The Liberty Bell
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The Liberty Bell is a historical object located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Many people recognize the bell for its iconic crack, and some may also know it by names like the State House Bell or the Old State House Bell. For many, the Liberty Bell is a symbol of American independence since it was commissioned in 1752 to be the bell that would summon national lawmakers to sessions of legislation. The Liberty Bell has the message “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof" inscribed on it, and the bell itself was first placed in the tower of Independence Hall, found just down the street from today’s Liberty Bell Center. Since the bell was cracked in the early 1840s, no one has been able to hear it ring, although modern computer models have been able to construct what it possibly sounded like during its use. The bell weighs approximately 2,080 pounds and is made of copper, tin, and some small amounts of lead, gold, silver, zinc, and arsenic.
How to Get There
Located within Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell is near the Philadelphia International Airport and can be accessed by taking a bus provided by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to The Liberty Bell
Visit The Liberty Bell
Perhaps the best time to visit the Liberty Bell is in the summer when it is open for extended hours, although this also tends to be the busiest time to see the bell. Any time you come to the Liberty Bell Center to see the bell, be sure to also check out the X-ray captures of the bell’s crack, which are on display in the building. You can also see small exhibits on the bell’s relation to ice cream molds and wind chimes.
Ticket Information
There are no tickets or fees required to visit the Liberty Bell. The only requirement for guests who want to visit the bell is to pass through a security area since no weapons or pepper spray are allowed in the area of the bell. From June to September, the bell is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. During the rest of the year, it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Family-Friendly Options
Large groups and children are welcome to visit the Liberty Bell so long as security regulations are followed. The National Park Service also offers lesson plans based around the bell for children on its website, and these can be printed for use as a visitor’s guide before visiting the bell in person. The Liberty Bell is located within the Liberty Bell Center, which is also free for visitors of all ages to explore. This center is a museum that spans nearly a whole city block and features lots of photos, artifacts, and an educational video that is approved for all ages.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
When you visit the Liberty Bell, try to come to the Liberty Bell Center early in the morning to beat the security entrance line and get a photo with the bell before the busy hours of the afternoon. You should also plan to spend at least an hour exploring the center and reading all about the bell’s significance. After visiting the Liberty Bell, consider touring more of the Independence National Historical Park in Center City Philadelphia. You can continue to learn about the United States’ early history by stopping by the Independence Square buildings, which include Congress Hall, Old City Hall, Philosophical Hall, the Great Essentials exhibit, and the famed Independence Hall. Independence Hall is specifically only open for guided tours, so plan to see this building before you see the others. Another great location near the bell to see is the President’s House Site, which is the site where both President Washington and President Adams lived in the 1790s. For more information about these sites and the Liberty Bell, you can stop by the Independence Visitor Center, where park rangers are always available to answer your questions and point you toward any other places in the historic park that you may be interested in visiting.
The Liberty Bell Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Campus Park & Ride bills itself as the only Philadelphia campground within 30 miles of the city that is open all year and provides a paved and level lot. It has its own shuttle bus that can take people to various attractions or other bus stops. Attractions in the area include the Independence Mall, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Conveniently located for visiting the Hagley Museum 25 miles away, the Clarksboro KOA is close to Philadelphia and other area attractions. Set in a wooded area, the campground offers a variety of activities. Enjoy volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, swimming, and fishing in the RV park. This park is family and pet friendly.
Lake Kandle Campground is one of the few campgrounds by Central Jersey, New Jersey that offers an abundance of water adventure. Whether relaxing poolside while soaking up the sun or splashing around in the lake, you will find a variety of activities taking place at the park. Visit the nearby community for shopping, dining, or a historic stroll through the museums and other sites located throughout town.
Activities Near The Liberty Bell
Things to Do
Outdoor Recreation
For outdoor recreational opportunities near the Liberty Bell, check out Washington Square, a city park with a memorial to President Washington and other soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. There, you can hike some short trails and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For recreation on the river, head over to Spruce Street Harbor Park. There, you can walk through flower gardens, relax on the beach, or use some of the city’s hammocks.
Arts and Culture
Some popular points of interest that are located outside of Independence National Historic Park include the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, which is the site of the famous writer’s former home, and Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which is an art museum with mosaic galleries.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
The Liberty Bell is housed inside, so visitors coming to see the bell shouldn’t need to worry about the weather too much. However, if you’d like to explore the rest of Independence National Historic Park, you should know that many other things to see are located outdoors, so you should plan your trip on warm, sunny days. Some visitors also like to come to the park during the winter, but you should know that Philadelphia can experience snowstorms that can block certain areas of the park and cause closings. Food and drinks are also permitted inside the Liberty Bell Center; however, the National Park Service discourages guests from bringing large bags into the building, so pack light.
Safety & Accessibility
The Liberty Bell Center is staffed during all open hours with park security staff, and these staff should be notified in cases of emergencies. The center is also wheelchair accessible, and staff can provide written information about the Liberty Bell in over a dozen languages for visitors who request it.
Conclusion
The Liberty Bell is one of the United States' most iconic landmarks, and visiting it is completely free. Consider visiting the bell to learn about its historical significance as well as American history.
FAQ
While there aren't many camping options in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA Holiday campground is nearby in New Jersey. This campground has full hookups for RVs, and it offers a shuttle service that takes guests to and from Philadelphia daily.
Parking for RVs is not available at the Liberty Bell. However, RVs may be able to park off-site and travel to the site of the bell via bus.
Visitors who want to visit the Liberty Bell should know that there are no restrooms at the Liberty Bell Center, where the bell is housed. Visitors should also know that the center is open during extended hours in the summer, though the dates for extended hours change annually.
The Liberty Bell is free for visitors of all ages to see. Families with children are welcome to visit the bell as well as all of the other landmarks and buildings found within the Independence National Historic Park.
Pets are not allowed inside the Liberty Bell Center building, but they are allowed outside if they are leashed on a rope of 6 feet or less. Service animals, however, are allowed inside.