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Independence National Historical Park
Rating Details »
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhood: Olde City143 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 597-8787
48 reviews for Independence National Historical Park
This is the holy shrine of America. The signing room made me choke up, my eyes welled with tears not always listening to the park ranger, but on reflecting what took place here, and the courage and fear which preceded the event of these brave men. If the history of the United States were to be represented in a large bull's eye, this very room would be the center spot, the genesis of something wonderful unlike anything else in human history. God himself was in this room and a visitor has no choice but to feel this is a place like no other.
Park rangers were friendly but could have been much more interesting and motivated. Once visitors stand in the signing room and listen to the ranger's interpretation of what happened here, they are quickly shooed-away. VERY disappointed in this. I wanted to linger for a bit and should have been allowed to do so. A must see not only if you happen to be in Philadelphia, but if you love America and want to be a little closer to the heart and soul of our beginnings.
Definitely a "must" to check out if you're in Philly and American (or not!) Gotta take a gander at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, if nothing else.
I went with a friend, who's a Philly native and we're both big history people, so it was particularly fun. The guide clearly really wanted to be disseminating this info, but I got the sense that a few of the other tourists may not have been as thrilled as we were (in a moment of fervor, after the guide had talked about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, my friend let loose with a "Yeah, America!" which earned some looks from the other people in the group).
To know where we're going you have to know where we came from. Take a tour (they're free) and find out.
I guess I can't not be a fan of independence hall - might get flagged by some gov't agency. Read the review below for instructions on how to get the free tickets before going over there.
Make sure you go into all three areas of the site - the place where the house and senate first met while DC was getting built, the room that houses original copies of our nation's foundational documents, and independence hall itself.
The national park rangers were really knowledgable and passionate about the history surrounding independence hall, and as far as our nation's history is concerned - the people and events that were housed by these buildings were pretty darn significant.
This is OUR National park and we must treasure and enjoy it.
Great for singles, couples, families, kids, seniors - everyone can find something to learn about and/or enjoy here.
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Independence Hall and surrounding buildings; roped off on one side, the other with a small fence. Bag check to get in. Bathrooms are across the street; no open food or drink into the building.
You can get timed tickets for the tour in the Independence National Historic Park visitor's center. You can reserve tickets online and pick them up at will call for $1.50 per ticket. Otherwise free tickets for entry if you just walk up and get into the next available tour. Every 15 minutes there's a tour.
Inside here, the tour guides will sit you down initially to challenge you with a bit of history on why the US War of Independence was fought, when it was fought, and when certain documents were created and signed. The bell used to be in the building but once the steeple was rebuilt, they didn't put the bell back up.
They lead you into the justice's room first, and then they take you into the deliberation chamber where the Constitution was drawn up. All the while you'll have a park ranger giving you a bit of the story behind each room.
In July & August the second story of the building is open for visitors to look around in - this is where the Pennsylvania Legislature used to meet, go into the Library, and play the clavichord, etc. An interesting part I've never gone up before.
The stairs to the steeple are not open to the public, too dangerous to go up to visit that.
And yes, totally agree with Melissa, bring the kids here when they can appreciate it... when they're around 8 or up.
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The area surrounding Independence Hall was quite beautiful with lots of history and magnificent architecture. It reminded me a lot of Boston but with a more... uh, colorful smell (to put it nicely).
We reserved our tickets online and were able to pick them up no problem. Getting through security wasn't a major issue, but logistically the set-up is sort of nightmare. There is only one entrance and one exit for a location the space spans a city block. The bathrooms were horribly disgusting even early in the morning when we got there.
The tour was shorter than I expected, but very cool since you got to see the long hall and the room where they signed the Declaration of Independence. The tour guide was helpful and friendly, but the park rangers outside seemed to hate their life (or their job, not sure which one). They were rude and lazy. There was one guard in particular that was manning the exit, who started yelling at tourists to shut the gate when there was no reason they could have known that was their responsibility. It was obviously his job, but he was shirking duties. Anyway, being from D.C., I thought the park rangers could have been a little nicer and a little more helpful. It is their job afterall.
