The Tinker Swiss Cottage is widely considered one of the most haunted locations in Rockford, Illinois, and paranormal investigators claim to have found extensive evidence of ghostly activity. The spirits of the Tinker family, who lived in the home from 1865 to 1942, are believed to be the primary source of the haunting. Whispers, children's voices, disembodied knocks, and muffled footsteps on the servant stairwell. Shadow figures, full-bodied apparitions, and people "peeking" around corners. A lady in a dress is sometimes seen walking behind people. Taps on the shoulder, rattling door knobs, and objects moving on their own, such as rocking chairs. A thick, heavy atmosphere is sometimes reported, particularly around family anniversaries and birthdays. The library: This room is one of the most active in the house, with many paranormal events reported: Train-related EVP: An electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) captured a young girl's voice saying, "I don't like trains, trains bring death." This is significant because Robert Tinker lost his foot in a train accident. Robert Tinker's spirit: A disembodied voice has been heard in the library after a joke was made about Robert's amputation. The voice simply said, "I'm here". The red room: Located on the second floor, this room is described as particularly active, causing some visitors to feel dizzy or distracted. Robert Tinker's room: Many believe Robert's spirit lingers in his bedroom, which has been a hotspot for investigators. The grounds: The spirits of children are believed to linger on the grounds, which may have once been home to terminally ill children. According to staff, the Tinker family spirits appear friendly and interact with guests and staff, sometimes communicating directly. For example, a cigar smell is sometimes detected in the family's personal spaces, indicating a spirit's presence.