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Fairmount Water Works, Philadelphia, PA

Photo: Jack E. Boucher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sightseeing

Fairmount Water Works

Historic 1815 waterworks on the Schuylkill that now houses an interpretive center on local watershed history.

640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130 · Philadelphia, PA

About Fairmount Water Works

Built in the early 1800s as one of Philadelphia's early municipal water systems, this riverside complex was designed by Frederick Graff and later drew visitors as a popular attraction. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976 for its architecture and engineering. Today its lower level holds an interpretive center focused on environmental education and the region's watershed, and visitors can also take tours and see exhibits and programs.

  • #historic landmark
  • #waterworks
  • #environmental education
  • #interpretive center
  • #Schuylkill River

What's around here?

The closest stops to Fairmount Water Works, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    $25–$50

    Run the Rocky Steps, then wander one of America's greatest art collections behind that famous neoclassical facade.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Museums

  • Tours
    Family Favorite

    Wheel Fun Rentals Boathouse Row

    Under $25

    Rent a surrey, e-bike, tandem or cruiser at Boathouse Row and pedal the Schuylkill River trails in Fairmount Park.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Date Night

    Rodin Museum

    Under $25

    View Rodin bronzes, marbles and plasters, with The Thinker and The Gates of Hell, in a small museum and garden.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Boathouse Row

    No admission fee

    Stroll past fifteen historic rowing boathouses on the Schuylkill River, outlined in lights after dark.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing

    Benjamin Franklin National Memorial

    No admission fee

    A large seated statue of Benjamin Franklin inside the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    0.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Parkway Central Library

    No admission fee

    The Free Library of Philadelphia's central library on Logan Square, with free tours of its Rare Book Department.

    Transit: reachable by public transit

    0.7 mi awayMore like this

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