Definitely worth a trip. I think all Americans should want to make the pilgrimage here. But please, parents, wait until your kid is old enough to appreciate the significance. There were so many crying and disruptive kids on the tour, who seemed bored by the experience... probably because they just didn't get it.
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This is an excellent park to visit if you find yourself in the greater Philadelphia area. This historic park is home to the Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the site of the President's house, Old City Hall, and so much more. This is a must for all Americans to see! Then next time you are in Philadelphia, make sure you take the time to visit the history in this park and think about what it truly means to be American!
Great visit. We reserved our tickets online ($1.50) for the first tour of the day and were able to pick them up without any problems. Also, being the first tour, the place was not absolutely packed (as it gets later in the day)
The tour starts inside with a little recap of history leading up to the creation and signing of the Declaration of Independence. Then you're off to see a few of the rooms important to the history of the Declaration.
The tour was very short (30 minutes) but very informative. I would recommend this to everyone.
I love American History. I love seeing old historical things so the thought of going to Philadelphia and getting to see Independence Hall was pretty exciting. I knew there might be some problems when I was told that I had to go on a tour with a tour guide rather than just look at it myself, but I figured that maybe they would at least have interesting facts and other exciting details about the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution that I already didn't know!
Well my dream was quickly shattered with the introductory talk. There were some definite questionable "facts" that were presented. Um... The Boston Massacre was not completely the fault of the British. Sorry, I refuse to listen to your lies. I understand that it's an American landmark and we're bound to play up the patriotism so I went along with it. I didn't want to be like Howard Zinn and just make it depressing and ruin your positive view of the country.
After the introduction you are taken to a court room which wasn't tied into the tour at all. It seemed like an odd stop and I wish that they had given me a reason to care more about it. Why don't you tie it into your last segment on the Boston Massacre and discuss the trial which was incredibly interesting? I realize they would have been on trial in Boston, but it could still be a case to discuss what trials were like back then (or find some type of trial that did take place in that room). The British were defended by none other than John Adams! I bet a lot of tourists might not know that fact! And bringing up John Adams gives you a natural segue into the room where the Constitution was written and signed. He had a bunch to do with that! You could make a whole unifying theme!
Instead we were given something about how nothing in the room is original and how they don't know where anyone sat. It just makes the tour boring and completely worthless. Give me something interesting! Tell me some fun facts about how difficult it was to compromise. Anything, really. I would have settled for just something that was remotely interesting so that I didn't have to leave and complain to Emily about the historical inaccuracies.
You should still probably go when you're in Philadelphia, but make sure to take a grain of salt (or 100) with you.
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If you're in Philly, this should be your first stop after visiting the Visitor Center to get your free timed entry pass.
It is a worthwhile tour, albeit a bit boring when at first your group is corralled into the room across the hall for the history lecture. I was impressed by the high school tour group with their ability to answer history trivia. Way to go Public Schools in America!
The room where the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution took place is cool. You can view G. Washington's original chair and Thomas Jefferson's walking stick (that might be a replica).
The courtroom across the hall has a cage which the defendant had to stand in during the entire trial, hence the name 'standing trial'.
It's a tour that is definitely worth 30 minutes of your time.
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Very educational experience.
Make sure you go to the visitor's center first to get your free tickets. The tour is timed so make sure you plan accordingly.
The tour itself was short but very informative. The guide really knows what he's talking about and answered a lot of questions from other visitors.
My recommendation is to join the first tour of the day. That's what we did-the tour never felt boring and the guide was very much awake.
The Liberty Bell is just across from the Independence Hall so make sure you also drop by and see it.
This is a must stop for touring Philly!
Unimpressive for a historical site (compared to sites in Boston). Obviously it is a must see for first time Philly visitors but I'm not sure if I'd go again.
