Fort Mifflin is a National Historic Landmark on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, near the mouth of the Schuylkill River. Its Revolutionary War battlefield and later military buildings offer a look at several chapters of American history. Fort Mifflin is about 4.8 miles from the waterfront inn in Essington.
- Location: Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Regular public hours: Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 1 through December 15
- Weekend tours: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; cannon demonstrations: 1 p.m.
- Admission: fees apply; free admission is available to active-duty military personnel and their immediate families with identification
Why Fort Mifflin matters
Fort Mifflin is Philadelphia’s only fort and one of the only intact Revolutionary War battlefields, according to its operator. Its strategic position on the Delaware River placed it within reach of major waterways and made it a target during the Revolutionary War.
British forces bombarded the fort in November 1777. Visit Philadelphia reports that nearly 350 Americans died during the bombardment and that British forces fired more than 10,000 cannonballs at the fort during the siege.
The site’s story continued beyond the Revolution. Its grounds include a Revolutionary War battlefield, a Civil War prison, and a magazine associated with World War II gunpowder storage. The fort’s military history also spans World War I; the federal government decommissioned it in 1954, ending 183 years of service.
What can you see on the historic grounds?
Fort Mifflin’s grounds bring together fort structures and places connected to different periods of military use. The site includes a Civil War prison and a magazine associated with World War II gunpowder storage, alongside its Revolutionary War battlefield.
Displays include British-produced Brown Bess rifles and other military objects. The grounds also have a store selling artifact replicas and colonial-style candy. Since the fort is an outdoor historic site, you can bring a picnic to the shaded riverfront picnic area.
Leashed pets are allowed on the grounds. If your pet is sensitive to loud noises, ask the fort about cannon or musket demonstrations before visiting.
What are Fort Mifflin’s hours and admission rules?
Fort Mifflin is generally open to the public from March 1 through December 15. From December 15 through March 1, it is closed to general visitors, though private events, rentals, or visits arranged in advance may be possible.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission fees apply, and active-duty military personnel and their immediate families receive free admission with identification. General admission can be paid by Visa, Mastercard, debit card, or cash. Some living-history events may charge an additional admission fee; the operator prefers cash at event entrances and advises visitors paying by card to purchase tickets online through its event calendar.
Weekend tours are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with cannon demonstrations at 1 p.m. Reserved school and tour groups may visit any day of the week by advance appointment. Hours, admission details, and event schedules can change, so check the official site before you go.
For more on admission and opening times, Fort Mifflin’s ticket and hours details can help you plan your visit.
How do you get to Fort Mifflin from Essington?
Fort Mifflin is at Fort Mifflin and Hog Island Roads in Philadelphia. For GPS, the operator recommends entering 6400 Hog Island Road, Philadelphia, PA 19153. From downtown Philadelphia, its directions use I-95 south to Exit 15, Island Avenue/Enterprise Avenue, then Fort Mifflin Road. Follow the signs into the fort; free parking is on the left.
If you’re driving from Delaware County, the operator’s directions use I-95 north to Exit 13, Valley Forge/West 291, then Island Avenue, Enterprise Avenue, and Fort Mifflin Road. Follow the signs to the fort entrance, where free parking is on the left.
For another outdoor stop in the area, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge visitor guide covers a nearby nature destination.
FAQs
When is Fort Mifflin open to the public?
Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. Its regular public season runs from March 1 through December 15. It is generally closed to visitors from December 15 through March 1.
Are tours and cannon demonstrations available on weekends?
Weekend tours are listed at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and cannon demonstrations at 1 p.m. Reserved school and tour groups may arrange visits seven days a week in advance.
Can you bring a picnic or a pet?
Yes. Visitors may picnic in the shaded riverfront area, and leashed pets are allowed on the grounds. Check ahead about cannon or musket demonstrations if your pet may be sensitive to the noise.