Wissahickon Valley Park has a long, fascinating history. From bridges, inns, public art, and various old ruins, the remnants of the park’s unique history is evident everywhere.
Explore this page to take a virtual trip back in time!
HISTORY ARTICLES
Click on the topics below to learn more!
Wissahickon History: An Overview
Lower Wissahickon
Wood, Stone, and Steel: Bridges in the Wissahickon
Roadhouses of the Wissahickon
Mills, Homesteads, and Villages
INTERACTIVE MAP
Check out this Google Map to explore unique historical points of interest, and become acquainted with the many trailheads in Wissahickon Valley Park!
HISTORIC POINTS OF INTEREST
Click on the locations below to learn more!
Andorra Natural Area
Bell’s Mill Bridge
Blue Stone Bridge
The Cedars House Cafe
Courtesy Stable
Cresheim Valley Pergola
Devil’s Pool
Dewee House Marker
Fingerspan Bridge
Forbidden Drive
The Great Beech
Harper’s Meadow
Henry Avenue Bridge
Henry Houston Statue
Hermit’s Cave
Historic RittenhouseTown
Houston Meadow
Kitchen’s Lane Bridge
Livezey House/Glen Fern
Monastery House & Stables
Northwestern Stables
Paved Bike Path
Pro Bono Fountain
Sarcophagus Water Trough
Saylor Grove
Ten Box & Washington’s Rock
Thomas Mansion
Thomas Mill Covered Bridge
Toleration Statue
Valley Green Inn
Walnut Lane Bridge
Wissahickon Environmental Center (Tree House)
Be sure to check out our Creekside Classroom for videos, presentations, and other fun stuff!
Check out this Google Map to explore unique historical points of interest, and become acquainted with the many trailheads in Wissahickon Valley Park!
Explore more Wissahickon-related historic points of interest, stories, art, videos, games, and much more on our Virtual Valley!
You probably don’t need us to tell you how special Wissahickon Valley Park is. Its 1800+ acres provide habitat to wildlife, refuge & recreation to over a million visitors per year, and protect the drinking water for one-third of Philadelphians. The park can’t take care of itself, however. It needs responsible park users and stewards to keep this special place clean and sustainable for generations to come.