If you are American, you give this place 5 stars no matter what!!!.. This is the place where we signed the United States Declaration of Independence to get our freedom from Great Britain!!. You have to get a ticket to tour the inside of Independence Hall or you can just go when they have open house which is what I did, the tour was great. I also went to see the Liberty Bell too which was so great!. Being an American is great!!. America and the Independence National Historical Park ROCKS!!
First - don't go straight to Independence Hall when you get to the site, thinking that you need to get in line there... The Independence Hall Guided Tour requires you to get a ticket at the Visitor Center. That's the building 100 yards on the other side of the Liberty Bell building. The booth to get your tickets (which are free of charge but are for a time slot) is about halfway through the building on your right.
If you want lots of facts and history about the Liberty Bell, go through the museum. If you don't, there is a viewing station from the outside of the building on the courtyard side, with a plaque that summarizes everything you can read inside.
All tour guides are not created equal. When you get inside Independence Hall for you tour at the appointed time, and your tour guide introduces herself as Terri, you may want to step out and wait for the next person. While she had lots of history to share, her bad jokes and polling questions of the audience were annoying to the point of making me want to not listen at all. I consider myself a history buff, and I thought the way she presented some of the information was not entirely accurate. She talked often about what she could have remembered instead of making what she could remember interesting.
Also, when Jimmy went this summer, the upstairs was open for viewing, but it wasn't on our particular day, so if you really want to see it all, you may want to ask at the desk in the information center when you get your tickets.
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We visited during the July 4th holiday and this was my favorite place. Steeped in history, you will certainly learn a lot. Start by getting a ticket for the tour and try to get an early time. The tour was great and the guides were funny and helpful. Take the time to think about our founding fathers and the model for democracy they created here. In the summer heat they toiled for many days crafting the foundation for the country we live in today. Their intelligence, foresight and sacrifice become evident. They put life and wealth on the line for freedom. They knew that they did not know everything and left room for change. I marvel at what these men created and laid on the line for the liberties we take for granted. Just look at the oppression in China or Iran and you will be grateful for the nation these titans built for future generations.
So yeah what better way to start this day off but where it all begin. Here at this location in Philadelphia a bunch of "ye olde heads" got together and signed off a piece of parchment to tell "Great Britain" F*CK OFF!
Today it is now the sight for tourists, fans, and locals alike to come to the place for one of the key reasons we are America. Though I'm not too keen on the new methods of security that has taken place over the years. Prior 9/11 days you could actually walk freely all over the park, including the cobbled roads around the perimeter of the historic building.
Now you have certain roads blocked off and many "forest ranger" dressed men and women directing crowds and keeping anyone who might be a "terrorist" to do something diabolical either here or across the street at the "Liberty Bell", it's already cracked people, nothing is going to happen folks. Take a deep breath, please.
I'm not totally bummed out by all of this and it does make for less build up of zombies gathering with cameras. I have been on a tour back in 2002, just as these new security measures were taking place and it has been much different and well sped up a bit too, through the interior of the Independence foundation. Maybe it was a busy weekend day, so anything is possible when you have hundreds of spectators waiting outside in the heat hearing their children go...
"What is this place?! This isn't Disney World! I want to go home! MOMMY JOEY TOOK MY BETSY ROSS DOLL!"
Well actually I'm glad I don't walk around here often and bless you good men and women who give tours everyday, have to hear questions like...
"What is Independence? Why wasn't Lincoln allowed to sign? What was on Ben Franklin's i-pod playlist?"
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A must stop if you visit Philadelphia, the Independence Hall Tour is the site of the signing of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell.
The Liberty Bell tour is free and is located in a separate building just across from the visitor center. You will be able to take a photo of the liberty bell with Independence Hall in the background.
