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 museum WILL BE CLOSED November 18-23 for professional development.
The museum WILL BE CLOSED November 27-30 in observance of Thanksgiving weekend.
The museum WILL BE CLOSED December 21-January 4 in observance of the winter holidays.

#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:

November: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th
December: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th

A Brief Overview

Upcoming Museum Events
Click on Event Titles for Tickets

"Archaeology"
Scouting America
Badge Workshop
November 15th  11am-12:30pm

At our next Scouting America Workshop, Scouts will learn about the science of archaeology, explore local history through observing the indigenous conical burial mound on the museum campus, and engage in a chocolate chip cookie "excavation". 

Pre-registration is required. This workshop will cover 7 out of 11 requirements for this badge. 

November Storytime
November 25th   10:30am

Sign up HERE!

Ghosts of Christmas Past
December 6th  7-10pm

Come celebrate the holidays Haunted Rockford style at Tinker Swiss Cottage! This program will start in the barn. Kathi Kresol will present some stories from the darker side of the Holiday Season. Tinker’s own Samantha Hochmann will share the history of this incredible location along with the ghostly encounters experienced by staff and visitors.

​Guests will be allowed to tour the house and see the most haunted rooms. The house will be decorated for the Holidays in true Victorian fashion.

December Storytime
December 9th   10:30am

Sign up HERE!

A Victorian Christmas
Murder Mystery
December 13th  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!

The Rat King's Redemption
A D&D Adventure
December 14th  6-9pm

What happens when your trusted mentor is accused of being the most nefarious creature in the realm?

Naturally, you leap into action! Embark on a one-shot Dungeons & Dragons adventure set in a whimsical winter wonderland. Traverse through gingerbread houses and down the twinkling path of Candy Cane Lane to unravel the mystery of this festive kerfuffle.
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** 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!
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!