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{{Infobox Park
{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Penn's Landing
| name = Penn's Landing
| image =
| image =
| image_caption = Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront
| image_caption = Penn's Landing waterfront
| type = Waterfront park / Event venue
| type = Waterfront park, landmark
| location = Delaware River waterfront, Center City
| address = 101 South Columbus Boulevard
| coordinates = 39.9444,-75.1414
| neighborhood = Old City
| area = 11 acres
| coordinates = 39.9444,-75.1395
| phone = (215) 922-2386
| website = https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
| established = 1967
| established = 1967
| operated_by = Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
| founder = City of Philadelphia
| features = River views, festivals, historic ships, ice skating rink
| owner = City of Philadelphia / Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
| transit = SEPTA bus 25; walk from 2nd Street
| employees =
| website = https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
| hours = Open 24 hours (outdoor areas)
| products = Waterfront recreation, events, attractions
| status = Active
}}
}}


'''Penn's Landing''' is an 11-acre waterfront park and event space along the [[Delaware River]] in [[Philadelphia]], commemorating the site where William Penn first stepped ashore in 1682 to found his colony. The park stretches along the river from Market Street to Lombard Street and hosts major festivals, concerts, and recreational activities throughout the year.<ref name="drwc">{{cite web |url=https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com |title=Delaware River Waterfront |publisher=Delaware River Waterfront Corporation |access-date=December 30, 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>


After decades of underutilization, Penn's Landing is undergoing a major transformation with new parks, developments, and improved connections to the surrounding neighborhoods.
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 ==


=== Colonial Landing Site ===
=== William Penn's Arrival ===
 
William Penn landed near this site on October 27, 1682, stepping off the ship ''Welcome'' to begin his "Holy Experiment"—the founding of Pennsylvania as a haven for religious tolerance.


For the next two centuries, this stretch of waterfront served as Philadelphia's commercial port, with wharves, warehouses, and shipping activities.
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.


=== Interstate 95 ===
=== Maritime Heritage ===


The construction of Interstate 95 in the 1960s separated Penn's Landing from the rest of Center City, creating the sunken highway that still runs between the waterfront and the city. This barrier has long been the park's greatest challenge.
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


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


Penn's Landing was developed as a formal park and event space in 1967 for the nation's bicentennial preparations. Various attractions have come and gone over the decades, with the waterfront recently experiencing renewed investment and development.
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


== Current Features ==
=== Modern Revitalization ===


=== Great Plaza ===
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


The main '''Great Plaza''' at Penn's Landing hosts:
== Attractions ==
* Major concerts and festivals
* Outdoor movies
* Food festivals
* Community events


=== Blue Cross RiverRink ===
=== Blue Cross RiverRink ===


The '''Blue Cross RiverRink''' operates seasonally:
An outdoor ice skating rink operating November through March:
 
* '''Location:''' Main plaza level
'''Winter (November-March):'''
* '''Amenities:''' Skate rental, warming cabin, food and beverages
* Outdoor ice skating rink
* '''Events:''' DJ nights, special programming
* Lodge with food and drinks
* Fire pits
* Holiday atmosphere


'''Summer:'''
In warmer months, the space hosts '''Summerfest''' with roller skating and outdoor activities.
* Roller skating
* Arcade games
* Food vendors
* River views


=== Spruce Street Harbor Park ===
=== Spruce Street Harbor Park ===


Adjacent '''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' (seasonal, typically May-September):
A seasonal urban beach and beer garden (May-September):
* Hammocks over the water
* Hammocks, string lights, and floating gardens
* Floating gardens
* Food and craft beer vendors
* Local food vendors
* Live entertainment
* Craft beer garden
* One of Philadelphia's most popular summer destinations
* Live music
* Colorful lighting at night
 
=== Historic Ships ===
 
Several historic vessels are moored at Penn's Landing:
 
* '''Olympia''' — Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War
* '''Becuna''' — World War II submarine
* '''Gazela''' — Portuguese tall ship
 
The Independence Seaport Museum manages many of these historic ships.


