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{{Infobox LocalBusiness
{{Infobox Park
| name = Fairmount Park
| name = Fairmount Park
| type = Urban park
| image =
| address = Various entrances throughout the city
| image_caption = Fairmount Park stretches along both sides of the Schuylkill River
| neighborhood = Multiple neighborhoods
| type = Urban park system
| phone = (215) 683-0200
| location = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| website = https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/
| coordinates = 39.9875,-75.2000
| area = 2,052 acres (main park); 9,200+ acres (system-wide)
| established = 1855
| established = 1855
| hours = Dawn to dusk
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
| public_transit = Various stations depending on section
| features = Historic mansions, trails, Schuylkill River, sports facilities, zoo
| transit = SEPTA bus routes 32, 38, 43
| website = https://myphillypark.org
}}
}}


'''Fairmount Park''' is a vast urban park system in Philadelphia encompassing over 2,000 acres along the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek. One of the largest urban parks in the United States, it includes historic mansions, the [[Philadelphia Zoo]], the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], miles of trails, and natural areas within the city limits.<ref name="fairmount">{{cite web |url=https://myphillypark.org |title=Fairmount Park |publisher=Fairmount Park Conservancy |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>
'''Fairmount Park''' is one of the largest urban park systems in the United States, encompassing over '''9,200 acres''' of green space throughout [[Philadelphia]]. The historic core of the park—often called "Fairmount Park proper"—stretches along both sides of the [[Schuylkill River]], covering approximately 2,052 acres of woodland, meadows, and historic sites.<ref name="fairmountpark">{{cite web |url=https://myphillypark.org/what-we-do/capital-projects-planning/fairmount-park/ |title=Fairmount Park |publisher=Fairmount Park Conservancy |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== Overview ==
The park system includes [[Wissahickon Valley Park]], [[FDR Park]], [[Pennypack Park]], [[Cobbs Creek Park]], and dozens of smaller neighborhood parks throughout the city. Together, they form one of America's most extensive municipal park networks.


=== Size and Scope ===
== History ==
 
=== Origins ===
 
Fairmount Park was established in 1855, initially to protect the city's water supply from the [[Schuylkill River]]. The Fairmount Water Works, completed in 1815, drew drinking water from the river, and the city began acquiring land upstream to prevent industrial pollution.
 
The park's name comes from "Faire Mount," the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands—named by William Penn for its commanding views of the river and city.
 
=== 1876 Centennial Exposition ===


Fairmount Park is actually a system of parks:
The park gained international prominence as the site of the '''1876 Centennial Exposition''', America's first official World's Fair. The exposition celebrated the nation's 100th birthday and introduced Americans to inventions like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and the Corliss steam engine.


* '''East Fairmount Park''' — Schuylkill River east bank
Memorial Hall, built for the exposition, still stands in the park and now houses the Please Touch Museum. The exposition attracted over 10 million visitors and established Philadelphia as a center of industry and culture.
* '''West Fairmount Park''' — Schuylkill River west bank
* '''Wissahickon Valley Park''' — Natural gorge (separate article)
* '''Pennypack Park''' — Northeast Philadelphia
* Numerous neighborhood parks


Total acreage exceeds 2,000 acres within city limits.
=== 20th Century Development ===


=== What's Included ===
The park expanded throughout the 20th century, incorporating additional land and developing recreational facilities. The Philadelphia Zoo opened within the park in 1874, becoming America's first zoo. Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were developed as scenic roadways along the river.


* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
== Park Sections ==
* [[Philadelphia Zoo]]
* [[Please Touch Museum]] (Memorial Hall)
* Historic mansions (Lemon Hill, Strawberry Mansion, etc.)
* Boathouse Row
* Japanese House and Garden (Shofuso)
* Mann Center for Performing Arts
* Smith Memorial Arch
* Miles of trails


== History ==
=== East Fairmount Park ===


=== Origins ===
East of the Schuylkill River, the park includes:


* '''1812''' — Fairmount Water Works established
* '''Lemon Hill''' — Historic mansion with city views
* '''1855''' — Land acquired to protect water supply
* '''Boathouse Row''' — Iconic Victorian boathouses
* '''1867''' — Park expanded significantly
* '''Lloyd Hall''' — Recreation center with bike rentals
* '''1876''' — Centennial Exposition held here
* '''Kelly Drive''' — Scenic roadway and trail
* Continued expansion through 20th century
* '''Smith Memorial Playground''' — Historic playground with giant wooden slide
* '''Laurel Hill Cemetery''' — National Historic Landmark


=== The Centennial Exposition ===
=== West Fairmount Park ===


The 1876 World's Fair was held in Fairmount Park:
West of the river, the park features:


* America's first official World's Fair
* '''Belmont Plateau''' — Best skyline views in the city
* Celebrated 100 years of independence
* '''Please Touch Museum''' — Children's museum in Memorial Hall
* Memorial Hall (now Please Touch Museum) remains
* '''Mann Center''' — Outdoor concert venue
* Introduced many innovations to Americans
* '''Shofuso Japanese House''' — Traditional Japanese house and garden
* Shaped the park's current layout
* '''Horticulture Center''' — Gardens and greenhouses
* '''Philadelphia Zoo''' — America's first zoo


