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{{Infobox LocalBusiness
{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Penn's Landing
| name = Penn's Landing
| type = Waterfront park
| image =
| address = Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street
| image_caption = Penn's Landing waterfront
| type = Waterfront park, landmark
| address = 101 South Columbus Boulevard
| neighborhood = Old City
| neighborhood = Old City
| website = https://delawareriverwaterfront.com
| coordinates = 39.9444,-75.1395
| phone = (215) 922-2386
| website = https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
| established = 1967
| established = 1967
| hours = Always open (attractions vary)
| founder = City of Philadelphia
| public_transit = 2nd Street Station (MFL), RiverLink Ferry
| owner = City of Philadelphia / Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
| employees =
| hours = Open 24 hours (outdoor areas)
| products = Waterfront recreation, events, attractions
| status = Active
}}
}}


'''Penn's Landing''' is a waterfront area on the Delaware River in [[Old City]], Philadelphia, commemorating the site where William Penn first landed in 1682. The area features seasonal attractions, festivals, the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Camden waterfront.<ref name="pennslanding">{{cite web |url=https://delawareriverwaterfront.com |title=Penn's Landing |publisher=Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>
'''Penn's Landing''' is a waterfront park and event space along the [[Delaware River]] in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], commemorating the traditional site where '''William Penn''' first landed in the New World in 1682. Stretching along Columbus Boulevard from Market Street to South Street, Penn's Landing serves as Philadelphia's primary connection to its riverfront, hosting festivals, concerts, outdoor activities, and seasonal attractions including an ice skating rink and beer garden.<ref name="drwc">{{cite web |url=https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/penns-landing |title=Penn's Landing |publisher=Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
 
The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades, with new attractions including [[Cherry Street Pier]], [[Race Street Pier]], and [[Spruce Street Harbor Park]] transforming the waterfront from an underutilized highway barrier into a vibrant destination. Ongoing projects aim to further connect Center City to the river and create a continuous waterfront park system.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penns-landing/ |title=Penn's Landing |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Line 16: Line 26:
=== William Penn's Arrival ===
=== William Penn's Arrival ===


William Penn arrived on the Delaware River on October 27, 1682, to claim his colony of Pennsylvania. The approximate landing site is commemorated at Penn's Landing, though the actual shoreline has shifted over centuries of development.
On '''October 27, 1682''', William Penn arrived in his new colony aboard the ship ''Welcome'', landing at the Delaware River waterfront. The exact landing spot is disputed—Penn may have first stopped at Upland (now Chester) before reaching Philadelphia—but the area now called Penn's Landing commemorates this foundational moment in Philadelphia history.
 
=== Maritime Heritage ===
 
For nearly three centuries, the Delaware waterfront served as Philadelphia's commercial lifeline:
* '''Colonial era:''' Wharves handled trade with England and the Caribbean
* '''19th century:''' Immigration gateway and industrial port
* '''20th century:''' Decline as shipping moved to larger container ports


=== Modern Development ===
=== Urban Renewal ===


* 1967: Penn's Landing dedicated as public space
In the 1960s and 1970s, Philadelphia undertook an ambitious urban renewal project to "reconnect" the city to its waterfront:
* Original design included concrete plazas
* '''I-95 construction:''' The interstate highway severed Center City from the river
* Criticized over decades for failing to connect city to river
* '''Penn's Landing development:''' Created elevated plaza and event spaces (1967)
* Ongoing redevelopment plans to improve waterfront access
* '''Criticism:''' The design created barriers rather than connections
 
=== Modern Revitalization ===
 
Since the 2010s, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has led transformation:
* [[Spruce Street Harbor Park]] (2014)
* [[Race Street Pier]] renovations
* [[Cherry Street Pier]] (2018)
* Ongoing capping of I-95 for expanded park space


== Attractions ==
== Attractions ==


=== Independence Seaport Museum ===
=== Blue Cross RiverRink ===
 
An outdoor ice skating rink operating November through March:
* '''Location:''' Main plaza level
* '''Amenities:''' Skate rental, warming cabin, food and beverages
* '''Events:''' DJ nights, special programming
 
In warmer months, the space hosts '''Summerfest''' with roller skating and outdoor activities.


