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Independence National Historical ParkTheme(s): Civil Rights | Revolutionary War | |
Description:
Independence National Historical Park, located in downtown (called "Center City"), Philadelphia, is often referred to as the birthplace of our nation. At the park, visitors can see the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, and Independence Hall, a World Heritage Site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. In addition, the park interprets events and the lives of the diverse population during the years when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. A section of the park where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood is dedicated to teaching about Franklin's life and accomplishments. Spanning approximately 45 acres, the park has about 20 buildings open to the public.
Designations:
World Heritage Site (1979)
National Register of Historic Places (October 15, 1966)
Accessibility:
There are many accessibility services available. Most buildings in the park are wheelchair accessible. City streets have curb cuts. Movies at Franklin Court and in the Visitor Center have open captioning. A printed tour of Independence Hall and other buildings, and the story of the Liberty Bell, are available to hearing impaired persons on request. If you need the services of an American Sign Language interpreter during your park visit, call prior to your visit so that we can arrange for such services. TTY: (215) 597-1785. Voice: (215) 597-8974 or (215) 597-7128
Getting Around:
Five to eight hours are needed for basic visit; two days are required to leisurely visit all park sites. The Philadelphia area offers a large number of cultural, scientific and sports opportunities that could take a week to fully appreciate.
Activites:
Educational Programs | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to Independence National Historical Park
Plane:
Philadelphia International Airport, eight miles from Center City, is served by all major domestic carriers as well as a gateway for flights from Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The SEPTA Airport Line connects the airport with Center City.
Car:
By car: the Park is easily reached via I-95, I-76 and I- 676.
From South: Take I-95 north. Follow signs for "Central Phila./I-676". Exit onto 6th Street. Take 6th Street to Market Street and turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street and turn right. Cross Chestnut Street. Parking is located in the middle of the block on the left.
From West: PA Turnpike (I-76) and exit at interchange 24, the Schuykill Expressway (I-76). Take Schuykill Expressway (I-76) to I-676 exit, Central Philadelphia. This is a left lane exit. Take I-676 to 8th Street exit and follow the signs for Independence Hall. Take 8th Street south to Market Street, turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd Street. Cross Chestnut Street. A parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
From North: Take N.J. Turnpike to exit 4. Take Rt. 73 north to Rt. 38. Take Rt. 38 west to US 30. Take US 30 west over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. At the base of the bridge follow the signs for 6th Street. Take 6th Street to Market Street, turn left on Market Street. Take Market Street to 2nd Street, turn right on 2nd Street. Cross Chestnut Street. A parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left.
Public Transportation
Philadelphia is served by Amtrak which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington, Atlantic City, NJ to Harrisburg, PA). Intercity service is provided to many points south and west.
By Bus: Intercity bus service is excellent, with daily arrivals from all parts of the country. The Greyhound Terminal is located at 10th & Filbert Streets, within walking distance of the park.
Philadelphia has an excellent transit system (SEPTA). SEPTA offers commuter rail service between the city and the suburbs. SEPTA also operates a large fleet of buses and street cars through the city and suburbs. Day passees are good for unlimited riding on all city transit vehicles. Route 76 (bus) makes a loop through the park to other cultural attractions in the city. . Philly Phlash is another bus service which has a route connecting attractions throughout the city.
Attractions:
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Phone:215-597-8780
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
Phone:(215) 597-9618
Deshler-Morris House
Phone:(215) 596-1748
Nearby Parks:
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Pennsylvania (1 miles)
Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania (1 miles)
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