Looking for a scenic and peaceful nature refuge for a walk or bike ride just outside Philadelphia, where you can see migratory birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife? If so, head to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Located near the Philadelphia International Airport and about 15 minutes from Center City Philadelphia, this refuge is an oasis for human visitors and a freshwater tidal marsh that’s home to wildlife like wading birds (e.g., egrets and herons), waterfowl (e.g., ducks and geese), raptors (e.g., eagles and hawks), turtles, and a variety of fish. I enjoy visiting the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge as it provides a relaxing retreat and a relatively easy way to view and appreciate wildlife so close to a bustling city. The fact that it’s so close to Interstate 95 near Philadelphia makes it an easy escape for so many in the Philadelphia region and those simply driving through the area.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia | 215-365-3118 | website
Hours and Admission
- Trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset.
- The visitor center is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wednesday through Saturday. It’s closed on federal holidays.
- There is no admission charge.
What You’ll Find at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
- 10 miles of trails for walking, jogging, and bicycling
- A wheelchair-accessible paved trail (Big Boardwalk Loop Trail)
- Visitor center with maps and exhibits of wildlife and their habitats
- Observation tower, less than a mile from the trailhead
- Opportunities to observe wildlife in the marsh and woodland areas from a boardwalk, small observation decks, and a wildlife blind
- A designated Important Bird Area by the National Audobon Society, as hundreds of species of birds come here to nest, live, or simply rest during migration along the Atlantic Flyway.
- Kayak and canoe launch area at Darby Creek
- Fishing area
- Hunting grounds during archery deer season
Location & Map
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum: 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia
Brief History of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
The land that makes up this wildlife refuge provided a major food source for the Lenape Nation long before European settlers arrived in the 17th century. With the development of farming and the eventual growth of Philadelphia, the amount of marshland sharply decreased. With continued economic expansion came conflicting interests between those who wanted to use the land for an interstate highway and a landfill and those who wanted to preserve this important habitat for so many species. Eventually, in 1972, Congressional legislation set aside 1,200 acres for what became the Tinicum National Environmental Center. Later, in 1991, it was renamed to recognize Senator John Heinz’s conservation efforts. Today it continues to preserve the Tinicum Marsh as well as provide environmental education and a place for people to view and appreciate wildlife.
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
- 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
I’ve driven by a road sign for the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for years. I’m glad that I made an effort to visit on a recent visit to the area. It’s so relaxing to walk the trails through the woodland and take in the views of wildlife in and near the water. And to think we’re just a few miles from the airport and the city! When visiting, make sure to stop in the visitor center as there are some interesting displays of the wildlife and the ecosystems here – and how they’re affected by tidal changes. Now that this refuge is on my radar, I will certainly be returning. And I’m especially excited to visit during the birds’ migratory seasons, as this is a resting spot for many of them.
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the Philadelphia area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
