Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park
Type	Urban park system
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Coordinates	39.9875,-75.2000
Area	2,052 acres (main park); 9,200+ acres (system-wide)
Established	1855
Operated by	Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Features	Historic mansions, trails, Schuylkill River, sports facilities, zoo
Transit	SEPTA bus routes 32, 38, 43
Website	Official Site

Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. It spans over 9,200 acres of green space across Philadelphia. The historic core stretches along both sides of the Schuylkill River, covering approximately 2,052 acres of woodland, meadows, and historic sites. People often call this core section "Fairmount Park proper."

The park isn't just one big space. It includes Wissahickon Valley Park, FDR Park, Pennypack Park, Cobbs Creek Park, and dozens of smaller neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city. Together, they form one of America's most extensive municipal park networks.

History

Origins

Fairmount Park was established in 1855, but not for recreation. The city needed to protect its water supply from the Schuylkill River. The Fairmount Water Works, finished in 1815, drew drinking water from the river. Industrial pollution was becoming a serious problem. So the city started buying land upstream to keep the water clean.

"Faire Mount" gave the park its name. That's the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands. William Penn named it for the commanding views of the river and city below.

1876 Centennial Exposition

Everything changed in 1876. Fairmount Park became the site of America's first official World's Fair, the Centennial Exposition, celebrating the nation's 100th birthday. Americans saw inventions like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and the Corliss steam engine for the first time. This wasn't a small event. Over 10 million visitors came. It established Philadelphia as a center of industry and culture.

Memorial Hall still stands in the park today. It was built for the exposition and now houses the Please Touch Museum.

20th Century Development

Throughout the 1900s the park kept expanding. More land was added. Recreation facilities were developed. In 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo opened within the park, becoming America's first zoo. Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were built as scenic roadways along the river.

Park Sections

East Fairmount Park

East of the Schuylkill River, you'll find several major areas:

• Lemon Hill — Historic mansion with city views
• Boathouse Row — Iconic Victorian boathouses
• Lloyd Hall — Recreation center with bike rentals
• Kelly Drive — Scenic roadway and trail
• Smith Memorial Playground — Historic playground with giant wooden slide
• Laurel Hill Cemetery — National Historic Landmark

West Fairmount Park

The west side offers its own set of attractions:

• Belmont Plateau — Best skyline views in the city
• Please Touch Museum — Children's museum in Memorial Hall
• Mann Center — Outdoor concert venue
• Shofuso Japanese House — Traditional Japanese house and garden
• Horticulture Center — Gardens and greenhouses
• Philadelphia Zoo — America's first zoo

Historic Mansions

More than a dozen Colonial-era mansions are preserved in Fairmount Park. Many of them are open for tours:

• Mount Pleasant — John Adams called it "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania"
• Strawberry Mansion — Largest historic house in the park
• Cedar Grove — Quaker farmhouse moved from Frankford
• Lemon Hill — Federal-style mansion with gardens
• Woodford Mansion — Georgian architecture and decorative arts
• Laurel Hill — Octagonal rooms and river views

Recreation

Trails

Want to walk, run, or cycle? The park has you covered.

• Schuylkill River Trail — Paved multi-use path along Kelly Drive
• Forbidden Drive — Unpaved trail through Wissahickon Valley
• Belmont Plateau Trails — Mountain biking and hiking
• Loop routes — Various circuits from 3-15 miles

Sports Facilities

The park has serious recreational infrastructure:

• Tennis courts
• Baseball and softball fields
• Soccer fields
• Basketball courts
• Golf courses (Cobbs Creek, Walnut Lane)
• Disc golf course

Water Activities

If you're into water sports, there's plenty to do:

• Kayaking and canoeing on the Schuylkill
• Rowing (Boathouse Row)
• Fishing (with license)

Attractions

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo takes up 42 acres within Fairmount Park:

• America's first zoo (1874)
• Over 1,300 animals
• Zoo360 animal exploration trails
• Special exhibits and events

Please Touch Museum

Located in the historic Memorial Hall from the 1876 Centennial:

• Interactive exhibits for children
• Restored Centennial-era architecture
• One of the city's most popular family attractions

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

An authentic 17th-century-style Japanese house sits in a traditional garden:

• Built in Japan and reassembled in Philadelphia (1958)
• Koi pond and landscaped grounds
• Seasonal events including cherry blossom viewing
• Tea ceremonies

Mann Center for the Performing Arts

This outdoor venue brings great music to the park:

• Philadelphia Orchestra summer concerts
• Major touring artists
• Lawn seating available

Getting There

By Car

Several roads provide direct access:

• Kelly Drive — East side of Schuylkill, accessible from Spring Garden Street
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive — West side of Schuylkill
• Belmont Avenue — Access to West Fairmount Park
• Parking available at various lots throughout the park

By Public Transit

Multiple transit options serve the park:

• SEPTA Bus 32 — Serves Kelly Drive
• SEPTA Bus 38 — Serves West Fairmount Park
• SEPTA Bus 43 — Connects to various park locations
• Regional Rail — Spring Garden Station near park entrance

By Bicycle

The Schuylkill River Trail connects the park directly to Center City:

• Bike rentals at Lloyd Hall
• Indego bike share stations at park entrances

Visiting Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Spring — Cherry blossoms, moderate temperatures
• Fall — Foliage colors, comfortable weather
• Summer — Early morning or evening to avoid heat
• Winter — Quiet trails, fewer crowds

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Sun protection
• Bike or bike rental for longer explorations
• Picnic supplies

Safety:

• Stay on marked trails
• Park in designated areas
• Be aware of cyclists on shared paths
• Check closing times for individual attractions

See Also

• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Schuylkill River Trail
• Boathouse Row
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Kelly Drive
• FDR Park

External Links

• Fairmount Park Conservancy
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Please Touch Museum
• Shofuso Japanese House and Garden