Lace up your walking shoes for a short stroll through America’s long history.
Stop #1: Independence Visitor Center
Start your day at the Independence Visitor Center and have a chat with a History Maker. Before you leave, stop by the National Park Service desk to get your free timed tickets for tours of Independence Hall. (Insider Tip: Order your free Indepence Hall tickets in advance at recreation.gov. Tour tickets are a hot commodity and go fast.) Then before you leave, take in a short story at the Storytelling Bench.
Stop #2: Signer’s Garden
At the corner of 5th & Chestnut is Signer’s Garden. Have a seat at the Storytelling Bench where a professional storyteller will regale you with a brief, free story.
Stop #3: Independence Hall
Cross 5th Street for your tour of Independence Hall. When your tour is over, check out the Storytelling Bench at the Hall for more true American tales.
Stop #4: Franklin Court
Turn down Chestnut Street to Franklin Court, located between 4th and 3rd streets. There you’ll find a Storyteller who will relate tales about the printer and inventor who became America’s favorite Founding Father, Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
Insider Tip: In addition to the cool underground museum that celebrates all things Ben, drop by his print shop for a demo in 18th century printing.
Stop #5: Betsy Ross House Courtyard
Pop into some of the owner-operated shops and boutiques on 3rd Street on your way to the Betsy Ross House. Before you tour the house, take a break and have a seat at the Storytelling Bench in the shaded courtyard. Then it’s time to go through the centuries-old Betsy Ross House, where you’ll see Betsy hard at work in her upholstery shop and learn about her life as an 18th-century working mom.
Insider Tip: If you start your morning at the Betsy Ross House, you’ll see the daily flag-raising ceremony Betsy and a History Maker conduct each day during the season at 10:00 am.
Stop #6: Franklin Square
Reward yourself at your final stop with a bite from SquareBurger at Franklin Square. Before you hop on the carousel and try for par at Philly Mini Golf, it’s time for one last story at the Storytelling Bench. Then stick around. The dazzling fountain show, complete with spinning, twirling water jets choreographed to a variety of songs is about to begin.
