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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

Wednesday, Jun 10

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 89.2°F | Low: 67.5°F

Humidity: 73%

Wind: 11.2 mph

Rain Chance: 67%

UV Index: 6.1

Sunrise: 05:31 AM

Sunset: 08:28 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (15%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 71.5°F

Cloud Cover: 67%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Jun 11

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 95°F | Low: 69.5°F

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Rain Chance: 58%

UV Index: 8.6

Sunrise: 05:31 AM

Sunset: 08:29 PM

Moon: Waning Crescent (8%)

Visibility: 3 mi

Dew Point: 75°F

Cloud Cover: 58%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Jun 12

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 95°F | Low: 70.3°F

Humidity: 70%

Wind: 12.8 mph

Rain Chance: 66%

UV Index: 9.7

Sunrise: 05:31 AM

Sunset: 08:29 PM

Moon: New Moon (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 75.9°F

Cloud Cover: 66%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (3)

⚠️ Heat Advisory (Moderate)

Heat Advisory issued June 10 at 2:24AM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Effective: Jun 10, 2026 2:24am
Expires: Jun 10, 2026 4:00pm

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 103 degrees expected.

* WHERE...In Delaware, New Castle County. In New Jersey, Mercer,
Camden, Gloucester, and Northwestern Burlington Counties. In
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery, Lower
Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 8 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

⚠️ Heat Advisory (Moderate)

Heat Advisory issued June 10 at 2:24AM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Effective: Jun 10, 2026 2:24am
Expires: Jun 10, 2026 4:00pm

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 101 degrees expected.

* WHERE...Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Upper Bucks, Western Chester,
and Western Montgomery Counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 8 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

⚠️ Heat Advisory (Moderate)

Heat Advisory issued June 10 at 2:24AM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Effective: Jun 10, 2026 2:24am
Expires: Jun 10, 2026 4:00pm

* WHAT...Heat index values up to 102 degrees expected.

* WHERE...Western Monmouth, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex,
Warren, Hunterdon, Ocean, and Southeastern Burlington Counties.

* WHEN...From 11 AM Thursday to 8 PM EDT Friday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.

Park Alerts

President's House Site Cleaning Information
Starting Monday, May 11, 2026, crews will be hard at work power washing surfaces, painting steel columns and window and doorway gables, cleaning the glass enclosure, removing weeds, and clearing storm drain inlets. For visitor safety, barricades will be placed around active work areas during the project. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, May 22, 2026.
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.
Delayed opening of certain buildings for staff training Information
Due to staff training on Monday, March 23, 2026 and Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Eastern National Park Store in the East Wing of Independence Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the Franklin Court Print Shop will open at 11:30 am.
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.
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.

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 May 11, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Junior Ranger Scavenger Hunt

Looking for an adventure? Test your skill with a fun Junior Ranger scavenger hunt! Pick up your booklet at the Independence Visitor Center!

Location: 6th and Market Streets

Date: Apr 18, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Philadelphia Firsts!

Celebrate Philadelphia as a city of firsts! On this day we celebrate Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin as America's first postmaster. Join us for storytelling, live music, and family-friendly activities and games.

Location: Franklin Court–Market Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets.

Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

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: May 12, 2026 12:00am to May 12, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Yoga at Independence

Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park this summer! Join Independence Historical Trust on the lawn behind the Second Bank of the United States for Yoga at Independence! This program is *FREE* and open to the public. Whether you're an advanced yogi or brand new, come and enjoy a fun hour of yoga in your national park. All levels and ages are welcome! Yoga sessions are facilitated by our friends from Monarch Yoga.

This program is conducted by the parks philanthropic partner, the Independence Historical Trust.

Location: Second Bank Lawn, 420 Chestnut Street

Date: May 16, 2026 12:00am to May 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

History Hangout

Take a break, drop-in, and hangout with a park ranger in the Liberty Bell Center as they dive deep into one of the many fascinating stories of Independence National Historical Park. Enjoy casual conversation and hands-on activities for people of all ages. 

Location: Liberty Bell Center, 6th and Market Streets

Date: May 19, 2026 12:00am to Sep 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Talk on Independence Square

Join a park ranger for a lively, short conversation about the significant events that have taken place on Independence Square.

Location: Independence Square, behind Independence Hall

Date: May 19, 2026 12:00am to May 19, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Ranger Talks in Franklin Court

Join a park ranger and discuss the life and times of Philadelphia's most famous founder—Ben Franklin.

Location: Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Chestnut and Market Streets

Date: May 19, 2026 12:00am to May 19, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Twilight Tour

Enjoy a *FREE* after-hour walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Join a knowledgeable Twilight Guide eager to share their love of history and Philadelphia. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring your own backyard, there is always something new to discover. Each guide offers a unique theme and route around Independence National Historical Park.

Location: Meet at the Liberty Bell viewing window (near 6th and Chestnut Streets)

Date: May 22, 2026 12:00am to May 22, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Twilight Tour

Enjoy a *FREE* after-hour walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Join a knowledgeable Twilight Guide eager to share their love of history and Philadelphia. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or exploring your own backyard, there is always something new to discover. Each guide offers a unique theme and route around Independence National Historical Park.

Location: Meet at the Liberty Bell viewing window (near 6th and Chestnut Streets)

Date: May 22, 2026 12:00am to May 22, 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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