Bartram's Garden Reviews Summary

Accessibility and Location

Pros:

• "Perfect bicycle destination from CC Philadelphia."
• "The grounds are very nice and easy to traverse."
• "The whole path is paved for those who have trouble walking."
• "Accessible by bike and minutes from University City."
• "There's a few spots for parking on site, so if one lot is full, you can continue down to another site down the trail to try your luck."
• "Free parking lot is available for cars."
• "Both trails are easy to walk and they offer some great views."

Cons:

• "The only issue is the lack of parking."
• "Also, getting there takes you through some very seedy areas that I frankly would not walk through even during the day."
• "Much of the gardens and trails were in considerable disrepair."
• "There are bottles, trash, and even needles!"
• "Poorly marked with nearly non existent signage inside the park making it difficult to find things even using the map."
• "The one downside is the lead in to the facility - Bartrams borders a rough looking city housing project and a less than cared for area of the city with rundown warehouses, pothole filled roads and homes in need of some love."
• "I'm not too crazy about the paved trail at 2 different spots in the trail I came across breaks showing that there are different ways in and out of the trail which didn't feel very safe and secure in my opinion."

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Volunteers are supportive and informative, making sure everyone has a safe experience."
• "Staff is great, the garden itself is fascinating as is the history of the estate."
• "The visitor center has great, courteous, helpful, nice staff."
• "The welcome center has informative staff and cute merchandise."
• "The people working there were extremely friendly thank you Shanna you made everything worthwhile."
• "Staff is so friendly and inviting!"
• "The staff are knowledgeable and friendly."

Cons:

• "Except one bartender who mixed up whiskey and bourbon."
• "The site is lovely, however the server's need to be taught how to work with the guests."
• "How the staff treated my family and I was beyond disrespectful."
• "I could tell who had service experience and who did not not. Smiling and being polite is a must, especially when servicing a wedding."
• "I wrote a letter to management after what happened, and they never replied, so minus one star."

Activities and Facilities

Pros:

• "They got free boating on Saturdays if you want to take the kids that did teach you how plus you can go fishing from there."
• "They also have group activities where they will teach about the plants."
• "And no cost to walk around. Very nice visit."
• "It’s is a beautiful park with trails and free activities like boating and biking."
• "Free boating on Saturdays."
• "They have free rentals on Saturdays during the summer from 11AM - 3PM."
• "They also have kayak/ canoe available for rides free of cost, on certain days."

Cons:

• "It felt like a lonely place at the time of our visit, Bartram's spirit had long departed, perhaps it returns in spring."
• "I will never go back."
• "I’m not giving 5 stars mostly because the trail by the river had a lot of garbage along the path and close to the river."
• "There's also a great welcome center and gift shop!"
• "Only a half hour at a time so that many people can enjoy."
• "The one downside is the long walk from parking to the waterfront."
• "The trails can be in better condition."

Environment and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "A lovely historical garden located in the middle of the inner city of Philadelphia."
• "This was my very first visit here and I found it to be very beautiful there."
• "Incredible service, perfect views for pictures and an all around scenic atmosphere that is a complete hidden gem!"
• "Really beautiful and secluded place to chill, fish, and launch your kayak or sup."
• "It's a beautiful place to be."
• "The grounds are beautiful and the plant life is so diverse."
• "A big open field with an impressive view of the city skyline."

Cons:

• "I was disappointed in the garden... Generally unkept."
• "Not everything is marked, That’s too bad."
• "Much of the gardens and trails were in considerable disrepair."
• "Beautiful garden! Lost two stars, though, because of the absolute mess as you head down towards the shoreline."
• "Go to Morris Arboretum instead (world class place). This place is a waste of time and a borderline dump."
• "It has been stripped of all the quaintness and historical gardens it was famous for."
• "The Schyulkill River is extremely polluted."