Boathouse Row
Boathouse Row
| Type | Historic landmark |
|---|---|
| Address | Kelly Drive, East Fairmount Park |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1860s-1900s (various) |
| Hours | Always visible (grounds vary) |
Boathouse Row is a collection of 15 historic rowing clubhouses along the Schuylkill River in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Dating from the 1860s to early 1900s, these Victorian-era structures house some of the oldest athletic organizations in America. The row is famous for its nighttime appearance when LED lights outline each building against the dark riverbank.[1]
History
Origins of Rowing
The Schuylkill River became America's rowing center:
- 1835 — First American rowing club formed (Castle Garden)
- Schuylkill Navy — Governing body founded 1858
- Clubs built boathouses along the river
- Philadelphia became the "cradle of American rowing"
- Many Olympic rowers trained here
The Clubs
The 15 boathouses (from south to north):
- #1 Lloyd Hall — Recreation center (not a rowing club)
- #2 Fairmount Rowing Association (1905)
- #3 Crescent Boat Club (1867)
- #4 Bachelors Barge Club (1893)
- #5 University Barge Club (1871)
- #6 Malta Boat Club (1860)
- #7 Vesper Boat Club (1865)
- #8 College Boat Club (1872)
- #9 Penn Athletic Club Rowing (1870s)
- #10 Undine Barge Club (1882)
- #11 Philadelphia Girls' Rowing Club (1938)
- #12 Gillin Boat Club (1867)
- #13 Sedgeley Club (1902)
- #14 Pennsylvania Barge Club (1861)
- #15 West Philadelphia Boat Club
Architecture
The boathouses represent Victorian-era styles:
- Gothic Revival
- Italianate
- Queen Anne
- Designed for function and appearance
- Most listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Lights
The Famous Illumination
Boathouse Row is most famous when lit at night:
- Original lights installed 1979
- LED system installed 2005
- Outlines the architecture against the dark riverbank
- Visible from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- Iconic Philadelphia image
Best Viewing
- From MLK Drive — Across the river (classic view)
- From Spring Garden Bridge — Elevated perspective
- From Kelly Drive — Up close
- Night — When illuminated
Rowing Today
Active Clubs
The boathouses remain active rowing clubs:
- Members train and compete
- Some offer learn-to-row programs
- Regattas held on the Schuylkill
- Olympic athletes still train here
- Philadelphia's rowing tradition continues
The Schuylkill Navy
The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia:
- Oldest amateur athletic governing body in US (1858)
- Oversees rowing on the Schuylkill
- Organizes regattas
- Preserves rowing heritage
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kelly Drive, East Fairmount Park |
| Best time | Night (when illuminated) |
| Best view | Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (across river) |
| Access | Grounds mostly private; exteriors always visible |
| Cost | Free to view |
Tips
- The nighttime view is the iconic experience
- MLK Drive pulloffs offer best photo opportunities
- The boathouses are private clubs—exteriors only
- Combine with Kelly Drive running/biking
- Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (October) is a major event
Getting There
- Kelly Drive side — Access from Art Museum area
- MLK Drive side — Best nighttime viewing
- SEPTA — Spring Garden Station (Broad Street Line), then walk
- Parking — Along Kelly Drive or MLK Drive
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Boathouse Row". Boathouse Row. Retrieved December 23, 2025