Boathouse Row
| Boathouse Row | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic rowing clubs / Landmark |
| Location | Fairmount Park, along Kelly Drive |
| Coordinates | 39.9685,-75.1880 |
| Area | Linear along river |
| Established | 1860s-1900s (various clubs) |
| Operated by | Individual rowing clubs / Fairmount Park |
| Features | 15 historic boathouses, illumination, rowing |
| Transit | Walk from Art Museum; SEPTA bus 32 |
| Website | Official Site |
Boathouse Row is a collection of 15 historic boathouses along the east bank of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, forming one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Home to rowing clubs dating back to the Civil War era, the Victorian and early 20th-century buildings are famous for their nighttime LED illumination, creating one of Philadelphia's most photographed scenes.[1]
Boathouse Row represents the heart of Philadelphia's storied rowing tradition—one of the oldest and most active rowing communities in the world.
History
Rowing on the Schuylkill
Organized rowing on the Schuylkill River began in the early 19th century. Philadelphia's rowing clubs are among the oldest athletic organizations in America, predating most professional sports.
The Schuylkill Navy was formed in 1858 as an umbrella organization for the rowing clubs—it remains the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States.
The Boathouses
The current boathouses were built between the 1860s and early 1900s:
- Victorian architectural styles
- Each club has distinct character
- Built to house racing shells and club facilities
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Illumination
The tradition of illuminating the boathouses began with simple outline lighting. The current LED illumination system (installed 2005) allows programmable displays, making the nighttime view a Philadelphia icon.
The 15 Boathouses
From south to north:
| Number | Club | Founded | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #1 Boathouse | — | Guest/storage |
| 2 | Malta Boat Club | 1860 | One of the oldest |
| 3 | Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society | 1861 | Historic skating club |
| 4 | University Barge Club | 1854 | Oldest club |
| 5 | Bachelors Barge Club | 1853 | Second oldest |
| 6 | Undine Barge Club | 1856 | Historic club |
| 7 | Pennsylvania Barge Club | 1861 | — |
| 8 | Crescent Boat Club | 1867 | — |
| 9 | Fairmount Rowing Association | 1877 | Community rowing |
| 10 | Philadelphia Girls' Rowing Club | 1938 | Women's rowing pioneer |
| 11 | Vesper Boat Club | 1865 | Olympic tradition |
| 12 | College Boat Club | 1872 | Collegiate tradition |
| 13 | Penn AC Rowing Association | 1871 | Part of Penn Athletic Club |
| 14 | Gillin Boat Club | 1934 | — |
| 15 | Sedgeley Club | 1902 | Northernmost |
Rowing
Competitive Rowing
Philadelphia rowing has produced numerous Olympic and national champions:
- Olympic gold medalists from Vesper, Penn AC
- Dad Vail Regatta (largest collegiate regatta in North America)
- Schuylkill Navy Regatta
- Head of the Schuylkill (major fall race)
Learn to Row
Several clubs offer learn-to-row programs:
- Fairmount Rowing Association
- Philadelphia Girls' Rowing Club
- Various club programs
- Youth and adult options
Viewing Boathouse Row
Best Viewing Spots
Daytime:
- Schuylkill River Trail along Kelly Drive
- From across the river on MLK Drive
- Philadelphia Museum of Art steps
Nighttime (for illumination):
- West bank of Schuylkill (MLK Drive)
- From the Spring Garden Bridge
- Philadelphia Museum of Art area
Photography Tips
- Nighttime shots require tripod or steady surface
- Blue hour (just after sunset) offers best lighting
- Reflections in calm water are spectacular
- The Art Museum provides elevated views
Getting There
Location: Kelly Drive, between the Art Museum and East Falls
By Public Transit:
- Walk from Philadelphia Museum of Art
- SEPTA Bus 32 along Kelly Drive
- Walk from 30th Street Station (longer walk)
By Car:
- Limited parking along Kelly Drive
- Park at Lloyd Hall
- Art Museum parking
By Bicycle:
- Schuylkill River Trail runs directly past
Events
Major Regattas
- Dad Vail Regatta — May (largest collegiate regatta)
- Head of the Schuylkill — October
- Stotesbury Cup — May (high school)
- Philadelphia Youth Regatta — Various
Illumination Events
Special illumination colors for:
- Holidays
- Awareness campaigns
- City celebrations
See Also
References
- ↑ "Boathouse Row". Boathouse Row. Retrieved December 30, 2025