The Independence Hall Guided Tour requires you to get a ticket at the Visitor Center. There is no charge to the tour and it lasts about 30 minutes. You will be given a time slot for your tour. You will see the original chair that George Washington sat in and the painting of the Signing of the Constitution. On the tour, they might also ask the trivia question, how many individuals signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and who were they? For the answer, see http://www.wikipedia.org
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Don't be turned off by boring US history classes you took in school. This place is awesome!
If you reserve tickets ahead of time for $3, you can schedule your tour of Independence Hall. Otherwise, if you show up at 11 am like we did, you're going to have to find something else to do. But tickets are free if you can get them for that day. Lots of school kids come here and it's not very big so they sell out daily.
The tour guides are very informative. They knew everything about everything inside the hall and about the documents, history, etc. They give nice quick tours but are open to questions. Ask them and you'll be surprised to know some of the stuff in there. Like the little sand boxes that look like they're for cats, but really spittoons.
I'm really bad when it comes to US history which is sad, but this visit inspired me to go to the bookstore and at least get a good book on all of this.
I've been on many tours around the world, and this one actually had the biggest impact on me. It's not the most beautiful or grand place, it's more about what happened there.
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I like that the Liberty Bell is in almost a classy museum type thing rather than the crappy pavillion it was in when I was growing up. You can also see it from outside after hours from the Chestnut Street side nearer 6th Street, which means it's an awesome stop to bring out of towners when you're walking around down there. "Hey there's the liberty bell! Cool!" All without waiting in line or dealing with boyscout troops.
The National Security stuff doesn't bother me because it stops the Mitchell Guilliatt 's of the world from smashing the bell with a hammer while screaming about God and stuff. I mean that was funny, but it would be sad if it ruined the Liberty Bell!
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Bitter, party of four. Well, I'm not feeling the love from the city of brotherly love. Seems we showed up too late, and all the tickets to check out Independence Hall were already gone.
This may be an unfair review, but at least I'm warning you to get your tickets early, or you'll have to go pop $12 at the National Constitution Center to bide your time, like we did.
And while I'm complaining, let me tell you how much I enjoy waiting at a streetlight while a handsome-cab horse takes a monster leak in front of you. Ahh, the scent of ammonia rich urine as it hits the hot street, quickly changing states from liquid to a vapor. It's magical, really.
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I found the whole presentation of Philly's place in history to be bland and sad. Independence Hall is three rooms and the tour, which ran about 45 minutes, could have been wrapped up in about 10.
The Liberty Bell display is ugly and much too modern looking for an historical colonial artifact. Much of the information posted on the way between the doors and the bell was repetitious. The bell itself (through no fault of its own) was undewhelming, I did not expect to see something I could fit in the hatch of my car.
I went on a miserable day, so there were no lines, but the security there was ridiculous. They went through our bags so completely, unzipping every pocket and checking every inch, yet all they did on my person was ask me to open my jacket. Seems silly to me, as my pockets contained several lethal weapons, including but not limited to firearms, pocket knives, explosives, and other such weapons and devices.
In Independence Hall, I stepped away from the "tour" to check my voice mail and from out of nowhere a security guard came in and began, in a not so hushed voice, telling me to hang up immediately. I whispered that I was just checking voicemail and not speaking or disturbing anyone. She put her hand on my shoulder and began shoving me out the door, telling me I could either hang up immediately or step outside. Her whole scene was far more disruptive to the folks on tour than if I'd been carrying on a conversation (which I wasn't). I assume her job must be very boring.
If you want history, go up to Boston or down to D.C. where they do the whole historical thing much better.
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As a fan of American History, it doesn't get ANY better than this. It just absolutely doesn't. Sure, all you get to do is look at a couple of old, empty rooms with ancient furniture. But still. This is it. This is the place. That's all that matters.
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the Constitution was signed by the Continental Congresses of 1776 and 1783, respectively. Everyone was there - Ben Franklin, G-Dub, John Adams, John Hancock, you name it - this was the place. It's a simple brick building. And it just reeks of America. Awesome.
