Tinker Swiss Cottage Haunted Tour & Investigation
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is a treasure trove of a time gone by. Rockford, Illinois businessman Robert Hall Tinker built the home in 1865, perching it high on a limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek. His inspiration came from an 1862 tour of Europe where he fell in love with the architecture of Switzerland. Today the Cottage is one of only a handful of Swiss-style homes remaining in the United States from the 1800s.
Tinker surrounded his Swiss Cottage with trees, vines, winding pathways and flower beds. A three-story Barn housed cows, chickens and in later years the family car. On the backside of the Cottage, a suspension bridge crossed Kent Creek and linked the Cottage with Mrs. Tinker’s property on the far bank. In 1906, after the railroad bought her estate, Robert Tinker planted elaborate gardens at the end of the bridge.
The Tinker family, the sole occupants of the Swiss Cottage, left their home to the Rockford Park District and their household belongings to trustees after seventy-five years of residence. Filled with original furnishings, artwork, diaries and household items, the Cottage is a rich time capsule of life a century ago. flower beds. A three-story Barn housed cows, chickens and in later years the family car. On the backside of the Cottage, a suspension bridge crossed Kent Creek and linked the Cottage with Mrs. Tinker’s property on the far bank. In 1906, after the railroad bought her estate, Robert Tinker planted elaborate gardens at the end of the bridge.
***TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED PRESALE – NO SALES AT THE DOOR***
FAQ’s:
What should I bring?
If you have any ghost hunting equipment (cameras, audio recorders, video cameras, emf detectors, etc..), please bring it along! We do require that everyone to bring your own flashlight with fresh batteries.
What should I wear (or not wear)?
This is not a formal event. Dress casual and comfortable. We ask that you do not wear clothing that makes much noise when you walk. And most importantly please do not wear heels.
What exactly are we doing at this event?
We are taking a historical tour of the cottage, filling you in on paranormal activity and ghost sightings that have taken place. We will break up into groups to investigate the ghosts and sightings to see if we can find our own evidence and hopefully experience paranormal events ourselves!
Do I have to have ghost hunting equipment to take part in this event?
If you do, that’s great! Please bring it along and make use of it. If you don’t, that is ok too! Our hosts for the event will have equipment on hand for you to see and learn to use! They will be the first to tell you that the best tools used in the field of paranormal research are your eyes, ears, nose and mind!
I don’t know much about ghosts or the paranormal. Is this event for me?
You don’t have to have any experience to take part in this event. If you have any interest in ghosts and paranormal things at all, your bound to have a great time!
Can I Bring A Snack?
Yes, however we will ask that you keep any snacks/beverages in your car or in one of the meeting rooms rather then risk any accidental spills inside the cottage.
Are tickets for this event available at the door?
No, only a limited number of tickets are offered for this event prior to the event only.
Will I be required to sign any kind of waiver?
Yes, you will be required to sign a liability waiver. Nobody likes paperwork, but sadly it is a necessity these days.
I’m a minor (under the age of 18), am I able to take part in this event?
Yes. However, your legal parent or guardian must also be in attendance for the event (with a ticket as well), sign a consent form for you and be with you at all times. We would also like to stress that this event is not recommended for persons under the age of 16.
I am interested in bringing my own paranormal investigation team to do a private investigation at the Tinker Swiss Cottage. Is this possible?
YES, It is possible! Get information about a private investigation at Tinker Swiss By Clicking Here!
What happens when the lights go out at The Historic Tinker Swiss Cottage?
Come join us and find out! This event takes you way beyond the normal tour!