The park is the site of the Great Elm tree, which stood until 1810 and was long-revered as the spot of the Penn-Lenape peace treaty.
A scion of the original Great Elm was planted at the site in 2010 to maintain the historical lineage of the tree.
The park's location in Fishtown earned the neighborhood its name due to the area's history as a major center for shad fishing.
The site was once part of the industrial waterfront and formerly housed piers for the Philadelphia shipbuilding industry.
The park is officially recognized as a historic landmark site under the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
Penn Treaty Park is a seven-acre riverside public space located along the Delaware River in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. It marks the traditional site where William Penn famously signed a peace treaty with the Lenape people in 1682. The park features open lawns, paved walking paths, and direct water access along the bulkhead. A bronze statue of William Penn serves as the central monument of the grounds. The area is maintained as a municipal park providing views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the working waterfront. It serves as a community hub for local festivals, weekend picnics, and birdwatching.
The statue of William Penn with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge visible in the background.
Bring a picnic blanket, as seating is primarily limited to grassy areas and a few scattered benches.
Visit during low tide if you are interested in exploring the exposed riverbank near the bulkhead.
Check the local community calendar for the annual 'Penn Treaty Park Day' festival held in the spring.
Avoid relying on GPS navigation that directs you to Camden, as the park is situated entirely in Philadelphia.
