Penns Landing

Penn's Landing

Type	Waterfront park, landmark
Address	101 South Columbus Boulevard
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Old City
Phone	(215) 922-2386
Website	Official site
Established	1967
Founder	City of Philadelphia
Owner	City of Philadelphia / Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Hours	Open 24 hours (outdoor areas)
Products	Waterfront recreation, events, attractions
Status	Active

Penn's Landing(215) 922-2386https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com101 South Columbus BoulevardPhiladelphiaPAUS

Penn's Landing is a waterfront park and event space along the Delaware River in Old City, commemorating the traditional site where William Penn first landed in the New World in 1682. Stretching along Columbus Boulevard from Market Street to South Street, Penn's Landing serves as Philadelphia's primary connection to its riverfront, hosting festivals, concerts, outdoor activities, and seasonal attractions including an ice skating rink and beer garden.

The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent decades, with new attractions including Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier, and Spruce Street Harbor Park transforming the waterfront from an underutilized highway barrier into a vibrant destination. Ongoing projects aim to further connect Center City to the river and create a continuous waterfront park system.

History

William Penn's Arrival

On October 27, 1682, William Penn arrived in his new colony aboard the ship Welcome, landing at the Delaware River waterfront. The exact landing spot is disputed—Penn may have first stopped at Upland (now Chester) before reaching Philadelphia—but the area now called Penn's Landing commemorates this foundational moment in Philadelphia history.

Maritime Heritage

For nearly three centuries, the Delaware waterfront served as Philadelphia's commercial lifeline:

• Colonial era: Wharves handled trade with England and the Caribbean
• 19th century: Immigration gateway and industrial port
• 20th century: Decline as shipping moved to larger container ports

Urban Renewal

In the 1960s and 1970s, Philadelphia undertook an ambitious urban renewal project to "reconnect" the city to its waterfront:

• I-95 construction: The interstate highway severed Center City from the river
• Penn's Landing development: Created elevated plaza and event spaces (1967)
• Criticism: The design created barriers rather than connections

Modern Revitalization

Since the 2010s, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation has led transformation:

• Spruce Street Harbor Park (2014)
• Race Street Pier renovations
• Cherry Street Pier (2018)
• Ongoing capping of I-95 for expanded park space

Attractions

Blue Cross RiverRink

An outdoor ice skating rink operating November through March:

• Location: Main plaza level
• Amenities: Skate rental, warming cabin, food and beverages
• Events: DJ nights, special programming

In warmer months, the space hosts Summerfest with roller skating and outdoor activities.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

A seasonal urban beach and beer garden (May-September):

• Hammocks, string lights, and floating gardens
• Food and craft beer vendors
• Live entertainment
• One of Philadelphia's most popular summer destinations

Cherry Street Pier

Renovated historic pier featuring:

• Artist studios and creative workspace
• Seasonal garden and greenhouse
• Markets and events
• Food vendors
• Open year-round

Race Street Pier

Modern pier park featuring:

• Lawn areas and seating
• Dramatic cantilevered walkway over the river
• Views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
• Integrated public art

Historic Ships

Penn's Landing hosts several historic vessels:

• USS Becuna: WWII submarine
• Cruiser Olympia: Admiral Dewey's flagship from the Spanish-American War (at Independence Seaport Museum)
• Gazela: Historic Portuguese tall ship (occasionally docked)

Independence Seaport Museum

Located on Penn's Landing, the museum explores Philadelphia's maritime heritage through exhibits, historic ships, and educational programs.

Events

Penn's Landing hosts numerous annual events:

• Welcome America: July 4th celebration with fireworks
• Oktoberfest: German beer festival
• New Year's Eve Fireworks: Midnight celebration on the river
• Puerto Rican Day Parade: Cultural celebration
• Tall Ships Philadelphia: Occasional tall ship gatherings
• Concert Series: Summer concerts on the Great Plaza

Visiting Penn's Landing

Getting There

• SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station (3 blocks)
• SEPTA Bus: Routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42
• Seasonal Ferry: Service to Camden (when operating)
• Parking: Surface lots and garages along Columbus Boulevard

Best Times to Visit

• Summer: Spruce Street Harbor Park in full swing
• Winter: RiverRink ice skating
• July 4: Welcome America fireworks
• Fall weekends: Festivals and markets

Access

The waterfront is separated from Old City by Columbus Boulevard (Route 34) and elevated areas. Access points:

• Pedestrian bridges from Market, Chestnut, Walnut, and Spruce Streets
• Street-level crossing at Market Street
• Elevated walkways from parking areas

Future Development

Major projects planned for Penn's Landing include:

• Capping I-95 to create a seamless park connecting Center City to the river
• New residential and commercial development
• Expanded public parks and trails
• Improved pedestrian connections

See Also

• Delaware River
• Old City, Philadelphia
• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Cherry Street Pier
• Independence Seaport Museum
• William Penn

External Links

• Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
• Visit Philadelphia - Penn's Landing
• Blue Cross RiverRink