Fairmount Park | Philadelphia

Fairmount Park is one of the largest and most significant urban park systems in the United States, spanning more than 2,000 acres across both banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established officially in 1855, it was designed to preserve natural landscapes, provide clean water to the city, and offer green space for public recreation and health—making it a model for city parks nationwide. It is part of the larger Philadelphia Parks & Recreation system, which together totals over 10,000 acres.

Key Features and Highlights

1. Historical Origins

Fairmount Park’s development was tied closely to the Fairmount Water Works (completed in 1822), built to provide clean water and protect the Schuylkill watershed.

The park became official municipal property in 1855, when the city began purchasing lands to secure water access and create public leisure spaces.

2. Divisions of the Park

Fairmount Park is traditionally divided into:

East Park (east of the Schuylkill River): Includes cultural institutions, formal gardens, and recreational fields.

West Park (west of the river): Known for its wooded trails, historic mansions, and dramatic river views.

Together, they are connected by bridges, walking trails, and scenic drives.

3. Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Standing at the edge of the park on a hill, it’s famous for its "Rocky Steps" and panoramic views.

Behind the museum is Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, part of the park’s landscape.

Fairmount Water Works

A National Historic Landmark at the river’s edge, once Philadelphia’s pumping station and now an interpretive center on water history and ecology.

Boathouse Row

A line of 19th-century boathouses along the east bank of the river, home to various rowing clubs.

Beautifully illuminated at night; a major visual icon of Philadelphia.

Strawberry Mansion & Other Historic Houses

Fairmount Park contains over a dozen preserved colonial and early American mansions, used historically as summer retreats.

Some, like Strawberry Mansion, Mount Pleasant, and Laurel Hill, are open for tours and events.

4. Natural Features and Recreation

Horticulture Center and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Located in West Park, the Horticulture Center includes a greenhouse, arboretum, and formal gardens.

Adjacent is the Shofuso Japanese House, a post-WWII gift representing traditional 17th-century Japanese architecture, with a koi pond and tea garden.

Belmont Plateau

Offers sweeping skyline views of Center City Philadelphia and popular for picnicking, sports, and cross-country running.

Wissahickon Valley Park (Part of Fairmount Park System)

While sometimes listed separately, it's within the park system and offers miles of trails, dramatic gorges, and old stone bridges.

The Forbidden Drive, a car-free trail, is a favorite for walking and cycling.

5. Events and Activities

Recreational Sports: Baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and trails throughout the park.

Cycling and Running: Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive are prime cycling routes; the Schuylkill River Trail runs through the park.

Rowing: Boathouse Row hosts national and collegiate regattas.

Concerts and Festivals: The park has been the venue for large-scale events, including the Made in America Festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Visitor Tips

Accessibility: Many areas are accessible by public transit; buses and SEPTA’s regional rail serve key locations.

Seasonal Variation: Spring brings cherry blossoms; autumn offers brilliant foliage along the river and wooded trails.

Safety: While the park is generally safe during the day, stick to well-traveled paths and be cautious after dark.

Parking: Available at major attractions like the Art Museum, Horticulture Center, and Water Works, but limited during large events.

Significance

Fairmount Park is more than green space—it’s a historic, ecological, and cultural asset integral to Philadelphia’s identity. Designed to blend scenic beauty, public utility, and cultural enrichment, it remains a model of 19th-century park planning with enduring modern relevance.