Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Fairmount Park
Municipal park (part of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park system)
Fairmount Park grew out of 19th-century efforts to protect Philadelphia's drinking water and now covers roughly 2,000 acres on both sides of the Schuylkill River. It includes Boathouse Row, the Please Touch Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's rear grounds and miles of drives and trails.
Why Visit
The park offers an easy escape inside the city, with riverfront paths, historic mansions, picnic groves and connections to the Wissahickon Valley. Boathouse Row's lighted boathouses are a Philadelphia landmark, especially after dark.
Amenities & Facilities
- Paved and unpaved trails
- Picnic areas
- Historic houses
- Riverfront drives
Things to Do
- Walk or bike the Schuylkill River Trail
- See Boathouse Row
- Picnic along Kelly Drive
- Visit a historic house museum
Best For
Walkers, runners, cyclists and families looking for green space inside Philadelphia.
Parking & Visiting
Parking is available in designated lots. Fees, hours and seasonal closures change, so confirm current details with Pennsylvania DCNR or the park's managing agency before visiting.
Nearby Communities
- Fairmount
- Spring Garden
- Roxborough
- East Falls
Related Attractions
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Boathouse Row
- Please Touch Museum
- Philadelphia Zoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairmount Park free?
Yes. General park access is free, though individual museums and attractions charge admission.
Is Fairmount Park the same as Fairmount Park system?
Fairmount Park is the best-known part of Philadelphia's larger park system, which also includes Wissahickon Valley Park and many smaller sites.
Seasonal Note
Trail conditions, beach staffing, boat rentals and road access change with the season. Confirm current hours and closures with the managing agency before you travel, especially in winter and early spring.