As a tourist, I really recommend the tour. The day I was there, the tour guide was this somewhat frazzled middle-aged woman who was very eccentric, but very awesome. She had a very unique delivery and made for an interesting tour guide - and she knew her stuff cold. Her energy and commitment to the site was obvious and endearing. I'm glad they have people like her working at a place like this.
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Not to be missed -- the most important place in our history (imho). The rangers are outstanding and the place will (or should) send chills down your spine.
Just plan your trip and get tickets online ($1.50/each) and then will be at will call when you get there. Only down-side is the parking -- the parking garage underneath the Visitor Center is a joke (or at least paying for it is).
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I'm a historian, so I think that historic sites are important. But I'm a bit cranky because Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell used to be really laid-back places to go, and now they are more heavily guarded than AirForce One. Back in the day, when I was a kid, the Liberty Bell was in a tiny glass building, and you could wander inside and touch the bell. Then some jackass tried to hit it with a hammer, so they put a velvet rope around it. But still, you could wander in, see the bell, and be out all in 5 minutes or less. No line, no airport security process. Now you have to wait like a half hour in the sweltering heat just to get through security to see the bell.
And Independence Hall was pretty much open - you could walk through the courtyard and find a place to sit and eat lunch. Now, you can't even walk on the same side of the street if you're passing by, and you've gotta get tickets to see the inside. And the day my friend came in from out of town, we went early and were told the tickets were sold out for the entire rest of the day because some kiddie convention of some sort had reserved them all. So I had to content my friend with looking at the outside of the building from across the street. Not cool. I liked the good old days when no one thought that the bell and Independence Hall were potential targets for some sort of terror attack. The whole area is way too uptight nowadays. No fun.
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If you have been here as a child...great, but you should probably go now that history is important to you as an adult.
I can't tell you how many class trips we took here in grade school, but I can tell you that I learned a ton more going back as an adult!
Most people take living in this city for granted...remember this city is where our COUNTRY was born, and quite frankly I think that's a pretty big deal!
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I have been to tons of historic sites, and this one- not that great. I went just to say I did, and hopefully I will never return. Most of the information they talk about you already know, or it's just something that will bore you to death.
Also, security is awful. There were actually guards screaming (literally screaming) at people for very simple things. It wasn't pleasant.
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My out-of-town parents and I joined the throngs of tourists to see Independence Hall and it's adjoining accouterments.
First, you need a FREE ticket which you get at the Independence Visitor's Center at 6th and Market. Independence Hall itself (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed) is the timed tour for the ticket, but there are 2 other buildings (the first Supreme Court location, and the first Congress location) where speakers give presentations.
Together, all three buildings seem quite small, considering it's where a new nation was created! But perhaps that is part of the fun of it--if so few people could create such a great country, what can each of us do?
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The ticket to tour Independence Hall itself is free, but it timed and must be gotten in advance at the visitor center. On the way back Ind. Hall, youll go past the Liberty Bell building--also free, but long line. I found that you could get a good view of the Bell from outside looking at the side and back...as long as youre willing to Say No to crack (not visible from outside).
Just before you get in line for the Hall, you can freely see the old seat of the U.S. Supreme Court. Interesting exhibit and almost no other tourists, so we could cross-examine the expert witness ranger to our hearts content.
You must submit to a bag search to enter Independence Hall, and when we went the rangers were not managing the line well, so it was a bit chaotic...probably like the origin of the country. The tour was moderately interestingly, though I understanding it largely depends on the guide you get. Ours seemed a bit flat, bored, and monotone, kind of like Ben Stein. The content and views were interesting, though, so I would still recommend it.
When I was growing up in Philadelphia, there were several standard places you visited on class trips: The Franklin Institute, The Natural History Museum, the main Public Library, the Christmas light show at John Wanamaker. But the first trip always was to see the Liberty Bell. At that time, it was in the middle of a grassy plaza, standing on its own; I remember, at 6, running my little finger along the crack.
