Philly History Hunt: Self-Guided Walking Tour Adventure!
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Overview
Philadelphia Historic Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt takes explorers on a captivating journey through the heart of Philadelphia's Historic District. This self-guided adventure winds past iconic landmarks like Independence Hall, where the nation's founding documents were debated, and Elfreth's Alley, one of America's oldest residential streets. Along the way, participants will uncover hidden gems like The Ledger Building, Congress Hall and the serene Park Monuments, each holding pieces of Philadelphia's rich history.
Imagine stepping back in time while solving fun challenges and learning about the city's pivotal role in shaping American history. The tour guides participants to visit the Athenaeum of Philadelphia and Thomas Sully Historical Marker. As they wander through the Old St. Joseph's Church, Mikveh Israel Cemetery and The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, they'll see stories of innovation and resilience come to life. This tour also includes Christ Church Burial Ground, Philip Syng Physick House, St. Peter's Church, Insurance Company of North America Building, Philadelphia's Gardens, Second Bank of the United States, First Bank of the United States, Carpenters' Hall, Benjamin Franklin Museum Site, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia Fire Department, The Museum for Art in Wood, Arch Street Meeting House, Philadelphia Fire Department, United States Mint, National Museum of American Jewish History, Rembrandt Peale Museum, Declaration House, President's House Site, Liberty Bell Center, and Independence Hall.
What to Expect: This 2.5-mile walking tour is packed with 50 varied challenges that will keep everyone engaged as they explore. It includes a scavenger hunt on a smartphone (accessing a mobile site) and the flexibility to start anytime. What's Included: Access to the scavenger hunt via a smartphone app. What's Excluded: Internet access on your smartphone is required, and admission to any location is not included.




Highlights
Explore Historic Philadelphia: See famous landmarks and hidden gems in the city's Historic District.
Fun Scavenger Hunt: Solve 50 different challenges as you walk around.
Learn Local History: Discover interesting facts and stories about Philadelphia.
Flexible and Self-Guided: Start anytime from your smartphone and take your time.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers rave about the fun and educational aspects of the scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt is great for those who want to explore Philadelphia's history at their own pace. Some found some challenges tricky, and others said to make sure that internet access is available.

Fun challenges kept everyone in the group entertained.
Learned a lot about Philadelphia history in an engaging way.
Great way to see the city's historical sites at your own pace.
Enjoyed the flexibility of starting whenever you want.
Internet access on your smartphone is a must, or you will not be able to do the scavenger hunt.
Some challenges can be a little tricky.
The Journey
The Ledger Building
Begin your adventure at The Ledger Building, a historic landmark where you'll learn the rules of the game and delve into its fascinating past. Unravel the stories held within these walls and solve a challenge that sets the stage for your exploration of Philadelphia's historic district. This is the starting point of your self-guided tour, so prepare for an enriching experience.
Congress Hall
Step back in time at Congress Hall, where the United States Congress met from 1790 to 1800. Immerse yourself in the history of this pivotal building, where momentous decisions shaped the young nation. Solve a challenge that will deepen your understanding of the historical events that unfolded within these walls. Feel the weight of history as you stand where laws were debated and the course of American democracy was charted.
Independence Square
As you walk towards your next destination, learn about Commodore John Barry, a hero of the American Revolution, and take in the sights of Independence Square. This vibrant gathering place, steeped in history, offers a moment to reflect on the significance of the surrounding landmarks, setting the scene for the continued exploration of Philadelphia's heritage.
Park Monuments
Explore a park adorned with numerous monuments commemorating significant figures and events in American history. Delve into the stories behind these tributes, solve engaging challenges, and immerse yourself in the park's serene atmosphere. This park serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped the nation.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
As you pass by the Athenaeum, admire its architectural grandeur and learn about its role as a historic library and cultural center. Founded in 1814, it continues to serve as a hub for research and intellectual exchange, preserving a wealth of knowledge and artistic treasures.
Thomas Sully Historical Marker
Discover the legacy of Thomas Sully, a renowned portrait painter, at this site. Learn about his contributions to American art and quickly solve a challenge related to his life and works. This brief stop provides a glimpse into the artistic heritage of Philadelphia.
Old St. Joseph's Church
Uncover the captivating history of Old St. Joseph's Church, a hidden gem that played a significant role in Philadelphia's religious landscape. Solve three engaging challenges as you delve into the church's past and its importance in the story of religious freedom in America. Its serene beauty and rich heritage make it a must-see destination.
Mikveh Israel Cemetery
Visit the Mikveh Israel Cemetery and discover the rich heritage of Philadelphia's Jewish community. Solve a challenge as you learn about the temple's past and the individuals who shaped its identity. This sacred ground offers a serene space for reflection and remembrance.
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Explore the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and delve into the vast collection of documents, artifacts, and stories that chronicle the state's rich history. Solve a challenge as you uncover hidden gems and gain a deeper understanding of Pennsylvania's pivotal role in American history.
Christ Church Burial Ground
Discover the final resting place of many prominent figures, including Benjamin Franklin, at Christ Church Burial Ground. Solve a challenge related to a nearby house as you explore the stories of those interred here. This historic cemetery offers a poignant glimpse into the lives and legacies of Philadelphia's early leaders.
