Independence National Historical Park: Fees, Hours, Camping and How to Get There

TypeNational Historical Park

StatePennsylvania

Entrance feeNo entrance fee

CampgroundsNone

Nearest national parkShenandoah (197 mi)

Closest airportPHL (7 mi)

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. Photo: NPS Photo

Independence National Historical Park is a national historical park run by the National Park Service in Pennsylvania.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

Find the Perfect Souvenir (5 to 20 Minutes): 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!
Tour Independence Hall (20 to 35 Minutes): 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.
Become an Independence Junior Ranger (5 to 120 Minutes): There are three ways to become a Junior Ranger at Independence National Historical Park. Ready for the challenge...and the fun?
Play the Virtual Glass Armonica (30 to 60 Minutes): 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).
Hear the Centennial Bell Ring (1 to 5 Minutes): Do you hear that? Look up! Listen to the Centennial Bell ring each hour at the clocktower of Independence Hall.
Take a "Bell-fie" (15 to 55 Minutes): 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
Listen for the Sound of Sticky Ink (10 to 20 Minutes): 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.
Stand in Abraham Lincoln's Place (15 to 20 Minutes): 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.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee. Entrance to Independence Hall is by guided or self-guided tour. No tickets are required from 9 am to 9:50 am. Reserved tickets are required for tours from 10:00 am to 4:20 pm.

Hours: Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM. Independence National Historical Park operates daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Hours of operation for certain historical buildings and facilities change seasonally throughout the year. Most of the park grounds are open 24 hours a day to pedestrians. All buildings are closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Please see the park's website for hours of operation. http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Getting there

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.

Airport	City	Drive to the park	Straight-line miles	Type
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)	Philadelphia, PA	No road route	7	Large hub
Trenton Mercer Airport (TTN)	Ewing Township, NJ	No road route	29	Regional
Wilmington Airport (ILG)	Wilmington, DE	No road route	31	Regional

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

Independence Visitor Center: Daily, 9:00AM - 6:00PM. The Independence Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Hours of operation change seasonally.

Weather

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.