Upcoming Museum Closures

Tinker Swiss Cottage may close during the winter months due to weather conditions.
The museum is closed on Mondays. We apologize for any inconvenience.

​The Cottage will be closed from April 18-20 for the holiday weekend.

#You Belong in a Museum

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​In 2025, 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 for IL residents:

April: 22nd, 29th
May: All Tuesdays
June: All Wednesdays
July: 1st, 15th
August: 6th, 20th
September: All Tuesdays
October: 1st, 15th
November: All Wednesdays
December: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th
 
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

"Shadows Over Tinker: In A Galaxy Far, Far Away" 
D&D Adventure Night
May 4th  6-9pm

The galaxy teeters on the edge of chaos, and the ancient wisdom of the MONKS are all that stands between harmony and darkness. Join us for a thrilling Dungeons & Dragons adventure where noble MONKS, ROGUE SMUGGLERS, and daring REBELS must unite against a rising SHADOW.


Whether you're a seasoned spacefarer or new to the world of D&D, this adventure - complete with pre-made characters - is perfect for anyone who loves epic sagas, thrilling battles, and interstellar storytelling!

This adventure takes place in the Carriage House at Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum. 

"Bert 'Fish' Hassell - Aviation Pioneer, Whiskey Bootlegger, & Rockford Legend" 
Summer Lecture w/ Mike Frederiksen
​May 18th 2pm

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is excited to kick off our 2025 Summer Lecture Series with local historian, Mike Frederiksen! 

While Rockford is rich with aviation history, there were few characters as colorful as Bert "Fish" Hassell. Many in the Northern Illinois area are familiar with Bert Hassell's Rockford to Sweden pioneer flight attempt in 1929; however, did you know that famed aviator Glenn Curtiss Personally recruited him for flight training? Or that Hassell worked as a Canadian whisky bootlegger for the Chicago mob? Please join me as we take a dive in the eccentric and entertaining life of Rockford's own Bert "Fish" Hassell.

Paranormal Investigation w/ Haunted Rockford
June 13th  7-11pm

lebrate Friday the 13th Haunted Rockford style with a special night at Tinker Swiss Cottage!
Haunted Rockford is excited to partner with Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens to bring our friends Josiah Henson and Steve Bartel from Bartel and Henson Paranormal back to Tinker Cottage! Did you ever want to see what a real paranormal investigation is all about? This is your chance to find out. This event will let you be the paranormal investigator! Guests will be in small groups as you join the staff in the most active areas in the cottage. You are welcome to bring your own equipment. All events begin in the barn.

Mysteries at the Museum
Summer Camp
June 17-20  8am-1pm

Ready for a summer adventure that's off the beaten path? Step back in time with Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum! Kiddos will soak up history while getting hands on with activities, crafts, games, and more!
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Join us June 17-20 from 8am-1pm for a "Mysteries at the Museum" Summer Camp!

Registration is $80 for members, $100 for non-members.

Please include your child's name and t-shirt size at checkout.

You will also need to send a snack and lunch with your child. Water bottles will be provided for students.

Robert Tinker's Downtown
Walking Tour
June 21st  10am

Welcome to Robert Tinker's World! Join Tinker Swiss Cottage as we follow in the footsteps of former Rockford Mayor and Park District Commissioner, Robert Hall Tinker and his family.

​We will see the exterior of many of the homes, businesses, and public buildings that the Tinker family enjoyed visiting while they inhabited the Swiss Cottage. Along the way you will learn to recognize a number of different architectural styles and deepen your knowledge of history regarding the Forest City.

Come see downtown Rockford through the eyes of the Victorians on June 21st from 10-11:30am!

Tours start and end at the Rockford Park District Webbs Norman Center (). 

This is an approximately 1.5-mile walking tour with some uneven ground. Please wear appropriate walking shoes to this event. ​

Robert Tinker's Neighborhood
Walking Tour
May 3rd  10am

Welcome to Robert Tinker's World! Join Tinker Swiss Cottage as we follow in the footsteps of former Rockford Mayor and Park District Commissioner, Robert Hall Tinker and his family. We will see the exterior of many of the homes, businesses, and public buildings that the Tinker family enjoyed visiting while they inhabited the Swiss Cottage. Along the way you will learn to recognize a number of different architectural styles and deepen your knowledge of history regarding the Forest City.

Come see southwest Rockford through the eyes of the Victorians on May 3rd from 10-11:30am!

Tours start and end at the Barn. This is an approximately 1.5-mile walking tour with some uneven ground. Please wear appropriate walking shoes to this event. A first-floor tour of the Cottage will conclude this walking tour. ​

May Storytime
May 13th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

Paranormal Tour
w/ Haunted Rockford
May 16th 7-10pm

The Haunted Rockford Crew has been investigating different haunted locations in the area for over 20 years. We will share the strange tales, weird crimes and hidden haunted history of Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois. Kathi, Sara and Sam will share their many tales of haunted houses, eerie cemeteries, lost spirits, dark crimes and more.
After the presentation, you will tour the very haunted Tinker Swiss Cottage!

​This event starts in the Barn. 

Tipsy History: Twilight Toasts
May 23rd   7-9pm

Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum staff at the historic Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, May 23rd from 7-9pm as we dive into crazy stories from our local history!

Participants will receive 3 drink tickets for this two-hour, 21+ event. A walk through of the historic Greenwood Cemetery Chapel will be included. 

Tickets: $50 per person

Photo IDs are required at the door..

This event is sponsored by Fitzgerald Funeral Home. 

*Proceeds from this event will go to Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Greenwood Cemetery Association to assist with historic upkeep, operations, and renovations. 

June Storytime
June 17th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum            411 Kent St. Rockford, IL 61102              P: (815)964-2424              [email protected] 
*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!