=== Cherry Street Pier ===
=== Cherry Street Pier ===


'''Cherry Street Pier''' (north of Penn's Landing proper):
Renovated historic pier featuring:
* Artists' studios
* Artist studios and creative workspace
* Rotating pop-up shops
* Seasonal garden and greenhouse
* Markets and events
* Food vendors
* Food vendors
* Event space
* Open year-round
* Year-round programming


== Events ==
=== Race Street Pier ===


=== Major Annual Events ===
Modern pier park featuring:
* Lawn areas and seating
* Dramatic cantilevered walkway over the river
* Views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
* Integrated public art


* '''Wawa Welcome America''' — July 4th celebration
=== Historic Ships ===
* '''Philadelphia Folk Festival''' — Summer concerts
* '''Made in America Festival''' — Labor Day weekend
* '''Blue Cross Broad Street Run finish''' — May
* '''New Year's Eve fireworks'''


=== Regular Programming ===
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)


* Summer concert series
=== Independence Seaport Museum ===
* Food truck festivals
* Cultural celebrations
* Movie screenings


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


Penn's Landing is undergoing significant transformation:
== Events ==
 
=== Penn's Landing Park ===
 
A new 11-acre park will cap a portion of I-95, creating:
* Continuous green space from the city to the river
* Playgrounds and recreational facilities
* Improved pedestrian access
* Year-round programming space
 
=== Residential and Commercial ===


New developments include:
Penn's Landing hosts numerous annual events:
* Residential towers
* Hotels
* Retail and dining
* Improved public spaces


== Visiting ==
* '''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


=== Getting There ==
== Visiting Penn's Landing ==


'''Location:''' Delaware River waterfront between Market and Lombard Streets
=== Getting There ===


'''By Public Transit:'''
* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 2nd Street Station (3 blocks)
* SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42
* Walk east from 2nd Street (Old City)
* '''Seasonal Ferry:''' Service to Camden (when operating)
* Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station
* '''Parking:''' Surface lots and garages along Columbus Boulevard


'''By Car:'''
=== Best Times to Visit ===
* Columbus Boulevard access
* Parking lots along the waterfront
* Can be busy during events


'''By Bicycle:'''
* '''Summer:''' Spruce Street Harbor Park in full swing
* Delaware River Trail access
* '''Winter:''' RiverRink ice skating
* Indego bike share stations
* '''July 4:''' Welcome America fireworks
* '''Fall weekends:''' Festivals and markets


=== Tips ===
=== Access ===


* Check event calendars before visiting
The waterfront is separated from Old City by Columbus Boulevard (Route 34) and elevated areas. Access points:
* Spruce Street Harbor Park is best at sunset
* Pedestrian bridges from Market, Chestnut, Walnut, and Spruce Streets
* Ice skating rink is popular—arrive early on weekends
* Street-level crossing at Market Street
* The pedestrian bridge over I-95 connects to Old City
* Elevated walkways from parking areas


== Nearby Attractions ==
=== Future Development ===


* '''Independence Seaport Museum'''
Major projects planned for Penn's Landing include:
* '''Old City''' neighborhood
* Capping I-95 to create a seamless park connecting Center City to the river
* '''Race Street Pier'''
* New residential and commercial development
* '''Independence Hall''' area
* Expanded public parks and trails
* '''South Street'''
* Improved pedestrian connections


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


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


== References ==
== References ==
Line 174: Line 154:


* [https://www.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.phillyseaport.org Independence Seaport Museum]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/blue-cross-riverrink/ Blue Cross RiverRink]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Waterfront Park, RiverRink & Events
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Waterfront Park, Ice Skating, and Events
|description=Guide to Penn's Landing on Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront. Ice skating at RiverRink, Spruce Street Harbor Park, festivals, historic ships, and events.
|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, Delaware River waterfront, RiverRink Philadelphia, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia waterfront, Penn's Landing events, Philadelphia festivals
|keywords=Penn's Landing, Delaware River waterfront, Philadelphia waterfront, RiverRink ice skating, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, William Penn landing, Philadelphia events
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[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Delaware River]]
[[Category:Waterfront]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]
[[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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