Upcoming Museum Closures

Tinker Swiss Cottage WILL BE CLOSED on January 21st in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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 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:

January: 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 28, 29
February: All Tuesdays & Wednesdays
March: All Tuesdays & Wednesdays
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

"Fingerprinting" 
BSA Badge Workshop
February 8th  10am

Scouts will learn about and use an important technique that is used by law enforcement officers, along with other materials like DNA sampling. 

This 2-hour-long badge workshop completes 5 out of 6 requirements. The museum does NOT provide badges. 

Cost: $10 per Scout, $10 per adult. 

Storytime at Tinker Cottage!
February 11th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

Backyard Grill & Bar
Percentage Night Fundraiser
February 13th  5-8pm

Join us in celebrating Valentine's Day while supporting Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum!

From 5-8pm on Thursday, February 13th, 20% of all food sales (dine in and carry out) will go towards the museum!

Dine in or get your food to go - either way helps the museum grow!


Dine and Donate at: ​

Backyard Grill & Bar
6473 N. 2nd Street
Loves Park, IL 61111
815-636-9430

Reservations are not necessary but are highly encouraged.
We hope to see you there!

Paranormal Tour w/ The Illinois Paranormalists
March 14th  7-10pm

Tinker Swiss Cottage is excited to kick off the 2025 season with a Paranormal Tour with The Illinois Paranormalists! 

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. Each event begins in the Barn.

Winter Tea Party
February 1st  11am-12:30pm

Calling all princesses, princes and creatures of all kinds!
Are you looking for an afternoon fit for the whole family?
Tinker Swiss Cottage is excited to welcome the Winter Princesses from Characters 2 Life for this special Victorian Tea Party! This 3-course lunch will be followed by a first-floor tour of the Tinker Swiss Cottage. 

This event is sponsored by Characters 2 Life. Be sure to join in the fun of this special family friendly event! 

Tickets to this event are limited, so get yours today! 

**Reservations are REQUIRED**

"Craft & Tinker" 
Girl Scout Brownie Badge Workshop
​February 8th  1pm

Brownie Badge Purpose: Discover how to be a problem solver by making or crafting solutions. 

Girl Scouts will complete three activities over this two-hour-long workshop. This program will ensure the Girl Scouts will complete all of the requirements to earn this badge. However, the museum will NOT provide badges. 

​Please contact the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois to complete signups for this event. 

Storytime at Tinker Cottage!
March 11th  10:30am

Sign up HERE!

Tinker's Ball at
Memorial Hall
March 15th  6-9:30pm

You are invited to join Tinker Swiss Cottage for a Civil War-themed Ball at Veterans Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 15th from 6-9pm! 

Join us for a night of elegance and history as we transport you back to the Victorian Era. Formal or themed attire is strongly recommended to match the occasion. 

Refreshments provided by: The Sons of Union Veterans and Mary Logan Tent Aux.
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Dance Callers: Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Karen Alexander of The Historical Timekeepers
Event Sponsors: Veterans Memorial Hall

Tickets: 
       $15 for guests 12 and older
       $8 for guests 6-12 
​       Children 5 and under are free
       *Tickets will not be mailed out. Your name will be put onto a sign-in sheet for the day of the event. 

Time travel to the Victorian Era on March 15th at: 
       Veterans Memorial Hall
       211 N. Main Street
       Rockford, IL 61101
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!