Tinker Suspension Bridge

In 1870, in an attempt to link his Cottage to his bride Mary's estate on the far bank, Robert Tinker constructed a suspension bridge across Kent Creek. The bridge was built on a slant, sloping down from the bluff to the north creek bank. Unfortunately, this put the bridge directly in the path of flooding and in 1890 it was washed out.

The following year Tinker rebuilt the suspension bridge, this time raising the far piers so that the bridge was level and out of the path of floods. In 1906 Tinker planted gardens on the far bank.
The bridge stood as a Rockford landmark until 1976 when it was razed due to its deteriorating condition. From October 2004 until June 2005, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum worked to rebuild the bridge. Engineers Willett, Hofmann & Associates and Civil Constructors designed and built the new bridge.

Visitors can now experience Robert Tinker's swinging bridge as part of their visit to the historic Cottage. Over the next three years the Museum plans to restore Mr. Tinker's gardens at the far end of the bridge as well.