Maritime museum with historic ships:
=== Spruce Street Harbor Park ===


* USS Olympia (1892 cruiser)
A seasonal urban beach and beer garden (May-September):
* USS Becuna (WWII submarine)
* Hammocks, string lights, and floating gardens
* Maritime exhibits
* Food and craft beer vendors
* Live entertainment
* One of Philadelphia's most popular summer destinations


=== Seasonal Attractions ===
=== Cherry Street Pier ===


* '''Spruce Street Harbor Park*** (summer) — Hammocks, floating barges, beer garden
Renovated historic pier featuring:
* '''Blue Cross RiverRink*** (winter) — Outdoor ice skating
* Artist studios and creative workspace
* '''Summerfest concerts*** — Outdoor music events
* Seasonal garden and greenhouse
* '''Tall ships visits*** — Periodic historic ship arrivals
* Markets and events
* Food vendors
* Open year-round


=== RiverLink Ferry ===
=== Race Street Pier ===


Seasonal ferry connection:
Modern pier park featuring:
* Lawn areas and seating
* Dramatic cantilevered walkway over the river
* Views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
* Integrated public art


* Connects Philadelphia to Camden, NJ
=== Historic Ships ===
* Access to Adventure Aquarium
* Access to Battleship New Jersey
* Scenic Delaware River crossing


== The Waterfront Today ==
Penn's Landing hosts several historic vessels:
* '''USS Becuna:''' WWII submarine
* '''Cruiser Olympia:''' Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War (at Independence Seaport Museum)
* '''Gazela:''' Historic Portuguese tall ship (occasionally docked)


=== Ongoing Development ===
=== Independence Seaport Museum ===


Penn's Landing is undergoing transformation:
Located on Penn's Landing, the museum explores Philadelphia's maritime heritage through exhibits, historic ships, and educational programs.


* New park designs approved
== Events ==
* Improved pedestrian connections
* Cap over I-95 highway (planned)
* Mixed-use development


=== Challenges ===
Penn's Landing hosts numerous annual events:


* I-95 separates city from waterfront
* '''Welcome America:''' July 4th celebration with fireworks
* Original design now dated
* '''Oktoberfest:''' German beer festival
* Limited year-round programming
* '''New Year's Eve Fireworks:''' Midnight celebration on the river
* Weather-dependent attractions
* '''Puerto Rican Day Parade:''' Cultural celebration
* '''Tall Ships Philadelphia:''' Occasional tall ship gatherings
* '''Concert Series:''' Summer concerts on the Great Plaza


== Visiting ==
== Visiting Penn's Landing ==


{| class="wikitable"
=== Getting There ===
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Location''' || Delaware River waterfront at Walnut Street
|-
| '''Hours''' || Always open (attractions vary seasonally)
|-
| '''Admission''' || Free (attractions may charge)
|-
| '''Best season''' || Summer (Spruce Street Harbor Park)
|-
| '''Winter''' || RiverRink skating
|}


== Getting There ==
* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 2nd Street Station (3 blocks)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42
* '''Seasonal Ferry:''' Service to Camden (when operating)
* '''Parking:''' Surface lots and garages along Columbus Boulevard


* '''SEPTA Subway''' — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
=== Best Times to Visit ===
* '''Walking''' — From Old City, cross under I-95
* '''RiverLink Ferry*** — From Camden
* '''Parking''' — Garages at Columbus Boulevard


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
* '''Summer:''' Spruce Street Harbor Park in full swing
* '''Winter:''' RiverRink ice skating
* '''July 4:''' Welcome America fireworks
* '''Fall weekends:''' Festivals and markets


