Here are a few highlights you should know about Valley Forge National Historical Park before you visit.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is an essential stop in Montgomery County, PA for anyone interested in American history. This is where George Washington’s Continental Army spent the pivotal winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorating this time during the Revolutionary War.
Visiting
The park’s grounds are open daily, year-round from about 7 a.m. to dark. Other areas of the park, like the Visitor Center, Washington’s Headquarters, and more have specific hours and could be closed, depending on the season. Check the park’s website before going. There is no entrance fee and parking is free. Pets are welcome but must be leashed.
Visitor Center
Stop by the newly renovated visitor center to speak with a park ranger, find maps and information, and explore The Encampment store for souvenirs. Don’t forget to check out the brand-new exhibits and artifacts in the visitor center, as well as a new park video.
Looking for what to do after your visit to the park? Use the interactive kiosk inside the Visitor Center to view Montgomery County restaurants, activities, upcoming events and more! While inside, guests can also charge up their phones at the free charging tables located across from the Visitor Center Kiosk.
Picnic Areas
There are three designated picnic areas within Valley Forge National Historical Park. All picnic areas provide shade, first-come, first-served picnic tables, seasonal public restrooms, and access to hiking and biking trails.
Must-see Monuments
There are a few must-see monuments and historic buildings during your visit, including Washington’s Headquarters, the reconstructed log huts at the Muhlenberg Brigade area, the National Memorial Arch, the Von Steuben Statue, and the Patriots of African Descent Monument.
Bonus Attraction
Near the park is Washington Memorial Chapel, a memorial dedicated to George Washington and an active parish in Valley Forge. There is an active nonprofit that works to preserve and restore the artwork inside the chapel. In addition to many events held at the chapel, guests can check out the Chapel’s Cabin Shop for gifts and snacks.
Tours
The Encampment Store offers a trolley tour to explore the best parts of the park. Tickets are required. Seasonal bike tours and rentals are also available. There’s also an audio tour for visitors to purchase and take on their own. Check online or call for tour availability before you go.
Trails
Valley Forge National Historical Park has over 35 miles of designated trails. The paved Joseph Plumb Martin trail is popular among walkers, joggers and bikers as it makes a loop around many of the key historic sites in the park. There are also unpaved trails through the forests on Mount Joy and Mount Misery, next to Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River, and through the beautiful meadows of the Grand Parade.
GET THE FREE MONTCO HISTORY PASS
Explore history in a whole new way!
Make sure you get the FREE The Montco History Pass before you visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park. While here, check-in on the app and earn points to late redeem for a prize! The Montco History Pass will lead you on a journey as you explore historical homes, parks, and museums throughout Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA, honoring the Revolutionary War and early Pennsylvania history. There are 17 historical sites included in this pass that can be explored all year long!
