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


'''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>
'''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>
 
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 ==


=== William Penn's Landing ===
=== Colonial Landing Site ===
 
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.
 
=== Interstate 95 ===
 
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.
 
=== Development ===


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.
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.


=== Industrial Era ===
== Current Features ==


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


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


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


== Attractions ==
The '''Blue Cross RiverRink''' operates seasonally:


=== Independence Seaport Museum ===
'''Winter (November-March):'''
* Outdoor ice skating rink
* Lodge with food and drinks
* Fire pits
* Holiday atmosphere


The '''Independence Seaport Museum''' focuses on maritime history:
'''Summer:'''
* Ship models and exhibits
* Roller skating
* Historic vessels (USS Olympia, Submarine Becuna)
* Arcade games
* Maritime art
* Food vendors
* Educational programs
* River views


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


'''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' (seasonal, typically May-September):
Adjacent '''Spruce Street Harbor Park''' (seasonal, typically May-September):
* Hammocks along the waterfront
* Hammocks over the water
* Floating gardens
* Local food vendors
* Craft beer garden
* 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''' (north of Penn's Landing proper):
* Artists' studios
* Rotating pop-up shops
* Food vendors
* Food vendors
* Beer garden
* Event space
* Colorful lighting
* Year-round programming
* Floating barges


=== RiverRink and Winterfest ===
== Events ==


'''RiverRink''' and '''Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest''' (seasonal):
=== Major Annual Events ===
* Outdoor ice skating (winter)
* Roller skating (summer)
* Fire pits and warming stations
* Holiday attractions


=== Race Street Pier ===
* '''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'''


'''Race Street Pier*** - Elevated public park:
=== Regular Programming ===
* Views of the river
* Landscaped pier
* Seating areas
* Connection to Old City


== Events ==
* Summer concert series
* Food truck festivals
* Cultural celebrations
* Movie screenings


Penn's Landing hosts numerous events:
== Future Development ==


=== Major Events ===
Penn's Landing is undergoing significant transformation:


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


=== Regular Programming ===
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


* Summer movie series
=== Residential and Commercial ===
* Fitness classes
* Cultural festivals
* Food festivals


== I-95 Cap Project ==
New developments include:
* Residential towers
* Hotels
* Retail and dining
* Improved public spaces


Philadelphia is planning to cap a section of I-95 to better connect Penn's Landing with Old City:
== Visiting ==
* Remove barrier between waterfront and neighborhood
* Create new park space
* Improve pedestrian access
* Major infrastructure project


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


=== Public Transit ===
'''Location:''' Delaware River waterfront between Market and Lombard Streets


* '''Market-Frankford Line (The L):*** 2nd Street Station
'''By Public Transit:'''
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:*** 21, 25, 42
* SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
* Walk east from 2nd Street (Old City)
* Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station


=== Walking ===
'''By Car:'''
* Columbus Boulevard access
* Parking lots along the waterfront
* Can be busy during events


Penn's Landing is walkable from:
'''By Bicycle:'''
* [[Old City]] (5 minutes, though crossing I-95)
* Delaware River Trail access
* [[Society Hill]] (5-10 minutes)
* Indego bike share stations
* [[Center City]] (15-20 minutes)


=== Ferries ===
=== Tips ===


* '''RiverLink Ferry*** - Seasonal service to Camden waterfront attractions
* Check event calendars before visiting
* Spruce Street Harbor Park is best at sunset
* Ice skating rink is popular—arrive early on weekends
* The pedestrian bridge over I-95 connects to Old City


== Camden Waterfront ==
== Nearby Attractions ==


Across the Delaware River, the Camden waterfront offers:
* '''Independence Seaport Museum'''
* Adventure Aquarium
* '''Old City''' neighborhood
* BB&T Pavilion (concert venue)
* '''Race Street Pier'''
* Battleship New Jersey
* '''Independence Hall''' area
* Connected by RiverLink Ferry
* '''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 - Delaware River Waterfront Guide
|title=Penn's Landing Philadelphia - Waterfront Park, RiverRink & Events
|description=Guide to Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront. Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink, Independence Seaport Museum, and seasonal attractions.
|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.
|keywords=Penn's Landing Philadelphia, Philadelphia waterfront, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink, Independence Seaport Museum, Delaware River Philadelphia
|keywords=Penn's Landing Philadelphia, Delaware River waterfront, RiverRink Philadelphia, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia waterfront, Penn's Landing events, Philadelphia festivals
|type=Article
|type=Article
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[[Category:Neighborhoods]]
[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Attractions]]
[[Category:Delaware River]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Waterfront Districts]]
[[Category:Event Venues]]
[[Category:Attractions]]

Revision as of 20:50, 30 December 2025

Penn's Landing
Type Waterfront park / Event venue
Location Delaware River waterfront, Center City
Coordinates 39.9444,-75.1414
Area 11 acres
Established 1967
Operated by Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Features River views, festivals, historic ships, ice skating rink
Transit SEPTA bus 25; walk from 2nd Street
Website Official Site

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.[1]

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

History

Colonial Landing Site

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.

Interstate 95

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.

Development

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.

Current Features

Great Plaza

The main Great Plaza at Penn's Landing hosts:

  • 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:

  • Roller skating
  • Arcade games
  • Food vendors
  • River views

Spruce Street Harbor Park

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

  • Hammocks over the water
  • Floating gardens
  • Local food vendors
  • Craft beer garden
  • 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 (north of Penn's Landing proper):

  • Artists' studios
  • Rotating pop-up shops
  • Food vendors
  • Event space
  • Year-round programming

Events

Major Annual Events

  • 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

  • Summer concert series
  • Food truck festivals
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Movie screenings

Future Development

Penn's Landing is undergoing significant transformation:

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:

  • Residential towers
  • Hotels
  • Retail and dining
  • Improved public spaces

Visiting

= Getting There

Location: Delaware River waterfront between Market and Lombard Streets

By Public Transit:

  • SEPTA Bus 25 to Columbus Boulevard
  • Walk east from 2nd Street (Old City)
  • Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station

By Car:

  • Columbus Boulevard access
  • Parking lots along the waterfront
  • Can be busy during events

By Bicycle:

  • Delaware River Trail access
  • Indego bike share stations

Tips

  • Check event calendars before visiting
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park is best at sunset
  • Ice skating rink is popular—arrive early on weekends
  • 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

References

  1. ↑ "Delaware River Waterfront". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025
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