ATTENTION EDUCATORS! 

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Are you looking for a unique and interactive way for your students to explore their historic past?

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum would love to be a part of your field trip planning!

 The museum complex contains the historic house museum, barn, and carriage house from the Tinker family. In addition, the property is the home of the founding site of Rockford and contains a Pre-Columbian Native American conical mound. 

Topic focused tours include any number of opportunities for the students to help enrich the curriculum, as well as help to meet the current academic standards.

Virtual Field Trips

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is excited to offer new Virtual Field Trip opportunities! 

Educators will receive an education packet full of reading material, vocabulary lists, research paper topics, and other educational activities. 

The staff will then take your class through the main floor and second floor of the Cottage via Skype or Zoom for a 40 minute tour. 

Each Zoom/Skype session is $50, with the education packet included in the fee. 

On-site Field Trips

  Our unique programs provide an opportunity for students to experience the Tinker family and their history in person!
Please allow at least two weeks’ notice when booking a tour for scheduling availability.  
Cost of admission:
$5 per student: Cottage Tour Only
$6 per student: Topic Focused Tour with hands-on activity
$8 per adult*
  *One chaperone is admitted free of charge for every 10 students 

Choose Your Tour​ !

Guided Docent Tour
A Tinker docent will escort you and your students through a guided tour of the cottage. The tour explores all three levels of the home which includes; the first floor public spaces such as the formal parlor and dining room, the second floor private bedroom areas and the exposed lower level that houses the office and the root cellar. Tours also includes access to our temporary exhibits.

Topic Focused Tours:
Topic Focused Tours are offered to fit into your curriculum and your student’s interests. Each program includes a tour of the Cottage and a hands-on activity.  

For information on a Topic Focused Tour, contact us using the form provided or email samantha@tinkercottage.com

 Outreach Programs

Tinker to the Schools is an in-school field trip experience that brings Tinker Swiss Cottage to your classroom! 
  • The cost for the program is $50 per hour.*Additional costs may be associated with travel outside the Rockford Metro Area.*
  • In-school field trips are scheduled Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm.
  • Groups are limited to 30 student per presentation, multiple presentations can be given 
Choose from the following TTS programs:
  • Tinkering with Art 
  • Building a Dream (Architecture)
  • Cottage Conservation
  • Welcome to the Cottage          
  • Victorian Life 
  • Exhibit Minded

Can't wait to visit?

Tinker Swiss Cottage strives to provide a historical, interactive and creative experience for your group!