Colonial PA Farmstead: A Captivating Colonial-Era Farm Outside Philadelphia

Last updated October 13, 2024

The Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead (previously Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation) is a living history colonial-era farm within Ridley Creek State Park – about 16 miles west of downtown Philadelphia. The 112-acre property represents and interprets farm life from 1760 to 1790. On-site is the farmhouse and several outbuildings and outdoor features, including two barns, a forge, a chicken coop, a kitchen garden, a pasture, and an orchard. Also, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and horses are on the property. Costumed historical interpreters provide commentary to help visitors understand and appreciate the work that colonists and their families undertook to provide for their families and support their livelihoods.

I recommend visiting Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead when it opens on the weekend to enjoy this unique learning experience. Then, continue to other parts of Ridley Creek State Park for a picnic (from home) and some time exploring along the trails. There are more historical places to discover, such as Hunting Hill Mansion and its beautifully landscaped gardens, a one-room schoolhouse, as well as an 18th-century mill’s buildings and mill workers’ homes along Sycamore Mills Road Trail in Ridley Creek State Park. Visiting Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead and Ridley Creek State Park makes a great day trip from Philadelphia or nearby areas.

A large stone house sits on a farm at Colonial PA Plantation outside Philadelphia, PA. — **The Pratt family farmhouse at Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead**

Contents

Hours and Admission

Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November. It is open on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day; it is closed on Easter Sunday.
There is an admission charge: $10 for visitors 13 and older, $6 for seniors (65+ years) and children aged 4-12, and free for children under 4 years old.
There is no admission fee for other parts of Ridley Creek State Park.

Location of Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead is located at 3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, PA. It’s less than a 15-minute drive from Route 476.

A large open hearth with cooking utensils is in an 1th-century farmhouse at Colonial PA Plantation. — **The “modern” kitchen in the Colonial PA Plantation farmhouse**

What You’ll Find at Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

112 acres include a restored farmhouse dating to the early 18th century that was enlarged over time.
Artifacts from the 18th century include cooking utensils, tools, and gardening equipment.
The kitchen garden grows vegetables and herbs used and consumed in the 18th century. Expect to see beans, beets, peas, pumpkins, squash, and turnips, as well as herbs used to season food, dye cloth, and for medicinal purposes.
Several buildings supported farm life, including two barns, a chicken house, and a springhouse.
Farm animals include sheep, chickens, and horses.
A portion of Ridley Creek where you can sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the place.
A group of volunteer historical interpreters who help visitors understand farm life centuries ago.
Special events throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

Map

A map shows the location of Colonial PA Farmstead and Ridley Creek State Park. — **Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead and Ridley Creek State Park**

Brief History of Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead

Ralph Lewis owned the farm originally. Many years later, his son sold it to Joseph Pratt. Joseph Pratt’s family owned the farm from 1720-1820. In the 1970s, a group formed a non-profit organization that purchased the property and, based on research, worked to restore it to what it most likely looked like in the mid-to-late 18th century.

Sheep graze by a wooden stockade fence near a wooden barn at Colonial PA Plantation near Philadelphia. — **Sheep graze at Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead.**

Nearby Attractions

Consider these other great attractions in eastern Pennsylvania.

Big Pocono State Park, Poconos
Bushkill Falls, Poconos
Covered Bridge Tour of Bucks County
Covered Bridge Tour of the Lehigh Valley
Gettysburg Visitor Guide
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Lehigh Valley area
Housenick Park, Lehigh Valley
Jacobsburg State Park, Pocono area
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem
Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Tour
Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide
Promised Land State Park, Poconos
Ricketts Glen State Park, Poconos
Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
Tyler State Park, Bucks County
Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County

A costumed historical interpreter demonstrates blacksmithing techniques at Colonial PA Plantation near Philadelphia. — **A costumed historical interpreter demonstrates techniques used by colonial blacksmiths.**

Final Thoughts

Visiting Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead is a treat for anyone interested in history and/or this part of the country. While learning about colonial farm life, you’ll no doubt be struck by how relaxing and peaceful this place is. You’re less than 20 miles from bustling Philadelphia, but you’d never know it by the quietness you’ll experience here. As mentioned, pair a visit to Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead with time exploring and enjoying the rest of Ridley Creek State Park – a true gem – for an amazing day.

Ridley Creek surrounded by grassy banks meanders through Ridley Creek State Park and Colonial PA Plantation. — **Ridley Creek as seen at Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead**

Comments?

Feel free to share your experiences at Ridley Creek State Park, Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the Philadelphia area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