Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center Philadelphia

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Location: Waterworks Dr., Philadelphia

Fairmont Waterworks was born when early Philadelphians decided they needed cleaner drinking water. A group of concerned townspeople got together and produced an amazing system of pumps, wheels, and turbines designed to get the job done. The Fairmount Waterworks was so far ahead of its time when it opened in 1822 that it's rumored that Charles Dickens and Mark Twain came to marvel at the wonder.

Though the Waterworks stopped pumping water in 1909, travelers to Philadelphia can still visit the majestic Greek-style buildings on the Schuylkill River that housed the pumps and wheels to learn about watersheds, pollution, and protecting our water sources.

Kids will love making it rain, piloting a simulated helicopter up the Delaware River, and learning where water goes when you flush the toilet. Tours are self-guided and even the bathrooms have a story to tell! Visitors will also enjoy the view along the Schuylkill River and beautiful Boat House Row, home to the rowing teams from Philadelphia's many colleges and universities.