Fodor's Expert Review John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

South Philadelphia Nature Preserve/Wildlife Refuge

Part of the appeal of this refuge is its truly strange location for a nature preserve: it's between the airport and an oil refinery, and visitors seem to really enjoy the oddity of it. More than 280 species of hawks, swallows, herons, egrets, geese, gallinules, eagles, orioles, ducks, and other birds have been spotted at this 1,200-acre preserve, the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. There are 10 miles of foot trails, an observation deck, and boardwalks through the wet areas. The refuge is also home to fox, deer, muskrat, turtles, and frogs, and you'll likely see large carp and catfish flopping about the lilies. An environmental education center has some explanatory exhibits on wetlands and regional wildlife. There are many guided tours. You can even canoe, kayak, and mountain bike, but there are no rentals here. The refuge is convenient to I–95, which you can pick up from Penn's Landing. Call for directions.

Nature Preserve/Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts

8601 Lindbergh Blvd.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19153, USA

215-365–3118

www.fws.gov/refuge/john_heinz

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Free

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