Upcoming Museum Closures

Tinker Swiss Cottage will be closed for the 1pm tour on Tuesday April 24th. We will be open for our 3pm tour. 
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Tinker Swiss Cottage will be closed on ​​May 3rd, 2018 for tours. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

#You Belong in a Museum

In 2018, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens continues our You Belong in a Museum campaign!
 
Throughout the year, we will have lectures, workshops, open houses, family game days, members only night tours and free admission dates for you to explore what is it like to be a part of the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum!

Join us for these upcoming free admission dates:

May: 16th, 23rd, 30th
​June: Every Wednesday
​July: 18th, 25th
August: 22nd, 29th
​September: Every Tuesday
​October: 2nd, 9th, 16th
​November: 6th, 13th
​December: 5th, 12th
 
Don’t miss out! Keep your eyes peeled for announcements for these events and so much more on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtags #youbelonginamuseum and #ibelonginamuseum

​Speakeasy Murder Mystery
SOLD OUT
​​​May 26th, 2018 6:00 pm

Dust off your flapper dress, zoot suits and Tommy guns and get  ready for your Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery Party! At the height of prohibition, morale was high, morals were at an all-time low, and most of the country was controlled by the Mafia. 

At this cozy little hot spot, hidden in the old Tinker mansion, you will find the best night scene around. Drink, dance, sing and mingle with other like-minded individuals but be careful, wherever there is liquor there is always the mafia…and the police. On a night like tonight, with tensions running high, you might get caught in the middle of a bloody dispute. Enjoy your night but keep your guard up, we’d hate to lose any of our clientele! 

​Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Fairy Tale Tea
​July 7th, 2018    11:00 am

Calling all princesses, princes and creatures of all kinds! Are you looking for an afternoon fit for the whole family?

Tinker's Fairy Tale Tea is an adventure for everyone! We encourage all of those attending to join in the fun and dress as their favorite character!
 
Enjoy three delectable courses of kid approved favorites including, scones, sandwiches, and dessert to compliment your endless amount of tea.

​Special princess appearances and music will be provided by Once Upon A Dream Performances! Join our special guests in songs, stories, and lots of tea party goodies!

A first floor tour of the Tinker Cottage is included in the cost of the tea.

**Reservations are REQUIRED so get your tickets now!**

Tinker's Shadow
​New Documentary of Tinker Swiss Cottage Now Available!

Looking for a fun way to take Tinker home with you? Director Michael Kleen has put together a wonderful new documentary on Tinker Swiss Cottage, titled Tinker's Shadow: The Hidden History of Tinker Swiss Cottage.

​The documentary is available to purchase through Amazon, with DVDs coming to our gift shop later this year! Proceeds will go towards helping us to maintain the Cottage. 

​*Reminder: Please select "Tinker Swiss Cottage" as the benefactor when you shop at smile.amazon.com

Check out the trailer HERE!
​Watch the documentary HERE!

Paranormal Investigation with Haunted Rockford &
​Ghost Research Society
SOLD OUT
​May 19th       7:00 pm

Tinker Swiss Cottage and Haunted Rockford are partnering with renowned Ghost Investigator Dale Kaczmarek and his Ghost Research Society to investigate this exciting location. There have been many claims to paranormal experiences in this historic home, and it was featured on the SyFy Channel's Ghost Hunters in 2012. Guests will meet up for the investigation at the barn. We will travel through four “hot spots” in an actual paranormal investigation.

Kathi Kresol will share the history of the house and details of the ghostly encounters, and then team members from GRS will show you how to operate their equipment. Guests may also bring their own equipment to use on the investigation.

The price for this event will be $40.00 and must be paid in advance. To register for this event online, please visit the website HERE or call Kathi at 815-871-4239.

Paranormal Tour - SOLD OUT
​June 15th, 2018     7:00 pm

As we draw near the Summer solstice, join us for scintillating tales from paranormal experts, listen to audio clips found in the Tinker Cottage, and enjoy a tour with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, emf). ​

Victorian Murder Mystery
​July 28th, 2018     6:00 pm

Rose is hosting her first Victorian Light party!

The first house in town to have electricity, all of Rockford's elite are in attendance. Known for her flair for over-the-top events, everyone has decided to attend, either out of respect for the hostess, curiosity of electricity, or for the chance to socialize with the upper echelon of Rockford society. 

Unfortunately for the happy party goers, no one knows that there is a killer in their midst who plans to strike tonight!

​Get your tickets now before they sell out! 
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum            411 Kent St. Rockford, IL 61102              P: (815)964-2424              info@tinkercottage.com 
*All header images provided by © Rockford Park District - Photo by Jesse Fox

Contact Us

Have questions? Want to check in before you arrive? Ask us here!