Philip Syng Physick House
Uncover the legacy of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, the father of American surgery, at this location. Solve a challenge as you learn about his groundbreaking contributions to the medical field and his impact on Philadelphia's history. The house itself offers a glimpse into 19th-century life.
St. Peter's Church
Explore the historic St. Peter's Church and delve into the stories of its famous members and its architectural significance. Solve three challenges as you uncover the church's rich past and its enduring presence in Philadelphia's cultural landscape. This church stands as a testament to the city's diverse religious heritage.
Insurance Company of North America Building
Learn about the Insurance Company of North America (now known as Cigna), a company founded by Benjamin Franklin, and solve a challenge related to its history. Discover how Franklin's ingenuity and commitment to civic progress led to the creation of this important institution.
Philadelphia's Gardens
Pause to admire a beautiful garden, and enjoy its tranquility. Take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty amidst the historic landscape, and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Second Bank of the United States
Admire the grandeur of the Second Bank of the United States, a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture. As you walk around, solve four challenges that illuminate its history and the surrounding buildings, gaining insights into Philadelphia's financial past.
First Bank of the United States
Solve a challenge based on the First Bank's façade, and learn about its history. This bank was the first national bank chartered by the United States Congress. This location will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
Carpenters' Hall
Delve into the history of Carpenters' Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774. Explore the surrounding park and solve three challenges as you learn about the pivotal decisions that shaped the course of American history. This building stands as a symbol of colonial unity and resistance.
Benjamin Franklin Museum Site
Immerse yourself in the world of Benjamin Franklin at the site of his former house and printing office. Solve various challenges as you explore the Benjamin Franklin Museum and learn about his remarkable life, inventions, and contributions to Philadelphia and the nation. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of America's most influential figures.
Betsy Ross House
Learn about Betsy Ross, the seamstress credited with creating the first American flag, at her historic house. Solve a challenge as you delve into the story of the flag and its enduring symbolism. This charming house offers a glimpse into the life of a colonial artisan and patriot.
Elfreth's Alley
Step back in time as you wander through Elfreth's Alley, one of the oldest residential streets in America. Learn about the history of this charming alley, the lives of its residents, and the efforts to preserve its unique character. Admire the architecture and decorations of this historic enclave.
Philadelphia Fire Department
Learn about the Philadelphia Fire Department, founded by Benjamin Franklin, and the history of firefighting in the city. Discover how Franklin's innovative ideas and civic engagement led to the creation of one of the nation's first fire brigades. This station stands as a testament to his commitment to community safety.
The Museum for Art in Wood
Explore the Museum for Art in Wood and solve a challenge about the mural across the street. Discover the artistry and craftsmanship of woodworkers from around the world, and appreciate the diverse forms and expressions of this versatile medium.
Arch Street Meeting House
Learn about the Quakers and their profound influence on Philadelphia's history and culture at the Arch Street Meeting House. Solve a challenge as you delve into the principles of peace, equality, and social justice that guided the Quaker community. This historic meeting house offers a serene space for reflection and contemplation.
Philadelphia Fire Department
Delve deeper into the history of Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the Philadelphia Fire Department. Spend time solving challenges that reveal the evolution of firefighting techniques and the department's role in protecting the city. This stop provides further insights into Franklin's legacy of innovation and public service.
United States Mint
Learn about the 4th US Mint building and its inauguration. Discover the history of minting coins in America and the significance of Philadelphia as the nation's first mint location. You'll also see the location of the first mint as you walk to your next destination.
National Museum of American Jewish History
Find out what you can see at the National Museum of American Jewish History, learn about the Jewish American experience, and solve a challenge as you walk to your next destination. This museum commemorates a vibrant culture of inclusion and heritage.
Rembrandt Peale Museum
Learn about the Rembrandt Peale Museum. Solve a few challenges as you go and discover the significance of one of America's most famous artists.
Declaration House
Learn about the Declaration (Graff) House, a reconstruction of the original building where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Discover the events and ideas that led to the creation of this historic document, and reflect on its enduring impact on the world. The Declaration House allows visitors to step back in time.
President's House Site
Discover the site of the former President's House, where George Washington and John Adams resided during their presidencies. Confront the complexities of history as you learn about how slavery was permitted into the Constitution, a document intended to enshrine liberty. This site prompts reflection on the nation's evolving ideals.
Liberty Bell Center
Visit the Liberty Bell Center and peer at the iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom and independence. Learn about its history, its cracks, and its enduring message. This powerful artifact serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberty and justice.
Independence Hall
Conclude your walking tour at Independence Hall, the birthplace of American independence. Learn about the rich history of this edifice, the momentous events it housed, and its enduring significance as a symbol of democracy. Reflect on the journey you've taken through Philadelphia's historic district.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided scavenger hunt requires internet access on your smartphone to access the mobile site where the challenges are presented. Admission to any of the attractions along the route is not included, as entry is not required to complete the hunt. The tour includes access to the scavenger hunt on your smartphone, offering 50 varied challenges to complete at your own pace.
Hot Tip
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged before you start the scavenger hunt! Consider bringing a portable charger. Also, wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking!