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 regularly scheduled 1pm & 3pm tours will not take place on Sunday, July 19th. Please join us that day for our Ice Cream Social event where we will be offering free first floor tours of the Cottage.

#You Belong in a Museum

Picture


​


​
​In 2026, 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!

Remember - Get Your History Fix in 2026! 

Join us for these upcoming free admission dates for IL residents:

July: 1, 15
August: 12, 19
September: All Tuesdays
October: 7, 21
November: 4, 11
December: 1, 2, 8, 9
*Please note, IL residents must show proof of residency.

A Brief Overview

Upcoming Museum Events
Click on Event Titles for Tickets

Small Museums Summer Pass Begins! 
​May 1st - September 1st

Explore local history all summer long with the Small Museums Summer Pass! 

Your guide to seven unique historic museums filled with stories, artifacts, and discoveries awaits. Visit each location, collect all seven stamps, and experience the rich heritage our community has to offer at your own pace. 

Complete your pass by summer's end to be entered for a chance to win exciting prizes! 

*Each museum has its own pricing and events. Please check out each location's website for more information about your visits.

Victorian Life
Summer Camp
July 14-17  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! 

At the Victorian Life Summer Camp, students will experience what life was like for the Victorian family that called the Cottage home! 

"Backyard Explorers"
July Storytime
July 15th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

Ice Cream Social
July 19th  1-3pm

Picture
Flyer for Tinker Swiss Cottage's Ice Cream Social on Sunday July 19th from 1-3pm located at 411 Kent Street, Rockford, IL 61102.
Come celebrate the Semiquincentennial of the United States of America with Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum! 

What to expect? 
~ Delicious treats! 
~ Live Music from Trinadora! 
~ Explore the historic gardens & Cottage! 
~ Family-friendly games, activities, and more! 

A heartfelt thanks to our amazing food vendors and community partners for making this celebration possible! 

* MembersAlliance Credit Union
* Garcea Technologies
* Rockford Historical Society 

Made in Rockford
Summer Camp
August 4-7  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! 

At the Made in Rockford Summer Camp, students will discover what put Rockford on the map, both nationwide and worldwide!

"Under the Sea"
August Storytime
August 5th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

"FamilySearch 101"
​Summer Lecture
August 9th  2-4pm

Join local historian Jerry Moors for a presentation on the basics of FamilySearch to kick-off your genealogical adventure! 

FamilySearch is a powerful tool for finding out more about your ancestors, and it's free to use! The records on this site are unique and unable to be found elsewhere. Our seminar will give you an overview of FamilySearch, show you how to use it to find out more about your ancestors, and share valuable tips and tricks of the genealogical trade! 

Find out about additional fun activities, like finding your famous celebrity connections, during this live demonstration. 

Jerry Moors is the Treasurer of the Winnebago & Boone Counties Genealogical Society. He is a retired executive who is an expert genealogist and FamilySearch contributor. In 2024 alone, he made over 5,600 contributions to FamilySearch, including the addition of over 1,000 photographs and documents. 

Mystery at the Museum
A D&D Adventure
August 23rd  6-9pm

Tinker Swiss Cottage has long been a Rockford treasure, but something unsettling has taken hold. Strange sounds. Wandering shadows. Missing guests. Rumors swirl, and the museum seeks bold adventurers to uncover what’s really happening inside.

A Dungeons and Dragons one shot adventure taking place on Sunday, August 23rd at 6pm! 
​
** Ideal for experienced players and intrigued newcomers alike, this one-shot adventure features pre-made characters, roleplaying, and numerous surprises. Come and experience an unforgettable evening filled with fantasy, intrigue, and Victorian mischief!

"Harvest Time"
September Storytime
September 9th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

"Traveling Tinker Team"
Summer Lecture
September 20th  2-4pm

Join the staff of Tinker Swiss Cottage for our last lecture of the season as we review the various places the Tinker family traveled to and our modern interactions with those locations. 

From Robert's European travels to the extended family's life in New Orleans to the Hawaiian childhood and honeymoon, our staff will cover both the historical and modern significance these locations have with the museum today. 

2026 Illinois Paranormal Conference
October 10th  10am-5pm

Join Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum for a 3-day spooky extravaganza celebrating haunted history, paranormal research, and supernatural storytelling. 

The 2026 Illinois Paranormal Conference takes place on Saturday, October 10th from 10am-5pm. Enjoy a full day of fascinating speakers, vendors, and paranormal exploration. 

Extend the adventure with optional events on Friday night, Saturday evening, and Sunday morning. Whether you're a seasoned investigator or simply intrigued by the unexplained, this immersive weekend offers the perfect chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts and explore the strange and supernatural together. 

Come for the conference... stay for the mysteries that linger after dark.
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!