Lookouts and Lighthouses Repurposed, Oh My!

image from recreation.gov

Back in the day, there were such a thing as forest rangers who spent time in tall towers with binoculars in hand, looking for signs of smoke and fire. These days, weather satellites and other technology have taken over those tasks, but rather than dismantle the lookouts, they have been repurposed as getaways. This doesn’t mean they’ve lost their rough charm, though. Although there have been fire lookout stations that have been made into upscale weekend or vacation retreats, the towers offered through recreation.gov – some of which were built in the 1930s – seem as untouched as the forests that surround them.

Though most provide beds, visitors may be required to bring their own bedding as well as water and food and outhouses at ground level are the usual. What amenities are available depends entirely on which facility you’re talking about, but one thing remains consistent – great views and peace and quiet. And at night – a sky full of stars that can’t be seen when near a city.

Ocean Views

Even further back than there were forest fire lookout towers, there were lighthouses. Today, many of them have been preserved by private owners or nonprofit groups which rent out luxury accommodations. But there are a handful of lighthouses that are still operated by state or federal parks, their lighthouse keeper’s homes or specially built cottages available to the public at modest fees, most available as hostel lodgings, where a nightly bed can run as little as $23.

What Else Can be Repurposed As Lodging?

There have been several articles about shipping containers being repurposed as homes. Churches, lofts, even grain silos have been converted to provide shelter to humans. Apparently, the only limits on repurposing for living space lie within our imaginations (note: requires free NYT login).

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