Hackley & Hume Historic Site — Attraction in Muskegon

These homes are truly a work of art and an excellent display of midwestern craftmanship. What makes these homes amazing is the care and attention to detail that has been given by the people who have loved and maintained these homes over all of this time and created this rich interpretive experience to those who are lucky enough to stumble upon it. The way these homes were built, the carvings, furnishings, immerse you in immense classical beauty that is hard to describe.

Having toured Hearst Castle and several other historic homes and properties, this experience really stands out to me in terms of it's completeness and historical accuracy and amazing example of artistry, craftmanship and architecture. The passion of the staff and the support of the community to offer and sustain these homes is commendable.

Bring your camera and if you have any interest whatsoever in history and art take an hour out of your day...

The mansions are fantastically expensive piles of architectural elements with some really nice wood, glass, and heaps of stenciling. Google to find rumored connections with stolen confederate gold and more! The firefighters museum is about action and problem solving. I found it much more fun. The depression era house is apparently one of a kind in the US. DO pick up the old rotary phone! Pictures here the fire museum's: water barrels on the sawmill roof(youngsters had to climb up and axe them open in case of fire), the pompier ladder(smashes through windows and grabs the ledge inside),and the speaking/drinking horn. There's also a 1903 training film that is an amazing insight into the usefulness...

I highly recommend this tour. You need a good 1-2 hours to enjoy both houses. Our 6 year old son did well on the 1st house but didn't last for the 2nd one. I had to take a break with him and my wife finished the second house. It's very educational and gives you a prespective of how the rich lived at the turn of the century. The architecture (Queen Anne) is amazing and definitely worth seeing if you're in the area. There are historical homes on the same street that are private, but you can take a nice walk and observe from...