Independence National Historic Park
Center City, Philadelphia
(215) 597-8974

Hours: most Park buildings are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM; hours may be extended in the evenings during the summer
Admission: most Park buildings are free, except the Bishop White House, the Todd House and the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the United States

What You Will See
Independence National Historical Park includes the following:

• Visitor Center (the orientation film is recommended)
• Liberty Bell Pavilion (don't miss the chance to see the famous bell and hear the story behind it)
• Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the United States Constitution was drafted, admission is by tour only - get free tickets at the Visitor Center)
• Old City Hall (home of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791-1800)
• Congress Hall (where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800)
• Bishop White House (admission by tour only - get tickets at the Visitor Center)
• Todd House (admission by tour only - get tickets at the Visitor Center)
• Carpenters' Hall (site of the First Continental Congress in 1774)
• Second Bank of the United States (see the Portrait Gallery and admire the Greek Revival architecture)
• Graff House (a reconstruction of the home where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence)
• Franklin Court (site of Benjamin Franklin's home, now a complex that includes a museum, print shop and a U.S. Post Office)

Visiting all eleven attractions can easily take a full day, so if you are pressed for time, we recommend that you focus on Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Franklin Court. The combination of these three attractions will give you a flavor of what 18th century Philadelphia was like.

Adding to the Ambience...
Don't be surprised if you run into Ben Franklin himself as you explore the Park! Actors in 18th century garb frequent the Park (especially during the summer), performing impromptu recreations of historical events. It is not uncommon to see a raggedly group of recent recruits (played by visiting children) led by General George Washington marching along Chestnut Street to the tunes of a fife and drum company. Sometimes the recruits are even given broom handles (muskets being in short supply, of course) to practice with as they go through their drills. Feel free to join in the fun!

These programs are offered by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., a non-profit organization that brings Philadelphia's rich history to life. For more information, you can contact them directly at 215-629-5801.

More Fun Nearby
Other National Park buildings within walking distance include:

• Christ Church (an outstanding example of 18th century American architecture)
• Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site (the house where he lived from 1843-44)
• Free Quaker Meeting House (one of the oldest meeting houses in Philadelphia)
• Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church (the oldest church in Pennsylvania)
• Independence Park Institute (an education center for school groups and other visitors)
• Library Hall (open for use by scholars only)
• Mikveh Israel Cemetery (established in 1738)
• New Hall Military Museum
• Pemberton House (now the National Parks Museum Shop)
• Philadelphia Exchange (not open to the public)
• Philosophical Hall (now open to the public)
• St. George's Church (the oldest U.S. Methodist Church in continuous use)
• St. Joseph's Church (site of Philadelphia's first Roman Catholic Church)
• Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
• the Rose Garden (between Walnut Street and Locust Street near 4th Street)
• the Magnolia Garden (across Locust Street from the Rose Garden)
• Welcome Park (the site where William Penn granted the famous "Charter of Privileges")

Not part of the National Park, but also nearby are the U.S. Mint, the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth's Alley.

Taking a Break
Our favorite place for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat is the City Tavern, the reconstruction of an 18th century tavern. If you are interested in a more casual setting, we suggest the food court at the Bourse, which has lots of options.

Getting There
Please note that our directions take you to the parking garage near the Park's Visitor Center.

From the north: Take the NJ 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. The parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left.

From the 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. The parking garage is located in the middle of the block on the left.

From the west: Take the PA Turnpike (I-76) and exit at interchange 24, the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76). Take the Schuylkill 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. The parking garage will be in the middle of the block on the left between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

Other Logistics
Many of the walkways in Independence National Historic Park are of uneven brick or cobblestones, so be sure to wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes and to watch your step.

For more information, including the latest on the Park's security procedures, visit the National Park's web site.

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