Discovering the Haunting History of Eastern State Penitentiary
Explore the haunting history of Eastern State Penitentiary, a landmark of American incarceration and a must-visit for history enthusiasts in Philadelphia.
Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison in Philadelphia, offers a haunting glimpse into America’s penal past. With its stunning architecture and rich history, this site captivates visitors with its tales of infamous inmates and groundbreaking prison reform.
A brief summary to Eastern State Penitentiary
- 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, Fairmount, Pennsylvania, 19130, US
- +1215-236-3300
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Consider taking the audio tour for a more immersive experience; it provides insights from former inmates and staff.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the expansive grounds.
- Check the seasonal events calendar for special tours and exhibitions that delve deeper into the penitentiary's history.
Getting There
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Bus
From Trenton, head to the Trenton Train Station located at 72 S Clinton Ave. Take the NJ Transit River Line towards Camden. Get off at the last stop, which is the 15th Street station in Camden. From there, transfer to the PATCO Speedline towards 15th Street. Ride until you reach the 15th Street station in Philadelphia. Once you exit, walk to the left and head towards the 8th Street stop for the MFL subway. Take the MFL subway towards 69th Street Terminal and get off at the Girard station. From Girard station, it's about a 15-minute walk to Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Ave. Follow Fairmount Avenue straight until you reach the attraction.
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Train and Walk
Start at the Trenton Train Station located at 72 S Clinton Ave. Take the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line towards Philadelphia. Get off at the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. After exiting the station, head to the Market Street exit and walk towards the 69th Street Terminal. From there, catch the MFL subway towards 69th Street Terminal and get off at the Girard station. From Girard station, walk approximately 15 minutes to Eastern State Penitentiary located at 2027 Fairmount Ave. Follow Fairmount Avenue straight until you reach the attraction.
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Ride Share
Using a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft, request a ride from your current location in Trenton to Eastern State Penitentiary located at 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia. The ride will take approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Be sure to verify the address with the driver to ensure you're headed to the correct location.
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Bicycle
If you are comfortable riding a bicycle, you can rent one from a local bike shop in Trenton. Head east on Route 29 along the Delaware River, then cross the bridge into Pennsylvania. Follow the bike paths along the river and make your way towards Philadelphia. Once you arrive, navigate to Fairmount Avenue and head west until you reach Eastern State Penitentiary at 2027 Fairmount Ave. Note: This route may take some time and requires caution as it involves navigating through city streets.
Discover more about Eastern State Penitentiary
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