You gotta try Hackley & Hume Historic Site

Hackley & Hume Historic Site 

484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon
231-722-7578
lakeshoremuseum.org/hackley-hume

In October, I visited Muskegon and toured the famous Hackley & Hume Historic Site — it was such an eye-opening experience.

The Hackley & Hume Historic Site tells the story of two men who were the most well-known lumber barons in Muskegon and built vast fortunes — Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume. They not only worked together, but built homes on the same piece of land and shared a barn in the middle to house their horses and buggies. The homes, built in the late 1800s, feature many original stained-glass windows, exquisite wood carvings and period furnishings.

The tour was very informative and interesting — I got to learn more about the importance and history of Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume and the impact they’ve made in the Muskegon area. The detail of the homes and woodwork was unbelievable! I would definitely recommend this tour for everyone. It’s amazing that we have these homes and history so close to us, and yet, I never even knew about the place.

Special holiday tours are also offered; they start at the end of November. During the holiday tours, the museum brings in local volunteer decorators that transform the homes into a holiday theme. Visit the site’s website for dates and more information.  

With COVID restrictions, the site is offering group tours on the hour, but limiting each tour to family members of the same household.

—Jamie Cannon, media sales at Urban St.