Wissahickon Valley Park in Fairmount Park

When it comes to Fairmount Park, many folks and even Philadelphia residents may reckon it as a single park. In fact, Fairmount Park is a vast city-owned park system in Philadelphia, comprising of 63 regional and neighborhood parks of all sizes and types.

Due to this, it may be hard for visitors to decide where to spend your time in Fairmount Park. If you are planning on a trip to this amazing landmark, we strongly urge you to visit Wissahickon Valley Park, located in the Northwest section of the city.

As a 1,426-acre oasis surrounded by the city and suburbs, Wissahickon Park is a great venue for bird watching and various recreational activities like picnic, walking, hiking and biking. Visitors will find delight surprises that the park boasts so many things to see and do. What are you waiting for? Its legends are waiting to be discovered.

Whether you are taking a walk on the upper trails, appreciating Indian and Toleration statues nestled into the craggy gorge walls or hiking to Lover's Leap, Mom Rinker's Rock and Devil's Pool, the time in the park is all well spent. The only red covered bridge in any major city and the modern weathering steel bridge referred to as the Fingerspan can all be enjoyed.

Wissahickon Valley Park also serves as home to a variety of points of interest, containing:

1) Glen Fern (1100 Livezey Lane)

If you want to see the heart of the Wissahickon's industrial past, head to Glen Fern. It is considered to be one of the most important sites in the Wissahickon Park, serving as home to successful colonial miller - Thomas Livezey. Historically, this site was also regarded as the largest grist mill in the colonies.

As you enter the house, you will feel like stepping into 1747, because most of the original fabric of the building left as it was. There is one fireplace in the house, sprawling almost the whole length of the room which has its own sitting nook and window. The other remaining rare structures on the site are also worth an exploration including the newly restored spring house, the dam and the foundations of the mill.

2) Hermitage Mansion (700 Hermit Lane off Henry Avenue)

Look into Wissahickon history and legends? Or want to experience an outdoor opera in the park? If yes, make your way to Hermitage Mansion. Designed by Evan Prowattain, this structure was built on historic site occupied by the Rosicrucians. When you're there, pick up the schedule for the Delaware Valley Opera Company who calls the Hermitage home. This company is known for its summer festival consisting of three operatic productions in June, July and August.

3) Historic Rittenhouse Town (206 Lincoln Drive)

Historic Rittenhouse Town was built by William Rittenhouse, America's first papermaker, in 1690. In its greatest glory, this early American industrial village had more than 40 buildings. Today, only 7 original buildings survive from the past.

Take a tour and acquaint yourself with the birthplace and wonderful life of David Rittenhouse. The site opens for visitors by appointment from June to September. The specific hours are from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is also an admission to the site. The admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Group, guided and specialized tours are also available. For more info and details, visit this page:

Historic Rittenhouse Town

http://www.rittenhousetown.org/

4) The Monastery (1000 Kitchens Lane)

There is a secluded and bucolic setting in the Wissahickon. That is the Monastery, a very rare example of a three-story Germantown house established in 1752. The structure was also part of the storied Gorgas family's milling operation boasting both a corn and saw mill for more than 100 years.

5) Northwestern Stables, Inc. (120 Northwestern Avenue)

Looking for great boarding facilities? Seek out the Northwestern Stables Inc., which offers great boarding facilities available for 24 hours, with access to beautiful trails. There are also both indoor and outdoor riding rings.

For those who are looking for great summer activities for their children, the stable also serves your needs. Northwestern Stables hosts a summer camp for kids 8-12 where campers can learn a lot of horsemanship and riding techniques. To learn more about Northwestern Stables Inc., click here:

Northwestern Stables Inc.

http://www.northwesternstables.com/

6) Thomas mansion (6245 Wissahickon Avenue)

This remarkable Gothic Revival house was built by George Clifford Thomas, an outstanding banker with Drexel and Company. The interior was finished with unique woodwork and Victorian ornamental treatments. The structure is one of the premier surviving Victorian buildings in the park, with few modifications. Currently, the Fairmount Park Commission is questing a new use for the building.

7) Wissahickon Environmental Center at the Andorra Natural Area (300 Northwestern Avenue)

What a fabulous venue to explore native wildlife, creeks, forest ecology and watersheds! Situated at the northern end of the park in the splendid gorge of the Wissahickon Valley, the center is also called Tree House. Visitors can enjoy new aquarium and vivid floor-to-ceiling mural depicting wildlife in the area. Surrounding outdoor area features hiking trails and a bird observation.

As a great addition, the center also offers fun and informative programs year round. The highlights of the program include:

- Apple Cidering in October

- Maple Sugaring in February

- Tree House Tots Program

- Children's Summer Programs

Many programs are free to the public while others require a modest fee. The hours of the building are from 9am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, with the exception of major holidays. Trails open from dawn to dusk. You can find details at this page:

Wissahickon Environmental Center at the Andorra Natural Area

http://www.fairmountpark.org/WissahickonEC.asp

Wissahickon Hall (Lincoln Drive & Gypsy Lane)

Wissahickon Hall has been a headquarters for the Park Guard and afterwards for the police. However, it served in a different function when it was created as the first of a wealth of inns that located along the Wissahickon Valley. Visitors usually came here for refreshment and rest. As a historic police station / inn, the hall has served the needs of various customers in its day.

In addition to historic sites and other attractions, Wissahickon Valley Park also boasts famous dining venues. Cedars House is just a great dining option, located at 200 Northwestern Avenue.

It is a unique cafe and fitness spot, offering breakfast, lunch and snacks from Wednesday to Sunday, during the hours of 7:30am to 5pm. Menu items include coffee and juices, power bars and protein smoothies, soups and sandwiches, sweet treats and more. The Cedars House also acts as a center for competitive and recreational runners. For more info and details about Cedars House, check this page:

Cedars House

http://www.thecedarshouse.com/index.html

Another dining option is Valley Green Inn, which is one of the most beloved places in Fairmount Park. The place offers delicious food in an incomparable setting, with porches in the summer and warm fireplaces in the winter. Additionally, it is also one of the most painted landmarks in the city. Experiencing the hospitality at this last surviving roadhouse in the Wissahickon is becoming a favorite Philadelphia tradition.

Although walk-ins are accepted at the inn, reservations are suggested on weekends. The specific operating hours for Valley Green Inn are:

- Lunch: 12pm to 4pm from Monday to Friday & 11am to 4pm on Saturday

- Dinner: 5pm to 9pm from Sunday to Thursday & 5pm to 10pm from Friday to Saturday

- Sunday Bruch: 10am to 3pm

To learn more about Valley Green Inn, visit this page:

Valley Green Inn

http://www.valleygreeninn.com/index.php