6 Things to Do Around the Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia

Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia may be the hottest casino in the city once its doors open. And if the American Revolution is up your alley, then you’ll love what you’ll find in the area surrounding the future casino.

With that said, you’ll find six stellar attractions listed below. Most of which have to do with the American Revolution and the founding of America, which we know the city of Philadelphia for. They don’t call this city the “Cradle of Liberty” for nothing.

So, if you’re planning a week gaming over at Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia, make sure you take a day or two to check out the rich history this city offers. You won’t be disappointed in what you’ll find.

Let’s get started.

1 – Liberty Bell and Independence National Historical Park

It’s arguably the most recognized symbol of liberty in the world. The Liberty Bell sits at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park close to Independence Hall, where America’s founders signed the Declaration of Independence and adopted the US Constitution.

So, if you take time away from Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia to see this iconic symbol of American Independence, you don’t just have the Liberty Bell to view but an entire city park at your disposal. The park sits on 55 acres of land and attracts 3.5 million visitors annually.

Other than the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, you’ll also find several historical buildings situated throughout the park. Historical buildings include the First Bank of the United States, the Second Bank of the United States, Carpenter’s Hall, and City Tavern.

Other structures included in the park are Franklin Court, Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center, Independence Visitor Center, plus a memorial dedicated to the former site of the President’s House.

2 – Franklin Institute and Benjamin Franklin National Memorial

Drawing its roots all the way back to 1824, this is one of the oldest science education and development centers in the United States. The venue drew its name from American scientist Benjamin Franklin and therefore, it also houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.

So, like everything you’ll find at the Liberty Bell Center and Independence National Historical Park, it’s a safe bet that you’ll find over one reason to head on over to the Franklin Institute, regardless of whether it’s an educational experience in history or science that you’re after.

Located in the rotunda area of the Franklin Institute, you’ll find this colossal, 20-foot tall statue featuring a seated Ben Franklin. The statue itself weighs 27 tons and rests on a marble pedestal weighing in at 83 tons.

It is the focal point of the Franklin Institute that draws over 170,000 guests per year from all over the globe. 

But if you’re more into the scientific side of things, what will you find here at the Franklin Institute?

Permanent exhibits and attractions here include Electricity, Changing Earth, the Franklin Airshow, the Giant Heart, the Train Factory, Sir Isaac’s Loft, Space, Command, and Your Brain. So, there is no particular niche at this science museum.

Instead, you’re getting everything from biological to astronomical to earth sciences here, and everything in between. This place is more than fit for any science buff.

3 – Independence Hall

We already covered Independence Hall’s location in Independence National Historical Park. This section, however, focuses more on the building itself and the sight of where arguably the two most important documents in American History were signed and adopted.

The hall also served as the principal site of the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1783. The hall was once again in use back in 1915, when then-President William Howard Taft made the announcement to form the League to Enforce Peace, the predecessor to the League of Nations and United Nations.

Independence Hall is said to attract over a half-million visitors per year. And if you’re a fan of gaining insight on the American Revolution, it won’t take long to see why this is the case. But if you’re an architecture enthusiast, you’ll fall in love with this building’s exterior Georgian architecture design.

4 – Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Located at 532 North 7^th Street in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood, you’ll find a preserved home the legendary author once rented in 1843.

On the site, you’ll find a gift shop, a film screening room, a welcome area, and a few minor exhibits. You’ll also find a reading room, which is the only room on the site furnished to resemble how Poe may have decorated it back in the 19^th century.

This room contains a complete list of Poe’s works, as well as criticisms and even audio interpretations. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when you enter the property, given the presence of a detailed raven statue found outside the home. Of course, the raven statue is a general nod to one of Poe’s most famous poems, “The Raven,” which he published in 1845.

Another fun fact about the house is that its cellar resembles the one seen in Poe’s 1843 work, The Black Cat. While none of Poe’s personal belongings reside in the house, you can find them collected over at the Free Library of Philadelphia.

This venue offers both guided and self-guided tours from Friday to Sunday. So, if you’re a fan of classic American horror, take a ride out to this location when you need a break from gambling for real money at Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia.

5 – Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Found at 301 Pine Street, this national memorial is dedicated to preserving the life and works of Polish patriot and Revolutionary War icon, Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

Kosciuszko first traveled to the British colony in 1776. A champion of human rights, Kosciuszko was a staunch believer in the American cause. After gaining a hero’s status during the war, he eventually returned home to Poland.

However, he’d find himself banished from Russian-occupied Poland, he returned to America in 1797 in a quest to find a cheap, remote, and small venue to recuperate from the wounds he received during the conflict with the Russians.

While he rarely left the house, prominent figures like Thomas Jefferson, William Paterson, Benjamin Latrobe, Chief Joseph Brant, Chief Little Turtle, and others. He would eventually return to Europe to support the unification of what was then a divided Poland.

But the legacy he left behind in the home remains. The home earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and achieved status as a National Memorial in 1972. It is currently the smallest memorial in the National Park System, so a bit of a fun fact there.

If you’re gaming at Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia or another area casino on the weekends, this is the perfect hot spot for a tour. Whether you’re an enthusiast of the American Revolution or if you’re looking to take a break from gaming, this place is worth making the jaunt to.

6 – National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is just how it sounds: It is the premier museum in America devoted to the United States Constitution.

While it does not house the original Constitution, which resides in Washington DC’s National Archives Building, this is the place to be if you are a Constitutional enthusiast in any capacity.

Here, you’ll find an interactive experience comprising constitutional dialogue. This venue has also played host to government leaders, scholars, journalists, and even celebrities. When you walk through the doors of the National Constitution Center, you may just meet a few idols.

While this venue is technically part of what is believed to be “America’s Most Historic Square Mile” given its proximity to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historical attractions in the Cradle of Liberty, it is a relatively new building, having opened its doors in 2003.

So, what points of interest will you find here?

You’ll treat yourself to exhibits such as the state flags in the venue’s lobby, sculptures of America’s most important outlets like Capitol Hill, and even life-sized statues of the signers of the Constitution in Signers’ Hall.

If you’re getting goosebumps just reading about all you can experience in the Birthplace of Liberty that is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, write up that itinerary and plan a trip where you can experience the National Constitution Center and other hot venues on this list.

Then, once you’re finished, get in on the slot and table gaming action at Philadelphia’s latest casino.

Conclusion

So, from the Liberty Bell all the way to the National Constitution Center, you’ll find the City of Brotherly Love thriving with history at literally every corner of town. But hey, if you don’t find the city’s historic sites regarding the American Revolution appealing, no worries.

There are tons of nearby attractions to get excited over. In fact, you can write a book on the number of attractions you’ll come across in this city. So, whether it’s history, sports, science, the arts, or nature, there are plenty of things to get excited about around the casino scene.

Have you played at Philadelphia’s surrounding casinos and are you making a trip to Live! Casino Hotel and Philadelphia when it opens? If so, have you visited the attractions listed above? Tell us in the comments and share your experiences.