== East Fairmount Park ==
=== Historic Mansions ===


=== Attractions ===
Fairmount Park preserves more than a dozen '''Colonial-era mansions''', many open for tours:


* '''Boathouse Row''' — Historic rowing clubs, lit at night
* '''Philadelphia Museum of Art''' — At the park's southern edge
* '''Lemon Hill Mansion''' — Federal-era mansion
* '''Mount Pleasant''' — John Adams called it "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania"
* '''Mount Pleasant''' — John Adams called it "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania"
* '''Rockland Mansion'''
* '''Strawberry Mansion''' — Largest historic house in the park
* '''Ormiston Mansion'''
* '''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


=== Activities ===
== Recreation ==


* Running and cycling (Kelly Drive)
=== Trails ===
* Rowing on the Schuylkill
* Picnicking
* Historic mansion tours


== West Fairmount Park ==
The park offers extensive trails for walking, running, and cycling:


=== Attractions ===
* '''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


* '''Philadelphia Zoo''' — America's first zoo
=== Sports Facilities ===
* '''Please Touch Museum*** — In Memorial Hall
 
* '''Japanese House and Garden (Shofuso)''' — Traditional Japanese architecture
* Tennis courts
* '''Smith Memorial Arch''' — Civil War monument
* Baseball and softball fields
* '''Cedar Grove''' — Relocated Quaker farmhouse
* Soccer fields
* '''Strawberry Mansion''' — Largest park mansion
* Basketball courts
* '''Horticultural Center'''
* Golf courses (Cobbs Creek, Walnut Lane)
* Disc golf course
 
=== Water Activities ===
 
* Kayaking and canoeing on the Schuylkill
* Rowing (Boathouse Row)
* Fishing (with license)
 
== Attractions ==
 
=== Philadelphia Zoo ===
 
The '''[[Philadelphia Zoo]]''' occupies 42 acres within Fairmount Park:
* America's first zoo (1874)
* Over 1,300 animals
* Zoo360 animal exploration trails
* Special exhibits and events


=== Activities ===
=== Please Touch Museum ===


* Belmont Plateau views
Located in the historic '''Memorial Hall''' from the 1876 Centennial:
* Picnic areas
* Interactive exhibits for children
* Cycling (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive)
* Restored Centennial-era architecture
* Playgrounds
* One of the city's most popular family attractions


== Visiting ==
=== Shofuso Japanese House and Garden ===


{| class="wikitable"
An authentic '''17th-century-style Japanese house''' set in a traditional garden:
|-
* Built in Japan and reassembled in Philadelphia (1958)
! Detail !! Information
* Koi pond and landscaped grounds
|-
* Seasonal events including cherry blossom viewing
| '''Hours''' || Dawn to dusk
* Tea ceremonies
|-
| '''Admission''' || Park free; some attractions charge
|-
| '''Best for''' || Running, cycling, picnics, museums
|-
| '''Parking''' || Various lots throughout
|}


=== Tips ===
=== Mann Center for the Performing Arts ===


* The park is vast—focus on one section per visit
Outdoor concert venue hosting:
* Kelly Drive and MLK Drive are popular for exercise
* Philadelphia Orchestra summer concerts
* Mansion tours have limited hours—check schedules
* Major touring artists
* Boathouse Row is stunning at night
* Lawn seating available
* The Zoo requires separate admission


== Getting There ==
== Getting There ==


=== East Park ===
=== By Car ===
* '''SEPTA''' — Spring Garden Station (BSL)
* '''Car''' — Kelly Drive entrances
* '''Bike''' — Schuylkill River Trail


=== West Park ===
* '''Kelly Drive''' — East side of Schuylkill, accessible from Spring Garden Street
* '''SEPTA''' — Bus routes to Zoo, Memorial Hall
* '''Martin Luther King Jr. Drive''' — West side of Schuylkill
* '''Car''' — MLK Drive, Belmont Avenue entrances
* '''Belmont Avenue''' — Access to West Fairmount Park
* '''Bike''' — Schuylkill River Trail (west bank)
* Parking available at various lots throughout the park


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
=== By Public Transit ===


{{FAQ
* '''SEPTA Bus 32''' — Serves Kelly Drive
|q1=How big is Fairmount Park?
* '''SEPTA Bus 38''' — Serves West Fairmount Park
|a1=Fairmount Park encompasses over 2,000 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It includes East and West Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill, plus Wissahickon Valley Park and other connected green spaces.
* '''SEPTA Bus 43''' — Connects to various park locations
* '''Regional Rail''' — Spring Garden Station near park entrance


|q2=What is there to do in Fairmount Park?
=== By Bicycle ===
|a2=The park offers museums (Art Museum, Zoo, Please Touch Museum), historic mansions, running/cycling trails (Kelly Drive, MLK Drive), rowing, the Japanese House and Garden, picnic areas, playgrounds, and natural areas. Different sections offer different experiences.


