Rolling hills, wooded areas, and several important historical sites, Valley Forge National Historical Park is a gem of a destination.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Valley Forge National Historical Park, & give valuable tips, including the best time to visit, where to stay, what to bring, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Summary
| Park | Valley Forge National Historical Park |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 |
| Things to do | Tour, sight seeing and many more |
| Hotels near | Comfort Suites Gettysburg, Best Western Gettysburg and many more |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Camping Location | Not available |
Where Is Valley Forge National Historical Park?
Valley Forge National Historical Park is situated northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The park can be reached from the Center of the City of Philadelphia by driving along a thirty-five-minute scenic route.
The nearest airport to Valley Forge National Historical Park is Philadelphia International Airport.
From there, there are six ways to reach Valley Forge, which can be accessed by bus, train, car, Towncar, etc.
About Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge Park was the encampment site of the Continental Army at the time of the winter of 1777-1778.
Located just outside of Philadelphia, the park contains several significant historical buildings, rebuilt encampment structures, museums, and memorials that commemorate the collective sacrifices of the Revolutionary War generation.
Extending over 3,500 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and woodlands, the park is a home to diverse wildlife and plants.
Valley Forge is an ideal destination for runners, bicyclists, and history enthusiasts.
More than 1.2 million people visit the park to learn about the nation’s revolutionary history and to enjoy plenty of recreational facilities.
History Of Valley Forge National Historical Park
This Park played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. In 1777, General George Washington and his 12,000 troops of the Continental Army were encamped at Valley Forge. The site was selected because of its strategic position.
During the notorious winter of 1777, the troops in the encampment suffered horribly from sickness and cold.
Still, they overcame the adversity during extraordinary times and triumphed over Great Britain, its largest military power.
In 1893, the Valley Forge was designated as the first state park of Pennsylvania by VFPC to preserve the natural environment and maintain a public site on which General Washington’s army encamped at the Valley Forge.
Valley Forge was designated a U.S National Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
In 1976, the state gifted the park to the country to celebrate the bicentennial, and Valley Forge National Historical Park officially became Pennsylvania’s first state park.
Valley Forge National Historical Park Tour Video!
Things to do in the park
Here are the top 5 best things to do in this Park:
The Encampment Tour
The encampment tour is the main reason why millions of visitors flock to the this Park every year.
The history buffs will be thrilled to see the actual location where George Washington and his troops resided during the revolutionary war.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour throughout the park hitting all the major historical monuments and important sites.
The tour can take up to 20 minutes to several hours, depending on how often you stop along the way.
National Memorial Arch
The National Memorial Arch is another famous site that’s not to be missed.
In 1907, the Valley Forge National Park Commission decided to erect an arch memorializing the sacrifices of General George Washington and his devoted troops at Valley Forge during the American Revolution.
The arch was designed by Paul Philippe Cret and got approved in 1911. The construction began in 1914 and concluded on June 19, 1917.
George Washington’s Headquarters
Quarters of the former president is another highlight of the park. Visitors can tour the two-story house used by Washington during the revolutionary war.
At the time of the war, the house was owned by Isaac Potts, and Washington transformed it into his headquarters.
The headquarters are still furnished to look precisely what they used to be when Washington resided here.
Washington Memorial Chapel
This epic church is another must-see site in the park. They Built the ChapelChapel between 1903 to 1917 in honor of General George Washington and soldiers of the continental army.
The remarkable bell tower next to the ChapelChapel is home to “Justice Bell,” a symbol of the women’s suffrage movement from 1915 to 1920.
The ChapelChapel hosts a variety of reenactments, concerts, and other special events for visitors throughout the year.
Recreated Cabins and Structures
The Park features many recreated cabins and similar structures used by soldiers during the encampment.
And also, numerous historic buildings are still in their original form and have not been refurbished.
After the designation of Valley Forge State Park in 1940, more cabins and huts were constructed, many of which were rebuilt again in 1961.
Best Time to Visit
No matter what time of the year it is, this Park always offers much.
September to October and April to May are the best time to visit the park in terms of weather and crowds.
These months bring the most pleasant temperatures and offer fewer crowds.
Map Of Valley Forge National Historical Park:
Download the map of this park from NPS Website to get an idea of how things are in and around the park, including the key park sites, hikes, and Encampment Tour route.
Camping Locations
This Park does not allow camping to preserve the original encampment site and maintain the park’s natural beauty.
You can probably find decent campgrounds near the park to relax and enjoy. To browse the camping spots nearby, click here.
Read: Arches National Park
Weather Of Valley Forge National Historical Park
The Park has a continental climate, and the weather is pretty favorable throughout the year with an average temperature of 52°F.
Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and moist. June is the hottest month of the year.
The average daily temperature goes to 93°F and the lowest temperature goes to 32°F.
Spring and Autumn are primarily mild but can swing between warm and cold temperatures. Make sure to check out the latest weather forecast.
Hotels Near valley Forge National Historic Park
There are many hotels near the Park that make it easy to round out a trip to the park.
Here are some top-rated recommendations from TripAdvisor:
Entry Fees Of Valley Forge National Historical Park
The entrance to the Park is completely free. But, visitors need to pay for 90-minute guided Trolly tour.
You can purchase tickets from the Visitor Center at Valley Forge.
Checklist for Things to Pack
Here are a few necessities you must pack at the time of planning a trip to Valley Forge National Historical Park:
- Backpack
- Warm clothing
- Wet weather clothing
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Tent/sleeping bag
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable foods
- Energy bars
- Sun protection gear
- Binoculars
- Flashlight/Headlamp
- Camera
- First-aid kit
- Bug spray
- Map
FAQ
Is Valley Forge National Historical Park worth a Visit?
Besides its historical significance, the park features a stunning landscape with commendable views making it an ideal spot to enjoy picnics, photography, and other outdoor activities.
How much time do I need in Valley Forge National Historical Park?
To get the best experience, we’d recommend spending 2-3 days to have enough time to explore the battlefield and the surrounding town and learn unique things about history.
Can I go for a picnic at Gettysburg National Military Park?
Yes, the park has three designated areas for a picnic that provide picnic tables, trash receptacles, restrooms, and other facilities.
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