Editing Lemon Hill

{{Infobox Park
| name = Lemon Hill
| image =
| image_caption = Lemon Hill Mansion overlooking the Schuylkill River
| type = Historic estate / Park
| location = Fairmount Park (East)
| coordinates = 39.9720,-75.1850
| area = Approximately 45 acres
| established = 1844 (public acquisition)
| operated_by = Fairmount Park Conservancy / Colonial Dames of America
| features = Federal mansion, river views, hillside lawns, historic landscape
| hours = Grounds: dawn to dusk; Mansion: limited tours
| transit = Walk from Art Museum; SEPTA bus 32
| website = https://www.lemonhill.org
}}

'''Lemon Hill''' is a historic estate and mansion in [[Fairmount Park|East Fairmount Park]], perched on a prominent hill overlooking the [[Schuylkill River]] just north of the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]. The Federal-style mansion (c. 1800) and its surrounding grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of early American country estate architecture and landscape design.<ref name="lemonhill">{{cite web |url=https://www.lemonhill.org |title=Lemon Hill Mansion |publisher=Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The site offers sweeping views, historic architecture, and a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the Art Museum.

== History ==

=== Robert Morris ===

The property's early history:
* '''1770s:''' Robert Morris (financier of American Revolution) owned the land
* Morris called it "The Hills"
* Built greenhouses for lemon trees (hence the name)
* Morris later lost property due to financial troubles

=== Henry Pratt ===

The current mansion dates to '''Henry Pratt's''' ownership:
* '''1799-1800:''' Pratt built the Federal mansion
* Prominent Philadelphia merchant
* Created ornamental gardens
* Expanded the lemon tree tradition

=== Public Park ===

The city acquired the property:
* '''1844:''' Purchased to protect Fairmount Water Works watershed
* Among first acquisitions for what became Fairmount Park
* Preserved historic landscape
* Mansion restored and maintained

== Features ==

=== The Mansion ===

'''Federal-style architecture:'''
* Three-story oval rooms
* Palladian windows
* Curved doors
* Period furnishings (restored)
* National Historic Landmark

=== Architectural Highlights ===

Notable features:
* Oval parlor with curved doors
* Fanlight windows
* Original fireplaces
* Elegant proportions
* River-oriented design

=== The Grounds ===

'''Historic landscape:'''
* Hillside overlooking Schuylkill
* Sweeping lawns
* Mature trees
* Walking paths
* Picnic areas

=== Views ===

'''Scenic overlooks:'''
* Schuylkill River below
* Boathouse Row
* West Fairmount Park across river
* Center City skyline

== Visiting ==

=== Grounds ===

* Open dawn to dusk
* Free access
* Walking paths throughout
* Popular for picnics and relaxation

=== Mansion Tours ===

* Limited tour schedule
* Check website or call for hours
* Small admission fee for tours
* Colonial Dames of America operates

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Lemon Hill Drive, East Fairmount Park (north of Art Museum)

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk north from Philadelphia Museum of Art
* SEPTA Bus 32 along Kelly Drive

'''By Car:'''
* Enter park from Kelly Drive
* Limited parking on Lemon Hill Drive

'''By Bicycle:'''
* Schuylkill River Trail access
* Kelly Drive bike lane

=== Tips ===

* The grounds are beautiful for picnics
* Best views are from the hilltop near the mansion
* Sunset views over the river are spectacular
* Combine with Art Museum and Boathouse Row visit

== Events ==

The grounds host:
* Picnics and gatherings
* Photography (popular wedding photo location)
* Quiet relaxation
* Occasional special events at mansion

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]''' — South
* '''[[Boathouse Row]]''' — Along Kelly Drive
* '''[[Fairmount Water Works]]''' — South, along river
* '''[[Kelly Drive]]''' — River road
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Boathouse Row]]
* [[Fairmount Park Mansions]]
* [[Woodford Mansion]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.lemonhill.org Lemon Hill Mansion]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]

{{#seo:
|title=Lemon Hill Philadelphia - Historic Mansion & Schuylkill River Views
|description=Guide to Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park. Federal mansion from 1800, scenic overlooks of the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, and historic grounds.
|keywords=Lemon Hill Philadelphia, Fairmount Park mansions, Philadelphia historic houses, Schuylkill River views, Kelly Drive attractions, Henry Pratt
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Schuylkill River]]