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{{Infobox Park
{{Infobox Neighborhood
| name = Penn's Landing
| name = Penn's Landing
| image =
| type = Waterfront district
| image_caption = Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront
| location = Center City
| type = Waterfront park / Event venue
| zip_codes = 19106
| location = Delaware River waterfront, Center City
| established = 1967 (current development)
| coordinates = 39.9444,-75.1414
| named_for = William Penn's landing site
| area = 11 acres
| boundaries = Delaware River waterfront from Vine Street to Washington Avenue
| established = 1967
| adjacent_neighborhoods = [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], [[Society Hill]], [[Queen Village]]
| operated_by = Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
| major_streets = Columbus Boulevard (Delaware Avenue)
| features = River views, festivals, historic ships, ice skating rink
| transit = Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station), Bus Routes
| transit = SEPTA bus 25; walk from 2nd Street
| notable_landmarks = Independence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink
| website = https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
}}
}}


'''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 the Delaware River waterfront area in [[Philadelphia]], named for the traditional site where William Penn first landed in 1682. The area has been developed as a public park and entertainment district, featuring seasonal attractions, the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Delaware River and Camden waterfront. Penn's Landing hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penns-landing/ |title=Penn's Landing |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 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.


== History ==
== History ==


=== Colonial Landing Site ===
=== William Penn's Landing ===


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.
William Penn reputedly landed at this site on October 27, '''1682''', when he first arrived in his colony. A plaque marks the traditional landing spot, though the exact location is uncertain.


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


=== Interstate 95 ===
For most of Philadelphia's history, the Delaware waterfront was a working port:
* Shipping wharves
* Industrial facilities
* Commerce and trade
* Limited public access


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.
=== Urban Renewal ===


=== Development ===
Penn's Landing was created as a public space in the 1960s and 1970s:
* I-95 construction separated the waterfront from Old City
* Public park development
* Festival site creation
* Ongoing redevelopment


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.
== Attractions ==


== Current Features ==
=== Independence Seaport Museum ===


=== Great Plaza ===
The '''Independence Seaport Museum''' focuses on maritime history:
* Ship models and exhibits
* Historic vessels (USS Olympia, Submarine Becuna)
* Maritime art
* Educational programs


The main '''Great Plaza''' at Penn's Landing hosts:
=== Spruce Street Harbor Park ===
* Major concerts and festivals
* Outdoor movies
* Food festivals
* Community events
 
=== Blue Cross RiverRink ===
 
The '''Blue Cross RiverRink''' operates seasonally:
 
'''Winter (November-March):'''
* Outdoor ice skating rink
* Lodge with food and drinks
* Fire pits
* Holiday atmosphere


'''Summer:'''
'''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' (seasonal, typically May-September):
* Roller skating
* Hammocks along the waterfront
* Arcade games
* Food vendors
* Food vendors
* River views
* Beer garden
* Colorful lighting
* Floating barges


=== Spruce Street Harbor Park ===
=== RiverRink and Winterfest ===


Adjacent '''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' (seasonal, typically May-September):
'''RiverRink''' and '''Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest''' (seasonal):
* Hammocks over the water
* Outdoor ice skating (winter)
* Floating gardens
* Roller skating (summer)
* Local food vendors
* Fire pits and warming stations
* Craft beer garden
* Holiday attractions
* Live music
* Colorful lighting at night


=== Historic Ships ===
=== Race Street Pier ===


Several historic vessels are moored at Penn's Landing:
'''Race Street Pier*** - Elevated public park:
* Views of the river
* Landscaped pier
* Seating areas
* Connection to Old City


* '''Olympia''' — Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War
== Events ==
* '''Becuna''' — World War II submarine
* '''Gazela''' — Portuguese tall ship
 
The Independence Seaport Museum manages many of these historic ships.


=== Cherry Street Pier ===
Penn's Landing hosts numerous events:


'''Cherry Street Pier''' (north of Penn's Landing proper):
=== Major Events ===
* Artists' studios
* Rotating pop-up shops
* Food vendors
* Event space
* Year-round programming


== Events ==
* '''July 4th celebration*** - Fireworks, Wawa Welcome America
 
* '''New Year's Eve*** - Fireworks
=== Major Annual Events ===
* '''Tall Ships festivals*** (occasional)
 
* Concerts and festivals throughout summer
* '''Wawa Welcome America''' — July 4th celebration
* '''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 ===
=== Regular Programming ===


* Summer concert series
* Summer movie series
* Food truck festivals
* Fitness classes
* Cultural celebrations
* Cultural festivals
* Movie screenings
* Food festivals
 
== Future Development ==
 
Penn's Landing is undergoing significant transformation:


=== Penn's Landing Park ===
== I-95 Cap Project ==


A new 11-acre park will cap a portion of I-95, creating:
Philadelphia is planning to cap a section of I-95 to better connect Penn's Landing with Old City:
* Continuous green space from the city to the river
* Remove barrier between waterfront and neighborhood
* Playgrounds and recreational facilities
* Create new park space
* Improved pedestrian access
* Improve pedestrian access
* Year-round programming space
* Major infrastructure project


=== Residential and Commercial ===
== Getting There ==


New developments include:
=== Public Transit ===
* Residential towers
* Hotels
* Retail and dining
* Improved public spaces


== Visiting ==
* '''Market-Frankford Line (The L):*** 2nd Street Station
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:*** 21, 25, 42


