Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens TSCMG preserves & shares the legacy of the Tinker family & inspires visitors to connect with history.
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"I only wanted to build a home that would give Rockford a name" Robert H. Tinker

Robert Tinker's inspiration for the Cottage came during his tour of Europe in 1862, where he fell in love with the architecture of Switzerland. In 1865, Robert began building his Swiss Cottage on the limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek. Robert surrounded his Swiss Cottage with over 27 acres of trees, vines, windin

g pathways, flowerbeds, and gardens. A three-story Swiss inspired barn was added to the property which housed cows, chickens, and horses. On the side of the Cottage, Robert constructed a suspension bridge crossing the Kent Creek. This bridge linked the Cottage with his wife's, Mary Dorr Manny Tinker, limestone mansion and grounds. In 1906, the railroad bought the remainder of Mary's estate. At the end of Robert's suspension bridge, he planted elaborate gardens deemed the Railroad Gardens where passengers could stroll as they waited for the train.

06/17/2026

June 17, 1867: Keyt raised my large crotch oak stump for a terrace gate – felt pretty [slim] – Lost my best hat over the dam

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Juneteenth? We encourage our Tinker friends to join the community celebration ...
06/17/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Juneteenth? We encourage our Tinker friends to join the community celebration on June 19th at Sinnissippi Park!

Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth—a day of freedom, resilience, culture, and progress. On June 19th, Sinnissippi Park will come alive with music, food, talent, community awards, prizes, and unforgettable performances.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us honor the legacy of those who came before us while celebrating the future we’re building together.

📍 Sinnissippi Park & Hard Rock Casino | Rockford, IL
🗓 June 19 | Starting at 1:00 PM

06/16/2026

June 16, 1867: Lovely day – Rested – Finished strawberries – with a short cake for tea – Rained hard in the night. Cows trampled all over the yard

06/16/2026

Both our 1pm and 3pm tours are booked for the day! 🥳 There is still room on the tours the rest of this week - we would love to see you there! Reservations are not required for groups of less than 8, but they do ensure that you secure your spot in case we fill up. You can reserve your spot by calling our office at 815-964-2424 or emailing us at [email protected].

06/15/2026

June 15, 1914: Cut boughs from I C bank for College play – which attended in eve with Kit Pettis. Left key in auto which was set off by my kids just escaping fatal accident. Mark began barn foundation wall on Seth lot (“annex”)

During the Victorian Era, the sport of archery saw a revival – especially among women. Robert Tinker wrote in his journa...
06/15/2026

During the Victorian Era, the sport of archery saw a revival – especially among women. Robert Tinker wrote in his journal of his purchase of bows and arrows for Marcia and Jessie to practice with, and today’s article gives you a little more information on why this sport became so popular in the Victorian Era. 🏹

Georgina Grant, ‘The Fair Toxophilites’: Women and Archery January 15, 2016 Exhibitions, Published in JVC, Victorians Beyond the Academy, Victorians on Display Georgina is a Curatorial Officer for the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, based at Blists Hill Victorian Town. She has the responsibility ...

06/14/2026

June 14, 1886: Left home at 2:30 pm with Wife + Hannah for Colorado. Thermometer 93

06/13/2026

June 13, 1867: Sewing Society met at Mrs. M’s – large attendance + lovely evening – walked home with “Beck” Talcott

Good morning, everyone!Please note that Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens will be closed today (June 13) and tomorro...
06/13/2026

Good morning, everyone!

Please note that Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens will be closed today (June 13) and tomorrow (June 14).

Today, our team and volunteers are enjoying a special field trip to visit our friends at Historic Attractions, and tomorrow we will be closed due to Ironman-related activities and road closures in the area.

We look forward to welcoming you back next week for tours and programs at Tinker!

Thank you for your understanding, and have a wonderful weekend!

Pictured: some of the amazing Tinker volunteers and Board members, we couldn’t do what we do without them!

06/12/2026

June 12, 1881: Sun out bright after the rain + eclipse of last night. Went in forenoon with scenic painters to Floral Hall with design for Seminary class. Dr. McAffee vaccinated us all

Address

411 Kent Street
Rockford, IL
61102

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 1pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 1pm - 4:30pm
Friday 1pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 1pm - 4:30pm
Sunday 1pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18159642424

Website

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