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Independence National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: Pennsylvania

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🌤 Weather Information

Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Snowfall is highly variable, with some winters bringing only light snow and others bringing several major snowstorms, with the normal seasonal snowfall standing at 22.4 in (57 cm). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with eight to twelve wet days per month.

🚗 Directions

Independence National Historical Park is located in an urban area served by Interstates 95 and 676. The park is also easily accessible by public transportation, including SEPTA and PATCO mass transit routes. Whether you choose driving, the bus or the train, we recommend that you start your visit at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets. See the park's website for specific directions.

Images

Color photo of the Liberty Bell with Independence Hall in the background.

Recognizable for its crack, the Liberty Bell remains significant today for its message of liberty.

Credit: NPS Photo

A color photo of the Independence Visitor Center showing a brick building with tall windows.

Plan your visit, use the restrooms, and take advantage of the free WiFi in the Independence Visitor Center.

Credit: NPS Photo

Color photo of Independence Hall as seen from the north side of Chestnut Street.

Known as the birthplace of the United States, Independence Hall houses the room where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed.

Credit: NPS Photo

A color photo of the Assembly Room showing 18th century chairs and green, cloth covered tables

The Assembly Room in Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both signed.

Credit: NPS Photo

A color photo of the exterior of the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court.

Explore Franklin's life and character in the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The museum features artifacts, computer animations, and interactive displays that are geared toward visitors of all ages.

Credit: NPS Photo

A color photo of a printing press in the Franklin Court Printing Office.

Franklin's printing office no longer survives, but it would have had equipment similar to what you'll see in the Franklin Court Printing Office.

Credit: NPS Photo

The exterior of the Second Bank of the United States showing a marble building with eight columns.

The Second Bank of the United States houses a fine collection of over 100 portraits, many of them by 18th century artist Charles Willson Peale.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday
9:00AM - 5:00PM

Entrance Fees

Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Entrance to Independence Hall requires a guided tour. Tickets are required.
$1.00

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Mar 3

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 40.6°F | Low: 31.5°F

Humidity: 91%

Wind: 6.9 mph

Rain Chance: 89%

UV Index: 0.2

Sunrise: 06:31 AM

Sunset: 05:55 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 2 mi

Dew Point: 34°F

Cloud Cover: 89%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Mar 4

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 49.3°F | Low: 38.8°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 6.5 mph

Rain Chance: 89%

UV Index: 0.5

Sunrise: 06:29 AM

Sunset: 05:56 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 3 mi

Dew Point: 42.5°F

Cloud Cover: 89%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Mar 5

Fog

Fog

High: 48.7°F | Low: 40.1°F

Humidity: 99%

Wind: 8.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0

Sunrise: 06:28 AM

Sunset: 05:57 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (97%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 43.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Dense Fog Advisory (Moderate)
▼

Dense Fog Advisory issued March 3 at 4:04PM EST until March 3 at 10:00PM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Effective: Mar 3, 2026 4:04pm
Expires: Mar 3, 2026 10:00pm

* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northern, and southern Delaware,
northeast Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and southern New
Jersey, and east central, northeast, and southeast Pennsylvania.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous.

Park Alerts

December 14, 2025: Update to snow delays Information
The park is open though some areas and buildings may still be inaccessible. Please take care when walking on snow-covered or icy surfaces.
March 1, 2015: Park closing at 4pm
Due to inclement weather, the park is closing at 4pm.
February 9, 2017: Delayed Opening Update Information
All park buildings are now open.
Benjamin Franklin Museum Closed Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Information
The Benjamin Franklin Museum will be closed on Wednesday, January 28 while the park continues snow removal in the area.
Congress Hall Temporary Closure Park Closure
Congress Hall will close to visitors on Monday, February 23 through Friday, April 24, 2026. Contractors will replace fire alarm and security systems to ensure that our visitors, structures and artifacts are protected by up-to-date equipment. These improvements are one more way that the National Park Service is preparing Independence National Historical Park for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
December 24 and 25, 2025: Holiday Closures Park Closure
All park buildings, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center, close at 3pm on December 24. All park buildings are closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
Changes to Visitor Services due to Sequestration at Independence NHP
Due to mandatory, across-the-board budget cuts, some visitor services in this park have changed. Please check the Operating Hours & Seasons section for more information.

More Info

March 5, 2015: The park buildings are closed today.
Due to expected snow accumulation, the park buildings will be closed today.
March 15, 2017: The park will open at 9am. Information
Park buildings that are scheduled to open will be opening at their normal times. Please use caution as some sidewalks may still be icy.
February 4, 2017: Delayed opening on Independence Square Park Closure
There will be a delayed opening for Old City Hall, Independence Hall, West Wing, and Congress Hall on Saturday, February 4th. These buildings will open to the public at approximately 1:00 p.m.
Delayed Opening of Park Buildings, December 14, 2025 Park Closure
Due to severe weather conditions, Park buildings will open at 11am on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Please check back for updates.
Limited Restroom Availability Information
Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (museum entrance requires a fee) in Franklin Court.
Old City Hall Temporarily Closed in Preparation for the 250th Park Closure
Old City Hall is closed to visitors from January 29 through February 3 to update the fire suppression system as part of the comprehensive work being accomplished at Independence National Historical Park in preparation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

More Info

Independence NHP Closed Monday, February 23 Park Closure
Due to the winter weather conditions, Independence National Historical Park is closed Monday, February 23.
January 18, 2017: West Wing closure Information
The Great Essentials exhibit in the West Wing will be closed through mid-afternoon.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM closed July 19 & 20 Park Closure
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial will be closed Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 for HVAC maintenance.

More Info

November 7, 2016: Change to Park Operations Information
Due to a permitted event, park operations will be impacted beginning at 12 pm on Monday, November 7. The Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Visitor Center will be closed beginning at 12pm.

More Info

Old City Hall Closed for Preservation Work August 4 through August 29 Park Closure
In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Old City Hall will be closed for interior improvements and repairs. This work will help preserve and protect our history for years to come.

More Info

Limited Restroom Availability Information
Restrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (museum entrance requires a fee) in Franklin Court.
Independence Park Closed Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Park Closure
Due to the extreme cold weather conditions, Independence National Historical Park is closed on Tuesday, January 27.
December 15, 2016: Temporary closure of Independence Square Park Closure
Independence Hall and the buildings on Independence Square are temporarily closed. We anticipate that they will reopen at approximately 2pm.
January 24, 2015: Snow delays
As of 9:30am, the Independence Visitor Center, the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and Old City Hall are open to the public. Other buildings will open as snow removal teams are able to clear safe walkways. Check back soon for updates.

Park Events

Independence NHP Walking Tour

Explore Independence National Historical Park with a park ranger. Get the inside scoop on the founding of the nation on this one-hour guided walking tour through some of the most iconic city blocks in the United States.

Location: Meet on the east side of the Liberty Bell Center near the viewing window- 526 Market Street

Date: Mar 7, 2026 12:00am to Apr 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
599 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

🏤 Mailing Address:
143 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

📞 Voice Phone: 215-965-2305

✉️ Email: indevisitorinfo@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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