Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens
Explore a unique Swiss-style cottage and Victorian life at this Rockford museum and gardens, filled with original family artifacts and local history.
Step back in time at the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. This unique museum, housed in a Swiss-style cottage built in the late 1860s by Robert Tinker, offers a glimpse into Victorian life with original furnishings, artwork, and personal belongings of the Tinker family. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and learn about the history of this local landmark.
A brief summary to Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens
- 411 Kent St, Rockford, Illinois, 61102, US
- +1815-964-2424
- Visit website
Local tips
- Tours are guided and run Tuesday through Sunday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Reservations are required for groups of 8 or more.
- Check the museum's website for special events, free admission days for Illinois residents, and any closures due to weather or maintenance.
- Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers can be dropped off at the Barn, where tours begin, and accessible parking is available nearby.
- No food, drinks, flash photography, or touching of artifacts are permitted inside the museum.
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Rockford, head south on Main Street, then turn left onto Kent Street. The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum will be on your right, approximately a 20-30 minute walk. There are sidewalks available for pedestrians. No costs are associated with walking.
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Public Transport
The Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides bus service in the area. Check the RMTD website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the downtown Rockford Transit Center, take a bus route that services the area near Kent Street. The bus fare is $1.75 for a single ride.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Rockford. A ride from downtown Rockford to the museum is approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is $10-$15.
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Driving
From downtown Rockford, take Main Street south and turn left onto Kent Street. The museum will be on your right. Free parking is available at the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum. Parking is located near the Barn, where all tours begin.
Discover more about Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens
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