, offers overnight stays for up to four people in the Assistant Keeper’s House on weekends from July through September.
- Whitehead Light Station on Maine’s Whitehead Island offers overnight stays on select R&R weekends and in conjunction with learning programs.
- Little River Lighthouse in Downeast Maine provides overnight stays from mid-June through mid-September in a choice of three rooms, with volunteers taking guests by boat to this secluded spot.
Lighthouse Dining Experience
Don’t miss the chance to dine at the top of a lighthouse in Newburyport, Massachusetts, for an unforgettable experience.
