The Philadelphia Water Works is called Philadelphia's first tourist destination and is a national historic landmark. Located along the Schuylkill River, this Water Works has something for every traveler. There is an interpretive center that is also a museum. Visitors can get guided boat tours on the river. There are a series of specialty tours focusing on topics like green initiatives to a hiking tour centered on fish.
Parking and Transportation to the Philadelphia Water Works
There is free parking at the Water Works and a parking garage at the Philadelphia Museum of Art located in front of the Water Works with steps leading directly to the entrance.
The best form of public transportation is the SEPTA bus #38. Visitors will need to exit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art stop and take the steps down the back of the museum to the Water Works.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Fairmount Water Works
The best time to go to the Water Works is in September – October. The leaves will be changing to lovely autumnal colors that compliment a visitor's walking or boat tour.
The worst time to visit the the Water Works is in May and early June. This institution is a major educational resource to Philadelphia and the surrounding region. Many school tours and courses are in full swing at this time of year.
Admission to the Fairmount Water Works
Admission to the Water Works is free. General donations are always accepted. Certain guided tours and specialty tours charge a fee.
Must see/do at the Fairmount Waterworks
The Water Works museum is a must see for all visitors. It is an interpretive center with a film screening room and many interesting displays about the river, its history and plans for keeping it clean. Visitors can go underground and see the tunnels where the water used to enter the building in the 1800s. A boat tour is a wonderful way to see Philadelphia and learn about how the Water Works operates while relaxing on the river. For visitors who enjoy a more vigorous outdoor experience, there is the Fairmount Dam Fishway tour which includes a 1.5 mile walk.
Other places to visit near the Fairmount Water Works:
There Philadelphia Museum of Art is across from the Water Works. This one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country.
The Water Works restaurant has a fantastic view of the river and Boathouse Row. It has over 50 selections of bottled water from all over the world.
Insider tip for visitors to the Fairmount Water Works
If visitors want to relax on a Sunday, they can take in a free movie at the Water Works. A different feature film is shown each month all year long, and the schedule can be found on the Water Works website.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.