This was an excellent tour. The docent was very knowledgeable and courteous. The homes are distinctly different; Hackley set at the turn of the century and was built as a showplace and Hume set in 1920 and was very family-friendly. I'd like to return for their Christmas tour starting November 28, 2014 and ending December 28, 2014. Go to their website for hours and more info.
PROS: free exhibits at the Barn; photogenic houses; interesting information about the houses, Muskegon itself back in the day.CONS: gift shop could use more items.
My husband and I actually came across these 2 homes by accident. And we are glad we did! It was the end of the day, so we had the guide to ourselves. These are two beautiful turn-of-the- century homes. If you have any interest in beautiful woodworking, the Hackley house is your dream come true. Be sure to have your camera battery fully charged for this place. The carvings in the door frames, mantels, staircase, and library, are magnificent! The original wallpaper has been recreated and the Victorian furnishings are classic. It takes about an hour to tour both houses. Well worth the stop.
If you have never visited the city of Muskegon, Michigan you a missing a beautiful, picturquese place with lots of history. The Hackley and Hume historic mansions are very unique architecture for the time that they were built. The tour takes about 1 hour and you learning what life was life in the late 1890 and early 1900's. It was a shipping port city in it heyday. Also there are more points of interest for you to discover.
This tour takes about an hour, and is absolutely worth the time. The tour guide was quite entertaining and well-informed. He answered all questions, and also had wonderful information about the Hackley and Hume homes, as well as the families and local history. As a diy enthusiast, I was stunned and speechless at the hand-carving in the homes, the beautiful built-ins, as well as the seamless additions to the Hume home. This was really worth the trip, and at $5/person (I think kids were free) it was worth the trip.
Set in the time of lumber barons when logs floated down the lake to their destination. Exceptional restoration project, complete with carriage and the Hume home right next door. lovely.
Fine tour of 2 Lumber Baron Mansions. Lots of local and family history. Tour guides do a fine job. Lots of learning in a 1 hour tour.
Late 19th Century homes of millionaire philanthropist Charles Hackley and millionaire family man David Hume are authentically and meticulously restored. Locals forget that people from elsewhere know nothing of logging camps, river drives, sawmills, lumber barons, and Muskegon white pine rebuilding Chicago after its great fire. The tour is a unique experience.
Tile the Hackley home is ornate and garish, the Hume home is simple and almost too plain. It leads one to wonder how the tow men every became partners, let alone very successful business men. The Hackley home allows the visitor to see French wallpaper, busy wood carvings, classic Victorian furniture and lovely stained glass windows. The Hume home allows the visitor a peek into the past of a family not bound by society to "put on the dog." It's painfully austere but lovely in its own way, from the banister railings to the wallpaper to the furnishings.
The Hackley and Hume site are interesting and enjoyable any time of year, but the very best time to visit is when the homes are decorated for Christmas. Exquisite antiques, wonderful decorations - a must-see for families, couples, singles. Probably not good for very small children, unless they are good at "look but don't touch".