Despite coming back to Philadelphia almost every year, I hadn't been to this area of downtown in ages. I took a friend who had grown up here but had never seen it in person (yes, never); it was my duty, dang it.
We went through security comparable to that at an airport, then were "cleared" two at a time by an armed National Guardsman, to cross from the security hall to the glass pavilion. At first I was a little saddened by the Code Orange-level seriousness of all this, but then perked up as I entered. Now the bell is housed like the national treasure that it is, with exhibits explaining its history and significance.
And the bell: Positioned in front of a huge glass window that frames Independence Hall behind it - a perfect location. I have to say, American history buff that I am, I got a bit verklempt. ("Talk among yourselves...")
Seeing the two armed National Guardsmen flanking the bell, I figured it was best not to mash my finger into the crack again, no matter the urge to recreate my first experience. This is now a solemn, historic place, fitting for a monument, I thought.
Then I saw one of the guardsman grin and happily accept a father's camera to take a picture of him and his family in front of the bell.
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As indicated below National Security has made the historic landmarks a joke. But they can still be worth checking out if you're lucky enough to get a ticket and tolerate the annoying security guards.
But The landmarks aren't the reason I like this park. I love it because the park portion of it makes for the perfect shortcut through Center City. just take the park through where Sansom Street would be and you end up getting to Old City, Ritz Movie Theaters and a whole bunch of other things in no time. it's also nice and scenic.
Beautiful park, although I only was able to visit during the night, it was still amazing. Gorgeous lawn and great view from all around. Just sit there and enjoy the view. Believe me I'll be coming back to see the whole park area.
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Lots of places to take pictures with your loved ones. Must see site in Philadelphia.
The best week to stay in Philadelphia is during the Fourth of July week because everywhere you turn in the INHP you see either a Benji Franklin lecturing, re-enactments of the Declaration of Independence, guys dressed in blue jackets circa Colonial times.
Go see the Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Visitors who know Philadelphia is home to more than just the cheese steak will want to make this the first stop on their itinerary. Particularly impressive is the fairly new 13,000-square-foot, $12.4 million glass pavilion housing the Liberty Bell. The building offers excellent information and interactive exhibits, including an X-ray of the bell's crack and a film produced by the History Channel about how it became an international icon of freedom.
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(pre 911) I remember at 230am going over to visit the Liberty Bell on a few occasions. They had this foriegn Language recording box outside, and you could hear the story of the Liberty Bell in about 6 or 7 different languages. I don't think they have this box anymore, at least outside, but nonetheless a great landmark everyone should see. I have been here post 911, The wait is crazy, and if I remember correctly they almost confiscated my dad's pocket knife, but definately worth the hassle. Nothing can top this symbol of independence and Philly soul. You know this a beacon of freedom when Alt-rockers Ween got arrested attempting to steal the Liberty Bell(well ok maybe this was just one of their music videos)
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Definitely a must do when you're in Philadelphia. I had made reservations ahead of time for the tour of Independence Hall. Our very knowledgeable park ranger was very informative in giving us a thorough lesson on the history taken place in the building. After the tour we headed over to Liberty Bell, which is housed in a very modern building which focused on the iconology of the bell. The visitor's center is helpful for those planning their stay in the city. It's amazing the amount of history that happened here which created the birth of our country.
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A must-see when you're in Philadelphia, this excellent and free tour/museum hits all the major highlights when it comes to the US's founding forefathers. Learn how our nation was formed and see rooms and objects that were used during the early days of our country.
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This includes the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Old City Hall. Most are self guided, but there is a tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration and Constitution were signed. It was clean, organzied, and allowed for you to go through at your own space with park rangers available if you had any questions. It was an excellent day and a MUST if you're a tourist.
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"come to philly for the CRACK"
get it? the crack in the liberty bell?
yea this place is as cool as that joke.
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A great slice of American history, all in one place! The line for the Liberty Bell (now complete with metal detectors) is a pain, but you have to do it once.
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