Boathouse Row is an historic site located along the east banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. It was built in 1860 as part of the U.S. Navy's holdings and has 15 Gothic-style boathouses. Each home is decorated in lights and makes for a spectacular site at night. Traditionally known for its national and international rowing events called regattas, it is perfect for visitors who like water sports. Since it is located in Fairmount Park, it also has miles of exercise trails and benches and tables for lounging around the river too.
Parking and Public Transportation at Boathouse Row
There are multiple lots located along Kelly Drive that allow for free parking, if there are no special events planned. Visitors traveling between the months of April through October should check the Boathouse Row website for an updated events calendar. The other option is to check with the Fairmount Park Welcome Center.
Best and worst time to go to Boathouse Row
Visitors who enjoy crowds, regattas and parties should come any weekend in the month of May. There is a race every weekend including the major international race; the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta.
Visitors craving silence and beauty should come any night of the year. It is always a perfect time to walk the trail and see Boathouse Row all lit up like Christmas.
Admission to Boathouse Row
It is free to walk along Boathouse Row all year long. There is a venue for snacks, coffee and gift shop items to be purchased.
Must See/Do Boathouse Row
The most attended event is the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta with thousands of college students and families from all over the nation and world.
Eating on the deck of the Water Works Restaurant with the view of the waterfall and Boathouse Row all lit up at night is worth the reservation.
Other places to visit near Boathouse Row
Visitors have the pleasure of going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art just a few steps from the row. There is a staircase visitors can use from the trail to enter the back of the museum.
The Farimount Water Works Museum is located directly next to the row. It is an interpretive museum under the river featuring centuries of history about the infrastructure of Philadelphia. Admission is free.
Insider tip for visitors to Boathouse Row
When attending the Aberdeen Dadvail regatta, hold onto all clothing. College kids have a standing tradition of taking a T-shirt from a blanket and replacing it with one from their school. If visitors are intrigued by this oddity, be sure to bring a T-shirt from a school and leave it on the blanket while strolling the river banks.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a journalist for 20 years.