Hackley & Hume Historic Site

Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Victorian mansion where Muskegon's lumber baron history comes alive through guided tours. Kids get a fascinating peek into how wealthy families lived in the late 1800s, exploring ornate period rooms filled with original furnishings, clothing, and artifacts that spark imagination and questions about life before smartphones and electricity.

• ✓Ornate Victorian furnishings and decor that look like they're from a fairy tale
• ✓Original clothing and toys from the 1800s that show how different childhood was back then
• ✓Stories about the Hackley and Hume families and their lumber empire
• ✓Beautiful stained glass windows and intricate woodwork throughout the mansion
• ✓The carriage house with period vehicles and equipment

1. 1.Tours are guided only and last about an hour, so visit the restroom beforehand as there are no breaks during the tour.
2. 2.Arrive 10 minutes early to browse the gift shop, which has Victorian-themed toys and books that help kids connect with what they're about to see.
3. 3.The tour involves stairs and standing, so save this for a day when kids are well-rested and have had a snack.
4. 4.Photography is allowed in most areas, so bring your phone to capture kids' reactions to the fancy period rooms.
5. 5.Ask the tour guide about the secret door and hidden staircase, features that always fascinate children.

Visit on weekday mornings during the school year for smaller, more intimate tour groups where kids can ask more questions. Summer weekends can get busier with tourists, making it harder for young ones to see and hear everything.

Admission is very affordable (under $10 per person with family discounts available). Street parking is free and plentiful. There is no cafe on-site, so plan to eat before or after your visit.

Open year-round Tuesday through Sunday, with reduced winter hours. The mansion is especially magical during the holidays when decorated with Victorian-era Christmas decorations. Call ahead to confirm tour times as they vary by season.

Head to The Lakehouse Waterfront Grille (1 mile away) for casual family dining with a kids menu and lake views, or grab pizza and ice cream at Dockers Fish House & Grill on Muskegon Lake.