John Bartram was the first native-born American botanist and a self-taught plant collector for King George III.
The garden contains a 'Franklinia alatamaha' tree, a species that has been extinct in the wild since the early 19th century and was saved from extinction by the Bartrams.
Benjamin Franklin was a frequent visitor and collaborator with John Bartram.
The site features a rare, intact 18th-century cider press and seed house.
The park's tidal wetlands serve as a critical natural filter for the Schuylkill River ecosystem.
The site hosts a multi-acre community farm that distributes produce to local neighborhoods in Southwest Philadelphia.
Bartram's Garden is the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America, established by John Bartram in 1728. The 50-acre site serves as a National Historic Landmark located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River. It preserves the historic 18th-century stone house and greenhouse constructed by three generations of the Bartram family. The grounds feature a diverse collection of native plants, tidal wetlands, and a working community farm. It functions as an outdoor classroom and public park dedicated to environmental education and agricultural history. The site includes a boat launch for paddling on the river and several miles of trails.
The view of the historic Bartram house from the meadow looking toward the Schuylkill River.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to navigate the transition from paved paths to natural garden trails.
Check the official website for community events or boat rental availability before arriving.
Wear insect repellent during the summer months, especially when exploring the wetland and riverfront areas.
Do not attempt to walk through the interior of the historic house without checking for scheduled guided tour availability.
The garden grounds are typically open daily, but the historic house interior requires advance booking or scheduled tours.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate plantings; pack out all trash to keep the grounds clean.
