We all know Philadelphia is an awesome place to live and work. And now, even more out-of-towners may be flocking to check out our city, as National Geographic recently named Philadelphia to its prestigious Best Trips for 2020 list—and we’re the only U.S. city that made it! The magazine’s write-up touted a visit to our city as a way to “rediscover an American classic,” and while tourists are welcomed to do just that, local residents should also get in touch with Philadelphia’s storied history—and there are plenty of ways to do so in Manayunk, right near your The Isle apartment!

One of the best ways to walk back in time is by following the Manayunk Development Corporation’s guided walking tour of the Manayunk Canal. The tour starts at the Lock Street Bridge, two blocks from your The Isle apartment, and winds through the heart of town on the canal’s towpath to the Flat Rock Dam, a nearly two-mile walk. So lace up your sneakers and get exploring!

The canal towpath was originally designed in the early 1800s for mules to pull canal boats that transported both passengers and coal through Philadelphia, and also carried water to turbines that helped power the city and helped establish it as a leader in manufacturing. Once you set off from Lock Street, you’ll come upon Railroad Bridge, established in 1889 over the towpath.

Many of the stone buildings that border the canal are centuries old and were once textile mills that produced goods for the Civil War. Amid the mills is the Fountain Street Bridge, where centuries ago, the Schuylkill Rangers once positioned themselves to jump onto passing boats and rob passengers.

Further along, you’ll find the ruins of the former home of Winfield Scott Guiles, who tended to the canal for more than 60 years in the 19th century and whose wife was known as the “Manayunk Healer” for her nature medicine remedies. Finally, end your tour at Flat Rock Dam, which was built in 1818 and later reconstructed after a flood.

With all of the history that Philadelphia is home to, even longtime Manayunk residents can find something to learn about the City of Brotherly Love!

Manayunk Canal

Lock St.

Philadelphia, PA 19127

215-482-9565