Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park
Type	Urban park system
Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Coordinates	39.9875,-75.2000
Area	2,052 acres (main park); 9,200+ acres (system-wide)
Established	1855
Operated by	Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Features	Historic mansions, trails, Schuylkill River, sports facilities, zoo
Transit	SEPTA bus routes 32, 38, 43
Website	Official Site

Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban park systems in the United States, encompassing over 9,200 acres of green space throughout Philadelphia. The historic core of the park—often called "Fairmount Park proper"—stretches along both sides of the Schuylkill River, covering approximately 2,052 acres of woodland, meadows, and historic sites.

The park system includes Wissahickon Valley Park, FDR Park, Pennypack Park, Cobbs Creek Park, and dozens of smaller neighborhood parks throughout the city. Together, they form one of America's most extensive municipal park networks.

History

Origins

Fairmount Park was established in 1855, initially to protect the city's water supply from the Schuylkill River. The Fairmount Water Works, completed in 1815, drew drinking water from the river, and the city began acquiring land upstream to prevent industrial pollution.

The park's name comes from "Faire Mount," the hill where the Philadelphia Museum of Art now stands—named by William Penn for its commanding views of the river and city.

1876 Centennial Exposition

The park gained international prominence as the site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition, America's first official World's Fair. The exposition celebrated the nation's 100th birthday and introduced Americans to inventions like Alexander Graham Bell's telephone and the Corliss steam engine.

Memorial Hall, built for the exposition, still stands in the park and now houses the Please Touch Museum. The exposition attracted over 10 million visitors and established Philadelphia as a center of industry and culture.

20th Century Development

The park expanded throughout the 20th century, incorporating additional land and developing recreational facilities. The Philadelphia Zoo opened within the park in 1874, becoming America's first zoo. Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive were developed as scenic roadways along the river.

Park Sections

East Fairmount Park

East of the Schuylkill River, the park includes:

• Lemon Hill — Historic mansion with city views
• Boathouse Row — Iconic Victorian boathouses
• Lloyd Hall — Recreation center with bike rentals
• Kelly Drive — Scenic roadway and trail
• Smith Memorial Playground — Historic playground with giant wooden slide
• Laurel Hill Cemetery — National Historic Landmark

West Fairmount Park

West of the river, the park features:

• Belmont Plateau — Best skyline views in the city
• Please Touch Museum — Children's museum in Memorial Hall
• Mann Center — Outdoor concert venue
• Shofuso Japanese House — Traditional Japanese house and garden
• Horticulture Center — Gardens and greenhouses
• Philadelphia Zoo — America's first zoo

Historic Mansions

Fairmount Park preserves more than a dozen Colonial-era mansions, many open for tours:

• Mount Pleasant — John Adams called it "the most elegant seat in Pennsylvania"
• Strawberry Mansion — Largest historic house in the park
• Cedar Grove — Quaker farmhouse moved from Frankford
• Lemon Hill — Federal-style mansion with gardens
• Woodford Mansion — Georgian architecture and decorative arts
• Laurel Hill — Octagonal rooms and river views

Recreation

Trails

The park offers extensive trails for walking, running, and cycling:

• Schuylkill River Trail — Paved multi-use path along Kelly Drive
• Forbidden Drive — Unpaved trail through Wissahickon Valley
• Belmont Plateau Trails — Mountain biking and hiking
• Loop routes — Various circuits from 3-15 miles

Sports Facilities

• Tennis courts
• Baseball and softball fields
• Soccer fields
• Basketball courts
• Golf courses (Cobbs Creek, Walnut Lane)
• Disc golf course

Water Activities

• Kayaking and canoeing on the Schuylkill
• Rowing (Boathouse Row)
• Fishing (with license)

Attractions

Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo occupies 42 acres within Fairmount Park:

• America's first zoo (1874)
• Over 1,300 animals
• Zoo360 animal exploration trails
• Special exhibits and events

Please Touch Museum

Located in the historic Memorial Hall from the 1876 Centennial:

• Interactive exhibits for children
• Restored Centennial-era architecture
• One of the city's most popular family attractions

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

An authentic 17th-century-style Japanese house set in a traditional garden:

• Built in Japan and reassembled in Philadelphia (1958)
• Koi pond and landscaped grounds
• Seasonal events including cherry blossom viewing
• Tea ceremonies

Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Outdoor concert venue hosting:

• Philadelphia Orchestra summer concerts
• Major touring artists
• Lawn seating available

Getting There

By Car

• Kelly Drive — East side of Schuylkill, accessible from Spring Garden Street
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive — West side of Schuylkill
• Belmont Avenue — Access to West Fairmount Park
• Parking available at various lots throughout the park

By Public Transit

• SEPTA Bus 32 — Serves Kelly Drive
• SEPTA Bus 38 — Serves West Fairmount Park
• SEPTA Bus 43 — Connects to various park locations
• Regional Rail — Spring Garden Station near park entrance

By Bicycle

The park is accessible via the Schuylkill River Trail from Center City:

• Bike rentals at Lloyd Hall
• Indego bike share stations at park entrances

Visiting Tips

Best Times to Visit:

• Spring — Cherry blossoms, moderate temperatures
• Fall — Foliage colors, comfortable weather
• Summer — Early morning or evening to avoid heat
• Winter — Quiet trails, fewer crowds

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Sun protection
• Bike or bike rental for longer explorations
• Picnic supplies

Safety:

• Stay on marked trails
• Park in designated areas
• Be aware of cyclists on shared paths
• Check closing times for individual attractions

See Also

• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Schuylkill River Trail
• Boathouse Row
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Kelly Drive
• FDR Park

External Links

• Fairmount Park Conservancy
• Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Please Touch Museum
• Shofuso Japanese House and Garden