Penns Landing
| 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
- ↑ "Delaware River Waterfront". Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Retrieved December 30, 2025