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Boathouse Row
Local boating clubs take great pride in their historic 19th-century boathouses, which line the Schuylkill River just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
At night, lights outline one of the city’s loveliest views, aptly named Boathouse Row.
Rowers of all ages and skill levels flock to the Schuylkill River to practice, compete, learn and explore the sport of rowing along Boathouse Row, be it a single rower on a peaceful early morning or an exciting weekend regatta with lots of noise, colors and fanfare.
Sandwiched between Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row features a series of historic structures.
Sandwiched between Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park, Boathouse Row features Lloyd Hall recreation center and historic rowing clubs claiming the next 10 buildings all the way to the Sedgely Club, a private social enclave, which rounds out the Row.
Each club is a member of the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, the oldest amateur athletic governing body in America.
East Park Canoe Club and the Philadelphia Canoe Club maintain headquarters a bit farther down the river.
At Boathouse Row, the boathouses light up each night, creating one of the city's loveliest displays. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Throughout the year, Boathouse Row sets the backdrop for time-honored races including the Stotesbury Regatta, the Schuylkill Navy Regatta, the Philadelphia Youth Regatta and of course, the massive Dad Vail. Some of the clubs also hold programs for rowers of every experience level to learn and hone their skills.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Philadelphia’s newest riverfront destination for playing, living, working and having fun