Deshler-Morris House

Things To Do Near Deshler-Morris House

In 2009, the National Park Service officially changed the Deshler-Morris House's name to the Germantown White House. However, many still refer to it as the Deshler-Morris House. Having been restored to look similar to its appearance when George Washington stayed there, it's now a historic landmark and museum. During a tour, you can learn exciting facts about how Washington oversaw a divided cabinet while living in the house. This house is the oldest home in America that a president used as a White House. 

Hiking Trails

• Germantown Hike

  This hike starts at the Germantown Historical Society and runs in front of 10 historical buildings along or near Germantown Avenue. You can read signs along the way to find out why these sites are essential. There are also QR codes placed at many locations so that you can learn more information. 

  Location

  5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144

  Length

  1.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Trolly Trail

  Start this trail to the left of the Chamonix Mansion in Fairmont Park. It follows a stream throughout most of its length, but it offers some unique twists and turns that help keep it interesting. It also runs through open meadows that are beautiful when the wildflowers are blooming. 

  Location

  Chamonix Mansion, Fairmont Park, 3250 Chamonix Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131

  Length

  5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Schuylkill River Trail

  While the Schuylkill River Trail runs 71 miles in all, one of its best parts is the section running from near Bartram’s Garden to Valley Forge. This trail that follows the river runs through the old industrial area called Grays Ferry Crescent, which is now a beautiful park. This trail includes a boardwalk running out over the Schuylkill River. 

  Location

  Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143

  Length

  29 miles

  Intensity

  Difficult

Sightseeing

• Bartram’s Garden

  Bartram’s Garden was started around 1728, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Until 1850, it was the premier location for the collection of seeds in the U.S. The garden opened to the public in 1891. 

  Location

  5400 Lindbergh Boulevard., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143

• Cliveden of the National Trust

  Seven generations of the Benjamin Chew family lived in this Germantown home initially built as a country estate in 1767. Take note of the bullet holes near the home’s front doors when visiting this location as they are from the American Revolutionary War. Then, tour the home to gain a deeper understanding of American history, both its inspiring and its very flawed parts.

  Location

  6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144

• Fort Mifflin

  Construction of Fort Mifflin began in 1771, and Benjamin Franklin led troops who finished building this site in 1776. It fell to the British in late 1777 during one of the most significant battles of the American Revolutionary War. Throughout the Civil War, POWs were housed at this location, and it was used as an ammunition warehouse during World War II. 

  Location

  6400 Hog Island Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19153

Museums

• Rosenbach Museum and Library

  Once the home of Philip Rosenbach and his brother Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach, who were rare book salesmen, you can see many rare books at this museum, including ones signed by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. They also have the oldest known copy of Poor Richard’s Almanac. This museum often provides hands-on programming, allowing you to touch many of their rare items. 

  Location

  2008-2010 Delancey Place Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

• Washington Crossing Historic Park

  Learn the truth behind the painting of George Washington Crossing the Delaware by visiting the 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park where the actual crossing took place. Start your visit in the Lower Part where you can see 13 historic buildings. Then, explore the Upper Part that was used as a military hospital during the American Revolutionary War and is located about 5 miles away. 

  Location

  1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania 18977

• The Declaration House

  While the original house was demolished, the Declaration House was re-constructed in 1975. It's designed to look the same way it did when Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence there. The home contains a theater on the first floor that shows a short film about Jefferson's drafting process. 

  Location

  4 South 7th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Len Scherock Museum Store

  Located within The Center for Art in Wood, the Len Scherock Museum Store offers toys, jewelry, artwork, and home décor made from wood. Each object is made by hand by woodworkers from around the world. 

  Location

  141 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

• Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books

  This independent bookstore offers outstanding books in the Germantown neighborhood. Stop for a cup of their coffee and browse their vast selection. This store also frequently offers children’s storytime and author talks. 

  Location

  5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

• Masa Asia

  If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try the piña colada rolls topped with coconut shrimp, guacamole, and piña colada sauce at Masa Asia. This is a fantastic place to get sushi. 

  Location

  2111 West Main Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania 19403

• Malelini Café

  The smoked salmon and chicken platters are delicious at Malelini Café. They are each served with creamy hummus and other delicious sides. 

  Location

  6734 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19119

How To Get To Deshler-Morris House

The Deshler-Morris House is in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood, which is easily reachable from Independence Hall. From this landmark, head north on South 5th Street. Turn left on Arch Street and right on North 7th Street. Veer a slight right on North Franklin Street so that you can turn left on Interstate 676 West. Take the exit to get on Interstate 76 West, then take Exit 340B to get on US 1 North. Get off at the Germantown Avenue Exit and merge onto West Roberta Avenue. Go straight to get onto Berkley Street. Finally, turn left onto Germantown Avenue.

Address

Deshler-Morris House, 5442 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144 

Fee: Entry fee $0

When visiting the vibrant Germantown area of Pennsylvania, the Deshler-Morris House is a must-see stop. While you can explore various aspects of the historic neighborhood surrounding this site on foot, you can make the most of your stay by bringing your RV. There are plenty of great hiking opportunities at nearby parks as well as other places the entire family can enjoy.