15+ Awesome National Park Sites in Greater Philadelphia

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at The Liberty Bell Center, home of the international symbol of freedom that gives the landmark its name. Residing in Independence National Historical Park, the famous bell can be seen up close completely free of charge. Larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images help bring its history to life.

Head to Independence Hall to explore the historic building where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and, 11 years later, the U.S. Constitution. Expert park rangers lead a free tour, and visitors can also explore important nearby sites like Congress Hall, the West Wing and Old City Hall. Timed tickets are available for free at the Independence Visitor Center. Note: Admission is by tour only, with tickets required March through December except during summer evenings and on select holidays.

At this powerful site, visitors see structural fragments of the home where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms and where the first president enslaved nine Africans. The open-air space invites people to learn about the events that transpired through illustrated glass panels and video re-enactments — and partake in silent reflection.

Step through the doors of Christ Church to see where visionaries like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington worshipped when they lived in Philadelphia in the Revolutionary era. Visitors love exploring the nearby Christ Church Burial Ground (Fifth and Arch streets), too, which serves as the final resting place for prominent citizens including Franklin and his wife, Deborah, composer and poet Francis Hopkinson, and medical pioneer Benjamin Rush.

In 1774, Carpenters’ Hall hosted the First Continental Congress, where representatives from 12 colonies voted for a trade embargo that eventually led to the American Revolution. As part of Independence National Historical Park, Carpenters’ Hall is open to visitors who come to marvel at the building’s impressive Georgian architecture, Flemish bond brick pattern and original delegates’ chairs.

One of William Penn’s five original squares has served as an animal pasture; a burial ground for victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic, African Americans and several thousand soldiers who died during the Revolution; and as a gathering space for early Africans, who referred to the venue as “Congo Square.” The square is now a popular place for picnicking, reading, playing Frisbee and other leisure activities. It’s also the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, a monument featuring an eternal flame and a statue of George Washington.

Set in the rotunda at The Franklin Institute, the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial honors Philadelphia’s favorite Founding Father. James Earle Fraser sculpted the 20-foot-tall statue, which is complemented by the room’s exquisite domed ceiling and an informative Benjamin Franklin Forever multimedia show. Note that the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial resides within The Franklin Institute (and does not neighbor other INHP sites), but is affiliated with the National Park Service and is free to see. For entry into the museum to see its exhibitions, admission fees apply.

Touted as “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” Independence National Historical Park offers more than 25 attractions and sites to explore – many of which are free. Monumental banks, the home of a former First Lady and cemeteries that house the remains of some of the country’s most prominent early citizens are just a few of the attractions that provide learning and excursion opportunities. Check out the full list by clicking the button below.

No battles were fought in Valley Forge, but the time the Continental Army encamped here in 1777 and 1778 went down as one of the Revolutionary War’s most trying periods. Exhibits and artifacts in the Visitor Center, replicated huts, and the original headquarters tell the story of the pivotal winter that General George Washington and his troops endured. The 3,500-acre park also includes trails and picnic areas.

Far from the traditional national park, this historic site is dedicated to honoring the work of Edgar Allan Poe, who penned The Black Cat while living in this three-story house. The author’s former home includes exhibits, guided tours, artwork and audio recordings of Poe’s macabre stories read by some of Hollywood’s most famous celebrities.

Also known as Old Swedes’ Church, Gloria Dei Church dates back to 1700, making it the oldest church in Pennsylvania and the second-oldest in the U.S. The historic site and the neighboring burial ground provide a glimpse into the city’s Swedish heritage, and the congregation is still active and thriving to this day.

The fascinating story of Thaddeus Kosciuszko, a Polish-born soldier who helped in the American Revolution, still captivates visitors centuries later at the smallest national park site in the country. In his former home where Thomas Jefferson would visit him, guests can take self-guided tours of rooms furnished as they were in the Revolutionary era and learn more about the notable history-maker. Note that the site is open seasonally, so check ahead before visiting.

Hopewell Furnace, a former steel “plantation” in Chester County, helped propel America into the Industrial Age and produced both cannons and cannon balls for the American Revolution. In addition to exhibits and original colonial-era buildings, the park offers a host of fun activities like bird-watching, hiking, apple picking and more.

In addition to its current status as an urban outdoor oasis, the Schuylkill River played an integral role in the American Industrial Revolution. Today, the shores of this 135-mile waterway are home to hiking and biking trails; historic sites like Fort Mifflin; nature preserves like Bartram’s Garden; and quaint river towns like Phoenixville.

In 1781, General George Washington and French General Rochambeau joined forces, creating an alliance that helped secure American independence. Visitors can follow their historic trail, which extends all the way from Massachusetts to Virginia and includes Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), where the two generals paraded before members of Congress.

Philadelphia’s proximity to the Delaware River, an important conduit for merchant ships, immigrants and military personnel, has helped propel and maintain the city’s prominence for centuries. Today, this scenic area winds through towns from New Jersey all the way down to New Hope and Titusville, Pennsylvania, inviting visitors to walk, hike, bike, kayak and sightsee along the shores of the Delaware.