Touring Valley Forge National Historical Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park is a great place to bring your history-loving family. Located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, the park is the site of the 1777–1778 winter encampment of the Continental army during the American Revolutionary War. Today, the 3,500-acre park boasts trails, replicas and other historical markers perfect for learning more about Valley Forge’s place in our nation’s history.

There are several things to do once you arrive at the park. The best place to start is with a tour of the encampment. There are nine major stops along the tour, which takes visitors on a 10-mile loop of the park. The encampment tour makes stops at the National Memorial Arch, Washington’s Headquarters, Artillery Park and Steuben Statue, among others. The self-guided tour can be completed in as little as 20 minutes, or spend more time at each stop to explore the landmarks.

There are more than 30 miles combined of multiuse trails throughout the park, so tailor the route for your visit. Biking, hiking and horseback riding are options for the various trails. The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail is a paved, multiuse trail that connects with other shorter trails in the park. The trail’s inner loop is 5 miles, while the entire trail is 8.7 miles. Download a map here.

The park is open daily, year-round, 7 a.m. through dusk. Throughout the park are a visitor center, theater, Washington’s headquarters and train station, Washington chapel and chapel cabin shop. Some areas, including the visitor center and theater, are currently closed due to COVID-19. Please check the website before your visit.