Penn's Landing, Philadelphia

Penn's Landing is a waterfront revitalization area named because this is one of the locations William Penn first landed in 1682. From the 1700s to the s late as the 1800s, this was the city's primary port area, and it was filled with docks and wharves. By the 1960s the riverfront port area was an eyesore, and the area was extensively redeveloped in the 1970s.

Ships at Penn's Landing include barque Moshulu, the World War II submarine USS Becuna, the Spanish-American War cruiser USS Olympia, the barquentine Gazela, and tugboat Jupiter. The Independence Seaport Museum is also located here. The northern edge of Penn's Landing is flanked by the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which was the world's longest suspension bridge when completed in 1926.

Plans are underway for two slots-only casinos to be constructed here along the river.

Tamanend or Tammany was chief of the Unami (Turtle) clan of the Lenni Lenape in the 1680s and instrumental in the peace between the natives and foreign settlers in Philadelphia.

A statue of Tamanend stands between Old City and Penn's Landing. Tamanend stands on a turtle representing Mother Earth and an eagle perched on his shoulders.

Penn's Landing was named after William Penn, Philadelphia's founder, and supposedly the site where he first docked here in 1682. However, the actual site was was somewhere else, now Penn St & 2nd in Chester.

You can talk walks along the Delaware River or join in one of many recreational activities available in the waterfront.

1 more image

Penn's Landing Is One Of The Greatest Parts Of Philly.
It has alot of special events held there, as well as activities.
There are also some stores and hotels that are very close to it.
For Instance Ikea is a great place to shop.
I went to Penn's Landing for a class trip and I took a couple of photos:

4 more images

This is one of Philadelphia's main public gathering places. During summer, something is always happening here. The views of the Delaware River and Camden New Jersey are, well, as good as you can expect. There are plenty of food vendors, and a long walkway along the riverfront.

The Landing is also next to the Seaport Museum (it's on my list of places to visit next time). The historic ships docked there include the cruiser USS Olympia, which was Admiral Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War of 1898. Right now, the old ship is being restored.

William Penn sailed up the Delaware River in 1682 aboard the ship Welcome. Once the ship had been moored at Chester, Pa. he took a barge to Philadelphia. He came onto land at an area that was a tidewater basin called the Dock. This area was lightly populated by Swedes, Dutch and some Indians. This landing area soon became the center for maritime interests.

As people migrated to the Philadelphia area, they had to build homes. While those homes were being built, some dug into the Delaware river banks to make caves in which to sleep. That section of town had a rowdy reputation and some were cited for drunkenness and even for prostitution. Nevertheless, Philadelphia grew and the expansive lots Penn envisioned soon were plotted out--but as very crowded urban areas.

Today, Penns Landing comprises ten blocks running from Vine Street to South Street. Although Philadelphia is still part of the shipping business, the landing has become a riverside park which plays host to music festivals.

Philly's fun attraction is the land and water sightseeing tour all-in-one. We saw the DUCKS amphibian car/boat at Penn's Landing part-way through its tour.

Ride the DUCKS tour for 80 minutes of entertainment and information as you tour the Historic District, South Street and Society Hill. You'll see the Betsy Ross House, Ben Fanklin's grave, Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, scenes from the movie National Treasure, and Penn's Landing... and then "splash" into the Delaware river for a relaxing cruise - all on board one odd-but-AMAZING vehicle.

Definitely something DIFFERENT to do, if you like new experiences. You'll have to be sure to get your QUACKER whistle to complete your experience.

If you plan to wait to purchase your tickets once you get to the city, you can do so at the ticket kiosk one block south of our boarding location at 6th and Chestnut Streets or inside the Independence Visitor Center. Buy your tickets online or by phone (877-887-8225) in advance to ensure you get a seat on the tour of your choice.

2006 Ticket Prices:
Adults (ages 13+) $24.00
Children (ages 3-12) $14.00
Seniors (55+) $23.00
Infants (0-2) Free

USS Olympia was the flagship of Admiral Dewey's at the Battle of Manila Bay in Spanish American War.

The Olympia was remembered for bringing the body of the ‘Unknown Soldier’ back from France to where it finally rests at Arlington National Cemetery. The ship was also the flagship of the U.S. Patrol Force during World War 1 and escorted allied ships in the North Atlantic and East Coast in 1921.