The Hackley and Hume Historic Site of the Lakeshore Museum Center invites visitors to celebrate Hackley Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025, with a full day of free tours, family fun, and community activities.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Muskegon County residents can enjoy free tours of the Hackley and Hume homes, the Fire Barn Museum, and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era. Regular admission applies to non-residents during this time—$15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for children aged 3-12.
Then, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the celebration continues with live music, lawn games, historic crafts, food and beverages in the courtyard. Admission for the evening festivities is free for Muskegon County residents and just $5 for non-residents. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the homes, explore the latest updates, and experience the site in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
“Hackley Day is one of our favorite traditions. It's a chance to honor Charles Hackley’s lasting impact on Muskegon while inviting the community to experience history in a hands-on and engaging way,” said Historic Site Director Erin Schmitz. “Whether you’ve toured the homes before or it’s your first time, there’s always something new to discover.”
Hackley Day celebrates the legacy of Charles Hackley, a prominent lumber baron whose philanthropy helped shape many of Muskegon’s most cherished institutions. Hackley was born in Michigan City, Indiana, in 1837, and moved to Muskegon in 1856. In 1872, Irish immigrant Thomas Hume joined Hackley’s lumber firm, and by 1881, the two had become partners in the highly successful Hackley and Hume enterprise.
Their homes, designed by architect David S. Hopkins in the late 1880s, remain beautifully restored examples of late Victorian architecture. As the lumber industry declined, Hackley and Hume remained in Muskegon and helped lead the city’s economic and civic transformation.
All tours begin at the City Barn (carriage house), located between the Hackley and Hume Houses. Free parking is available along Webster Avenue and 6th Street. No advance registration is required. The last guided tour will leave at 4:00 p.m.
For more information about Hackley Day and other upcoming events at the Historic Sites, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org or call (231) 722-7578.