{{FAQ
=== Access ===
|q1=What is there to do at Penn's Landing?
|a1=Penn's Landing offers seasonal attractions: Spruce Street Harbor Park (summer hammocks and beer garden), Blue Cross RiverRink (winter ice skating), the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. It's also a departure point for the RiverLink Ferry to Camden.


|q2=Where did William Penn land?
The waterfront is separated from Old City by Columbus Boulevard (Route 34) and elevated areas. Access points:
|a2=William Penn arrived on the Delaware River on October 27, 1682. Penn's Landing commemorates this approximate location, though the actual shoreline has changed significantly over 340 years of development.
* Pedestrian bridges from Market, Chestnut, Walnut, and Spruce Streets
* Street-level crossing at Market Street
* Elevated walkways from parking areas


|q3=Can you walk along the waterfront at Penn's Landing?
=== Future Development ===
|a3=Yes, there are walkways along the Delaware River with views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Camden. The area is always open for walking, though some attractions are seasonal. The connection from Old City requires crossing under I-95.


|q4=What is Spruce Street Harbor Park?
Major projects planned for Penn's Landing include:
|a4=Spruce Street Harbor Park is a popular summer attraction at Penn's Landing featuring colorful hammocks, floating barges, food vendors, a beer garden, and waterfront atmosphere. It's open seasonally (typically May-September) and is free to enter.
* Capping I-95 to create a seamless park connecting Center City to the river
}}
* New residential and commercial development
* Expanded public parks and trails
* Improved pedestrian connections


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Spruce Street Harbor Park]]
* [[Cherry Street Pier]]
* [[Independence Seaport Museum]]
* [[Independence Seaport Museum]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[William Penn]]
* [[Old City]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Bridge]]


== References ==
== References ==
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== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [https://delawareriverwaterfront.com Delaware River Waterfront Corporation]
* [https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com Delaware River Waterfront Corporation]
* [https://www.riverrink.com Blue Cross RiverRink]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penns-landing/ Visit Philadelphia - Penn's Landing]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/blue-cross-riverrink/ Blue Cross RiverRink]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Penn's Landing - Philadelphia's Delaware River Waterfront
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Waterfront Park, Ice Skating, and Events
|description=Penn's Landing is Philadelphia's Delaware waterfront featuring Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink ice skating, the Seaport Museum, and the spot where William Penn landed in 1682.
|description=Complete guide to Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront. Spruce Street Harbor Park, Blue Cross RiverRink, Cherry Street Pier, festivals, and events at Philadelphia's historic landing site.
|keywords=Penn's Landing, Philadelphia waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink, Delaware River, William Penn, Old City
|keywords=Penn's Landing, Delaware River waterfront, Philadelphia waterfront, RiverRink ice skating, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, William Penn landing, Philadelphia events
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}
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[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Waterfront]]
[[Category:Waterfront]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]

Latest revision as of 21:04, 30 December 2025

Penn's Landing
TypeWaterfront park, landmark
Address101 South Columbus Boulevard
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodOld City
Phone(215) 922-2386
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1967
FounderCity of Philadelphia
OwnerCity of Philadelphia / Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
HoursOpen 24 hours (outdoor areas)
ProductsWaterfront recreation, events, attractions
StatusActive
Penn's Landing(215) 922-2386101 South Columbus BoulevardPhiladelphiaPAUS

Penn's Landing is a waterfront park and event space along the Delaware River in Old City, commemorating the traditional site where William Penn first landed in the New World in 1682. Stretching along Columbus Boulevard from Market Street to South Street, Penn's Landing serves as Philadelphia's primary connection to its riverfront, hosting festivals, concerts, outdoor activities, and seasonal attractions including an ice skating rink and beer garden.[1]

The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades, with new attractions including Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and Spruce Street Harbor Park transforming the waterfront from an underutilized highway barrier into a vibrant destination. Ongoing projects aim to further connect Center City to the river and create a continuous waterfront park system.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

William Penn's Arrival

[edit | edit source]

On October 27, 1682, William Penn arrived in his new colony aboard the ship Welcome, landing at the Delaware River waterfront. The exact landing spot is disputed—Penn may have first stopped at Upland (now Chester) before reaching Philadelphia—but the area now called Penn's Landing commemorates this foundational moment in Philadelphia history.

