Visit Us
Refuge Hours and Parking
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Enjoy the serenity of nature without worrying about parking fees, as complimentary parking is provided. Trails are accessible and also free and open daily from sunrise to sundown. Just come during our open hours and park for free at the visitor center. It's first-come, first-served, so no need to worry, just enjoy your visit!
The Visitor Center is closed for all Federal holidays, but trails remain open.
The refuge follows the City of Philadelphia closing schedule during severe weather events.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm.
Stop by the front desk of the Visitor Center and find helpful information, including maps, brochures, birding checklists and restrooms. Binoculars and fishing rods are available for loan, free of charge. Food is not available for purchase. Explore the Center’s exhibits to learn more about the wildlife and habitats of the refuge and the communities that support the refuge’s work.
Free Public Program
From free guided nature walks to nature festivals, refuge staff and volunteers offer more than a hundred free public programs all year round, both on the refuge and in Southwest Philadelphia!
Activities
There is always something going on both on the refuge and at local Southwest Philadelphia community spaces! Check out the event calendar for upcoming guided nature walks, clean-up opportunities, nature festivals, and more! The event calendar can be found in the kiosk by the Visitor Center or on Facebook @JohnHeinzNWR.
Trails
With more than 10 miles of trails, the refuge provides many opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. The popular 3.5 mile Wetland Loop offers opportunities for wildlife observation, walking, and biking in a variety of habitats. The Big Boardwalk Loop is less than 1 mile and is wheelchair accessible.
Locations
There are two entrances to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. The eastern entrance to the refuge is located at 86th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard in Southwest Philadelphia, and provides access to the Visitor Center, walking trails, fishing access points, and wildlife observation structures. The western entrance is on Route 420, just north of I-95, and provides access to walking trails and fishing access.
Public Transportation to the Visitor Center
SEPTA Bus: Take Route 37 and 108 buses to 84th St. and Lindbergh Blvd. The Visitor Center is approximately 0.5 miles from the bus stop.
SEPTA Regional Rail: Take the Airport Line to Eastwick Station. The Visitor Center is approximately 1 mile from the train station.