=== Getting There ==
=== Walking ===


'''Location:''' Delaware River waterfront between Market and Lombard Streets
Penn's Landing is walkable from:
* [[Old City]] (5 minutes, though crossing I-95)
* [[Society Hill]] (5-10 minutes)
* [[Center City]] (15-20 minutes)


'''By Public Transit:'''
=== Ferries ===
* SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
* Walk east from 2nd Street (Old City)
* Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station


'''By Car:'''
* '''RiverLink Ferry*** - Seasonal service to Camden waterfront attractions
* Columbus Boulevard access
* Parking lots along the waterfront
* Can be busy during events


'''By Bicycle:'''
== Camden Waterfront ==
* Delaware River Trail access
* Indego bike share stations


=== Tips ===
Across the Delaware River, the Camden waterfront offers:
 
* Adventure Aquarium
* Check event calendars before visiting
* BB&T Pavilion (concert venue)
* Spruce Street Harbor Park is best at sunset
* Battleship New Jersey
* Ice skating rink is popular—arrive early on weekends
* Connected by RiverLink Ferry
* The pedestrian bridge over I-95 connects to Old City
 
== Nearby Attractions ==
 
* '''Independence Seaport Museum'''
* '''Old City''' neighborhood
* '''Race Street Pier'''
* '''Independence Hall''' area
* '''South Street'''


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


* [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Delaware River]]
* [[Old City]]
* [[Spruce Street Harbor Park]]
* [[Independence Seaport Museum]]
* [[Independence Seaport Museum]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
== External Links ==
* [https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com Delaware River Waterfront Corporation]
* [https://www.riverrink.com Blue Cross RiverRink]
* [https://www.phillyseaport.org Independence Seaport Museum]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Waterfront Park, RiverRink & Events
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Delaware River Waterfront Guide
|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=Guide to Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront. Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink, Independence Seaport Museum, and seasonal attractions.
|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 Philadelphia, Philadelphia waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink, Independence Seaport Museum, Delaware River Philadelphia
|type=Article
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[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Waterfront Districts]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Delaware River]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]

Revision as of 20:27, 30 December 2025

Penn's Landing
TypeWaterfront district
LocationCenter City
ZIP code(s)19106
Established1967 (current development)
Named forWilliam Penn's landing site
BoundariesDelaware River waterfront from Vine Street to Washington Avenue
AdjacentOld City, Society Hill, Queen Village
Major streetsColumbus Boulevard (Delaware Avenue)
TransitMarket-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station), Bus Routes
LandmarksIndependence Seaport Museum, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink

Penn's Landing is the Delaware River waterfront area in Philadelphia, named for the traditional site where William Penn first landed in 1682. The area has been developed as a public park and entertainment district, featuring seasonal attractions, the Independence Seaport Museum, and views of the Delaware River and Camden waterfront. Penn's Landing hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.[1]

History

William Penn's Landing

William Penn reputedly landed at this site on October 27, 1682, when he first arrived in his colony. A plaque marks the traditional landing spot, though the exact location is uncertain.

Industrial Era

For most of Philadelphia's history, the Delaware waterfront was a working port:

  • Shipping wharves
  • Industrial facilities
  • Commerce and trade
  • Limited public access

Urban Renewal

Penn's Landing was created as a public space in the 1960s and 1970s:

  • I-95 construction separated the waterfront from Old City
  • Public park development
  • Festival site creation
  • Ongoing redevelopment

Attractions

Independence Seaport Museum

The Independence Seaport Museum focuses on maritime history:

  • Ship models and exhibits
  • Historic vessels (USS Olympia, Submarine Becuna)
  • Maritime art
  • Educational programs

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park (seasonal, typically May-September):

  • Hammocks along the waterfront
  • Food vendors
  • Beer garden
  • Colorful lighting
  • Floating barges

RiverRink and Winterfest

RiverRink and Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (seasonal):

  • Outdoor ice skating (winter)
  • Roller skating (summer)
  • Fire pits and warming stations
  • Holiday attractions

Race Street Pier

Race Street Pier*** - Elevated public park:

  • Views of the river
  • Landscaped pier
  • Seating areas
  • Connection to Old City

Events

Penn's Landing hosts numerous events:

Major Events

  • July 4th celebration*** - Fireworks, Wawa Welcome America
  • New Year's Eve*** - Fireworks
  • Tall Ships festivals*** (occasional)
  • Concerts and festivals throughout summer

Regular Programming

  • Summer movie series
  • Fitness classes
  • Cultural festivals
  • Food festivals

I-95 Cap Project

Philadelphia is planning to cap a section of I-95 to better connect Penn's Landing with Old City:

  • Remove barrier between waterfront and neighborhood
  • Create new park space
  • Improve pedestrian access
  • Major infrastructure project

Getting There

Public Transit

  • Market-Frankford Line (The L):*** 2nd Street Station
  • SEPTA Bus Routes:*** 21, 25, 42

Walking

Penn's Landing is walkable from:

Ferries

  • RiverLink Ferry*** - Seasonal service to Camden waterfront attractions

Camden Waterfront

Across the Delaware River, the Camden waterfront offers:

  • Adventure Aquarium
  • BB&T Pavilion (concert venue)
  • Battleship New Jersey
  • Connected by RiverLink Ferry

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Penn's Landing". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
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