Wander through the hallways of the Hackley and Hume Historic Site and admire the elaborate wood-carving and sparkling stained-glass windows. The buildings have all been fully restored to their former glory complete with furnishings and objects.
The main buildings are the Victorian-style homes of Charles H. Hackley and Thomas Hume, two of Muskegon’s most prominent and wealthy lumber barons. The houses were built in the late 1880s and this style is depicted faithfully throughout the many spacious rooms. The Hume House was built as a large, comfortable family home. Stroll around its many rooms including open living areas, bedrooms, a cozy library and a decadent dining room.
The third building on site is the City Barn, a barn house shared by the two families, designed for horses and coachmen. Inside, discover the side-by-side barn area and living quarters, an interesting example of Victorian architecture.
Join a guided tour of the buildings in the summer months (May to October). These tours last about an hour. During the summer period historic games for children are often held on the lawn outside the houses, creating fun for the whole family.
Special holiday tours are held in the Christmas season when the homes are decorated with Victorian-era festive items. The Hackley House is decorated according to the late 19th century, while the Hume House displays early 20th-century decorations. The tours are free for children aged 12 and under.
The Hackley and Hume Historic Site is open for regular viewing from May through to October and there is an admission fee. It is open from Thursday to Monday, but be aware that on Sunday it does not open until after lunch.
Explore the Lakeshore Museum Center, the museum that the Hackley and Hume Historic Site belongs to. Nearby, there are even more sections of the museum to explore. These include the main Museum Center, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era and the Fire Barn Museum. These sites are all within close walking distance of each other.
The Hackley and Hume Historic Site is both fun and educational for the whole family, so don’t miss this fascinating attraction in Muskegon County.