|q3=Is Fairmount Park free?
The park is accessible via the Schuylkill River Trail from Center City:
|a3=The park itself is free to enter and enjoy. Individual attractions within the park (Zoo, Please Touch Museum, mansion tours, Japanese House) charge their own admission fees. Walking, running, cycling, and picnicking are free.
* Bike rentals at Lloyd Hall
* Indego bike share stations at park entrances


|q4=What is Boathouse Row?
== Visiting Tips ==
|a4=Boathouse Row is a collection of 15 historic rowing clubhouses along the Schuylkill River in East Fairmount Park. The buildings are beautifully lit at night and have become an iconic Philadelphia image. You can view them from Kelly Drive or Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
 
}}
'''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 ==
== See Also ==


* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]]
* [[Schuylkill River Trail]]
* [[Boathouse Row]]
* [[Philadelphia Zoo]]
* [[Philadelphia Zoo]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[Kelly Drive]]
* [[Please Touch Museum]]
* [[FDR Park]]
* [[Boathouse Row]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 161: Line 187:


* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]
* [https://www.phila.gov/departments/philadelphia-parks-recreation/ Philadelphia Parks & Recreation]
* [https://www.phila.gov/departments/parks-recreation/ Philadelphia Parks & Recreation]
* [https://www.philazoo.org Philadelphia Zoo]
* [https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org Please Touch Museum]
* [https://japanesehouse.org Shofuso Japanese House and Garden]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Fairmount Park - Philadelphia's 2,000-Acre Urban Park System
|title=Fairmount Park Philadelphia - America's Largest Urban Park Guide
|description=Fairmount Park is one of America's largest urban parks with the Philadelphia Zoo, Museum of Art, historic mansions, Boathouse Row, and miles of trails along the Schuylkill River.
|description=Complete guide to Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's 9,200-acre urban park system. Historic mansions, Schuylkill River trails, Philadelphia Zoo, and outdoor recreation in the nation's largest city park.
|keywords=Fairmount Park, Philadelphia parks, Boathouse Row, Schuylkill River, Kelly Drive, urban parks, Philadelphia Zoo, historic mansions
|keywords=Fairmount Park Philadelphia, Fairmount Park trails, Philadelphia Zoo, Schuylkill River Trail, Kelly Drive, Boathouse Row, Philadelphia parks, historic mansions Philadelphia, Belmont Plateau, largest urban park
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Fairmount]]
[[Category:Recreation]]
[[Category:West Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]

Latest revision as of 16:17, 30 December 2025

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, encompassing over 9,200 acres of green space throughout Philadelphia. The historic core of the park—often called "Fairmount Park proper"—stretches along both sides of the Schuylkill River, covering approximately 2,052 acres of woodland, meadows, and historic sites.[1]

The park system includes Wissahickon Valley Park, FDR Park, Pennypack Park, Cobbs Creek Park, and dozens of smaller neighborhood parks throughout the city. Together, they form one of America's most extensive municipal park networks.

History

[edit | edit source]

Origins

[edit | edit source]

Fairmount Park was established in 1855, initially to protect the city's water supply from the Schuylkill River. The Fairmount Water Works, completed in 1815, drew drinking water from the river, and the city began acquiring land upstream to prevent industrial pollution.

The park's name comes from "Faire Mount," the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands—named by William Penn for its commanding views of the river and city.

1876 Centennial Exposition

[edit | edit source]

The park gained international prominence as the site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, America's first official World's Fair. The exposition celebrated the nation's 100th birthday and introduced Americans to inventions like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and the Corliss steam engine.

Memorial Hall, built for the exposition, still stands in the park and now houses the Please Touch Museum. The exposition attracted over 10 million visitors and established Philadelphia as a center of industry and culture.

20th Century Development

[edit | edit source]

The park expanded throughout the 20th century, incorporating additional land and developing recreational facilities. The Philadelphia Zoo opened within the park in 1874, becoming America's first zoo. Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were developed as scenic roadways along the river.

Park Sections

[edit | edit source]

East Fairmount Park

[edit | edit source]

East of the Schuylkill River, the park includes:

  • 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

[edit | edit source]

West of the river, the park features:

  • 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

[edit | edit source]

Fairmount Park preserves more than a dozen Colonial-era mansions, many 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

[edit | edit source]

Trails

[edit | edit source]

The park offers extensive trails for walking, running, and cycling:

  • 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

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

Water Activities

[edit | edit source]
  • Kayaking and canoeing on the Schuylkill
  • Rowing (Boathouse Row)
  • Fishing (with license)

Attractions

[edit | edit source]

Philadelphia Zoo

[edit | edit source]

The Philadelphia Zoo occupies 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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

An authentic 17th-century-style Japanese house set 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

[edit | edit source]

Outdoor concert venue hosting:

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

Getting There

[edit | edit source]

By Car

[edit | edit source]
  • 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

[edit | edit source]
  • 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

[edit | edit source]

The park is accessible via the Schuylkill River Trail from Center City:

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

Visiting Tips

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "Fairmount Park". Fairmount Park Conservancy. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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