Upcoming Museum Closures

The Cottage will be closed in the month of November for museum maintenance. 
Tinker Swiss Cottage may close during the winter months due to weather conditions.
The museum is closed on Mondays. We apologize for any inconvenience.

#You Belong in a Museum

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​In 2023, 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:

November: 28th, 29th
December 5th, 19th
 
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

Check out our segment from 
Dean on the Streets! 

New Museum Merch!
Visit the Online Gift Shop

Support Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum by purchasing an "80th Anniversary" or "Spooky Season" sweatshirt or "80th Anniversary" t-shirt HERE! 

Sweatshirts are $42 each. T-shirts are $15 each. Tax will be added at checkout. There is no shipping option and pick up is in the Barn Gift Shop. You must include your name and phone number when placing your order online. 

Upcoming Museum Events

Scouts BSA Class
"American Cultures" 
November 18th   2-4pm

In this class, scouts will work towards their "American Cultures" Merit Badge.

​The United States is a nation of immigrants, and the blending of various cultural backgrounds is what has created our unique nation. Understanding cultural backgrounds can help Scouts to live in harmony with others in our varied and increasingly multicultural society. 

In this class, Scouts will complete 4 out of 5 requirements for the badge. In order to complete the final badge requirement, Scouts will need to share what they learned at their next Den/Troop meeting. ​

Cookies with the Grouch
December 3rd  2-3pm

Join Tinker Swiss Cottage as we welcome The Grouch for holiday cookie fun! 

This event is sponsored by Characters 2 Life. Tickets are available HERE!

A Victorian Christmas Murder Mystery
December 8th  6-8pm

The halls are decked, and Rose is hosting her first Victorian Light party!
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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!

Ghosts of Christmas Past
December 2nd  7-10pm

Come celebrate the holidays Haunted Rockford style at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens!
Kathi Kresol will present some stories from the darker side of the Holiday Season. Tinker’s own Samantha Hochman will share the history of this incredible location along with the ghostly encounters experienced by staff and visitors. Guests are welcome to tour the house and see the most haunted rooms. The house will be decorated for the Holidays in true Victorian fashion!

Storytime at Tinker Cottage
December 14th  10:30am

Sign up HERE! ​

Paranormal Tour 
w/ The Paranormal Moms Society​
December 15th  7-10pm

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). Each event begins in the Barn.
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!