Lemon Hill
| Lemon Hill | |
|---|---|
| Type | Historic estate / Park |
| Location | Fairmount Park (East) |
| Coordinates | 39.9720,-75.1850 |
| Area | Approximately 45 acres |
| Established | 1844 (public acquisition) |
| Operated by | Fairmount Park Conservancy / Colonial Dames of America |
| Features | Federal mansion, river views, hillside lawns, historic landscape |
| Hours | Grounds: dawn to dusk; Mansion: limited tours |
| Transit | Walk from Art Museum; SEPTA bus 32 |
| Website | Official Site |
Lemon Hill is a historic estate and mansion in East Fairmount Park, perched on a prominent hill overlooking the Schuylkill River just north of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Federal-style mansion (c. 1800) and its surrounding grounds represent one of the finest surviving examples of early American country estate architecture and landscape design.[1]
The site offers sweeping views, historic architecture, and a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the Art Museum.
History[edit | edit source]
Robert Morris[edit | edit source]
The property's early history:
- 1770s: Robert Morris (financier of American Revolution) owned the land
- Morris called it "The Hills"
- Built greenhouses for lemon trees (hence the name)
- Morris later lost property due to financial troubles
Henry Pratt[edit | edit source]
The current mansion dates to Henry Pratt's ownership:
- 1799-1800: Pratt built the Federal mansion
- Prominent Philadelphia merchant
- Created ornamental gardens
- Expanded the lemon tree tradition
Public Park[edit | edit source]
The city acquired the property:
- 1844: Purchased to protect Fairmount Water Works watershed
- Among first acquisitions for what became Fairmount Park
- Preserved historic landscape
- Mansion restored and maintained
Features[edit | edit source]
The Mansion[edit | edit source]
Federal-style architecture:
- Three-story oval rooms
- Palladian windows
- Curved doors
- Period furnishings (restored)
- National Historic Landmark
Architectural Highlights[edit | edit source]
Notable features:
- Oval parlor with curved doors
- Fanlight windows
- Original fireplaces
- Elegant proportions
- River-oriented design
The Grounds[edit | edit source]
Historic landscape:
- Hillside overlooking Schuylkill
- Sweeping lawns
- Mature trees
- Walking paths
- Picnic areas
Views[edit | edit source]
Scenic overlooks:
- Schuylkill River below
- Boathouse Row
- West Fairmount Park across river
- Center City skyline
Visiting[edit | edit source]
Grounds[edit | edit source]
- Open dawn to dusk
- Free access
- Walking paths throughout
- Popular for picnics and relaxation
Mansion Tours[edit | edit source]
- Limited tour schedule
- Check website or call for hours
- Small admission fee for tours
- Colonial Dames of America operates
Getting There[edit | edit source]
Location: Lemon Hill Drive, East Fairmount Park (north of Art Museum)
By Public Transit:
- Walk north from Philadelphia Museum of Art
- SEPTA Bus 32 along Kelly Drive
By Car:
- Enter park from Kelly Drive
- Limited parking on Lemon Hill Drive
By Bicycle:
- Schuylkill River Trail access
- Kelly Drive bike lane
Tips[edit | edit source]
- The grounds are beautiful for picnics
- Best views are from the hilltop near the mansion
- Sunset views over the river are spectacular
- Combine with Art Museum and Boathouse Row visit
Events[edit | edit source]
The grounds host:
- Picnics and gatherings
- Photography (popular wedding photo location)
- Quiet relaxation
- Occasional special events at mansion
Nearby[edit | edit source]
- Philadelphia Museum of Art — South
- Boathouse Row — Along Kelly Drive
- Fairmount Water Works — South, along river
- Kelly Drive — River road
- Fairmount Park — Surrounding
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Lemon Hill Mansion". Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II. Retrieved December 30, 2025