Maritime Heritage

[edit | edit source]

For nearly three centuries, the Delaware waterfront served as Philadelphia's commercial lifeline:

  • Colonial era: Wharves handled trade with England and the Caribbean
  • 19th century: Immigration gateway and industrial port
  • 20th century: Decline as shipping moved to larger container ports

Urban Renewal

[edit | edit source]

In the 1960s and 1970s, Philadelphia undertook an ambitious urban renewal project to "reconnect" the city to its waterfront:

  • I-95 construction: The interstate highway severed Center City from the river
  • Penn's Landing development: Created elevated plaza and event spaces (1967)
  • Criticism: The design created barriers rather than connections

Modern Revitalization

[edit | edit source]

Since the 2010s, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has led transformation:

Attractions

[edit | edit source]

Blue Cross RiverRink

[edit | edit source]

An outdoor ice skating rink operating November through March:

  • Location: Main plaza level
  • Amenities: Skate rental, warming cabin, food and beverages
  • Events: DJ nights, special programming

In warmer months, the space hosts Summerfest with roller skating and outdoor activities.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

[edit | edit source]

A seasonal urban beach and beer garden (May-September):

  • Hammocks, string lights, and floating gardens
  • Food and craft beer vendors
  • Live entertainment
  • One of Philadelphia's most popular summer destinations

Cherry Street Pier

[edit | edit source]

Renovated historic pier featuring:

  • Artist studios and creative workspace
  • Seasonal garden and greenhouse
  • Markets and events
  • Food vendors
  • Open year-round

Race Street Pier

[edit | edit source]

Modern pier park featuring:

  • Lawn areas and seating
  • Dramatic cantilevered walkway over the river
  • Views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
  • Integrated public art

Historic Ships

[edit | edit source]

Penn's Landing hosts several historic vessels:

  • USS Becuna: WWII submarine
  • Cruiser Olympia: Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War (at Independence Seaport Museum)
  • Gazela: Historic Portuguese tall ship (occasionally docked)

Independence Seaport Museum

[edit | edit source]

Located on Penn's Landing, the museum explores Philadelphia's maritime heritage through exhibits, historic ships, and educational programs.

Events

[edit | edit source]

Penn's Landing hosts numerous annual events:

  • Welcome America: July 4th celebration with fireworks
  • Oktoberfest: German beer festival
  • New Year's Eve Fireworks: Midnight celebration on the river
  • Puerto Rican Day Parade: Cultural celebration
  • Tall Ships Philadelphia: Occasional tall ship gatherings
  • Concert Series: Summer concerts on the Great Plaza

Visiting Penn's Landing

[edit | edit source]

Getting There

[edit | edit source]
  • SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station (3 blocks)
  • SEPTA Bus: Routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42
  • Seasonal Ferry: Service to Camden (when operating)
  • Parking: Surface lots and garages along Columbus Boulevard

Best Times to Visit

[edit | edit source]
  • Summer: Spruce Street Harbor Park in full swing
  • Winter: RiverRink ice skating
  • July 4: Welcome America fireworks
  • Fall weekends: Festivals and markets

Access

[edit | edit source]

The waterfront is separated from Old City by Columbus Boulevard (Route 34) and elevated areas. Access points:

  • Pedestrian bridges from Market, Chestnut, Walnut, and Spruce Streets
  • Street-level crossing at Market Street
  • Elevated walkways from parking areas

Future Development

[edit | edit source]

Major projects planned for Penn's Landing include:

  • Capping I-95 to create a seamless park connecting Center City to the river
  • New residential and commercial development
  • Expanded public parks and trails
  • Improved pedestrian connections

See Also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "Penn's Landing". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Penn's Landing". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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