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Independence National Historical Park

National Historical Park · PA

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.

Official NPS page →

Current Alerts (1)

Information

Limited Restroom Availability

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.

Entrance Fees

This park is fee-free.

Upcoming Events

Ranger Talks in Franklin Court

Aug 31, 2026 · Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Chestnut and Market Streets

Independence NHP Walking Tour

Aug 31, 2026 · Meet on the east side of the Liberty Bell Center near the viewing window- 526 Market Street

History Hangout

Aug 31, 2026 · Liberty Bell Center, 6th and Market Streets

Twilight Tour

Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at the Liberty Bell viewing window (near 6th and Chestnut Streets)

Kids Colonial Muster

Sep 1, 2026 · Signer's Garden, 5th and Chestnut Streets

Declaration Reading

Sep 1, 2026 · South side of Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Bench

Sep 2, 2026 · Independence Square, Franklin Court, Second Bank of the United States, Independence Visitor Center, Carpenters' Hall

Colonial Kids Quest Puppet Show

Sep 4, 2026 · 18th Century Garden, 339 Walnut Street

Franklin under the Mulberry

Sep 4, 2026 · Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Market and Chestnut Streets

British Occupation of Philadelphia

Sep 18, 2026 · Franklin Court, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and Market and Chestnut Streets

Movies on the Mall

Sep 18, 2026 · Independence Mall, Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets

Yoga at Independence

Sep 19, 2026 · Second Bank Lawn, 420 Chestnut Street

New Hall Military Museum

Sep 19, 2026 · Carpenters' Court, between 3rd and 4th Street on Chestnut Street.

First Naming of the United States Celebration

Sep 19, 2026 · On the south side of Independence Hall

Things to Do

Become an Independence Junior Ranger

There are three ways to become a Junior Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Ready for the challenge...and the fun?

Find the Perfect Souvenir

Browse the shelves in the America's National Park Stores in the East Wing and Old City Hall for that perfect gift - for yourself or others. Participating in the NPS passport program? You can add to your stamp collection here!

Get the B. Free Franklin Cancellation

Get the same cancellation on your stamp that Franklin used when he was postmaster. There's cool and then there's "B. Free Franklin" cool.

Hear the Centennial Bell Ring

Do you hear that? Look up! Listen to the Centennial Bell ring each hour at the clocktower of Independence Hall.

Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink

Discover the pivotal role that the printed word played in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation as rangers demonstrate printing—18th-century style.

Play the Virtual Glass Armonica

Of all his inventions, the one Benjamin Franklin enjoyed most was the glass armonica. Give it a try at the Benjamin Franklin Museum, where you can explore Franklin's life and legacy through his character traits (fee applies).

Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place

President-elect Abraham Lincoln made a stop at Independence Hall in 1861 as he journeyed to Washington D.C. for his inauguration. Today, a plaque outside Independence Hall indicates where Lincoln stood when he raised the flag that day.

Take a "Bell-fie"

Come see the international symbol of freedom in all its glory. Learn about the Liberty Bell's legacy as a symbol of protest and celebration, from its humble beginnings as the State House bell to its use as a rallying cry to end slavery and an inspiration to the modern civil rights movement. And don't forget to get that photo!

Tour Independence Hall

Take a ranger-led tour of the birthplace of the United States. Hear stories of conflict, compromise, and the complicated business of making a nation.

Walk in Ona Judge's Footsteps

Find the footsteps in the ground at the President’s House Site. They represent Martha Washington's enslaved maid's flight to freedom. Look for Oney Judge’s name, and the names of eight other enslaved servants, on the wall nearby.

Visitor Centers

  • Independence Visitor Center

Source: National Park Service.

Independence National Historical Park: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA