Fairmount Park

In 1876, more than 10 million people journeyed to Philadelphia’s  Fairmount Park for the nation’s Centennial Exposition.

Today, the expanse remains a refuge from the bustling city, keeping quiet natural landscapes within close reach of all residents and visitors.

With more than 2000 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront and shaded woodlands, Fairmount Park, divided in 2010 into East Park and West Park under the care of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, keeps a wealth of natural landscapes within easy reach of city dwellers.

Why Visit

Take a stroll; head out for an afternoon of softball, organized Ultimate frisbee or pier-side fishing; or enjoy a relaxing family picnic.

Fairmount Park houses miles of trails for horseback riding, off-road cycling and deep-woods hiking, yet there are also tours of historic mansions, Japanese tea ceremonies and outdoor concerts.

Three environmental centers, as well as a wildlife refuge treatment center, help bring the natural world to life for adults as well as children.

A Victorian-style trolley offers tours of the Colonial-era mansions that dot the landscape.

Two outdoor concert venues routinely feature some of the biggest names in music, as well as an intermittent summer home for the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The world-famous Philadelphia Museum of Art sits at the headway of the Park and overlooks the row of Victorian-era boathouses that have become architectural landmarks unto themselves.