Bartram's Garden, America's oldest living botanical garden, is a 45-acre respite of nature featuring the National Historic Landmark Bartam House, a historic garden of native plants, a river trail, rolling lawns, a water garden, majestic trees, wetland, and a new boat dock.

Located smack dab in the middle of it all in Philly, just minutes from Independence Hall and the Betsy Ross House, the park offers nice walks, a unique view of the Philadelphia skyline over a wildflower meadow, access to the Schuylkill River, plenty of bird observation, ball field, playground, and picnic area. Take the house tour and see first-hand where the nine Bartram children lived and the giant fireplace in the kitchen, explore the gardens, stroll the boardwalk river trail, and look for the oldest Gingko tree in the country and the famed Franklin tree, which the Bartrams saved from extinction and is named for John Bartram's great friend - you know who! Check out the schedule of river cruises and kayak tours at Schuylkill River Park & Trail, and don't miss the the annual Schuylkill River Regatta every October - Bartram's Garden is the starting point for this exciting day of races. The Museum Shop offers books, jewelry, nature gifts, a delightful selection of kid-priced items, and soft drinks and snacks.

tips:

Be sure to check out the stone cider press carved into the riverbank - it's the only one of its kind in the USA!

getting there:

From Center City, follow Gray's Ferry Avenue across the Schuylkill River and make the first left onto Paschall Avenue. Turn left at the next light onto 49th Street, and follow the trolley tracks past the sign for 54th Street. Make a sharp left into the Garden just after 54th Street, the Amoco station, and the railroad bridge.