The Colonial Pennsylvania (PA) Plantation is a living history colonial-era farm within Ridley Creek State Park – about 16 miles west of downtown Philadelphia. The 112-acre plantation 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, there are sheep, chickens, turkeys, and horses 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 PA Plantation when it opens on the weekend to enjoy this unique learning experience and 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 PA Plantation and Ridley Creek State Park makes a great day trip from Philadelphia or nearby areas.
The term plantation may seem out of place for a property in Pennsylvania as it’s usually associated with very large properties in the country’s south. However, in 18th-century Pennsylvania, the norm was to refer to properties under 100 acres as farms, properties over 100 acres as plantations, and properties over 1,000 acres as manors. So at 112 acres, the Pratt’s farm was considered a plantation.
Hours and Admission
- Colonial PA Plantation 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 to visit the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation: $10 for visitors 13 and older; $6 for seniors (65+ years) and children aged 4-12; Free for children under 4 years old.
- There is no admission fee for other parts of Ridley Creek State Park.
Location of Colonial PA Plantation
Colonial PA Plantation is located at 3900 North Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, PA. It’s less than a 15-minute drive from Route 476.
What You’ll Find at Colonial PA Plantation
- 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
Brief History of Colonial PA Plantation
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.
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
- Tyler State Park, Bucks County
- Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
- Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County
Final Thoughts
Visiting Colonial PA Plantation 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 PA Plantation with time exploring and enjoying the rest of Ridley Creek State Park – a true gem – for an amazing day.
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences at Ridley Creek State Park, Colonial PA Plantation, and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the Philadelphia area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
