Upcoming Museum Closures

Tinker Swiss Cottage will be closed on May 1st and June 25th. 
Tinker Swiss Cottage may also close during the winter months due to weather conditions.
We apologize for any inconvenience. 

#You Belong in a Museum

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In 2019, 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:

​January: Every Tuesday & Wednesday
February: Every Tuesday & Wednesday 
​March: Every Tuesday & Wednesday 
 
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

SOLD OUT! Paranormal Tour with
Ghost Head Soup
March 23rd       7:00pm 

We are excited to announce that our good friends Dean Thompson and the rest of the Ghost Head Soup gang will be joining us for our first paranormal tour of 2019! 

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.

Victorian Light Party
​Murder Mystery
May 25th        6:00pm 

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!​

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, or you can get your DVD copy in our gift shop! 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!

Current Special Exhibit: 
A Victorian Childhood
Ends March 18th

Our current exhibit showcases original Tinker pieces centered around childhood. From board games to dolls, rocking chairs to clothing, we’re excited to pull back the curtain of Victorian life.

Be sure to stop in to one of our general admission tours held Tuesday thru Sunday at 1:00pm or 3:00pm to see this special exhibit before it returns to the archives! 

Paranormal Investigation
April 13th         6:00pm 

Did you ever want to see what a real paranormal investigation is all about? This is your chance to find out! 

This exciting event will let you be the paranormal investigator! Guests will be in small groups as you join the staff and our friends from Ghost Head Soup in the most active locations in the Cottage. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, emf). Each event begins in the Barn. This event is limited to 10 guests! 
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!