Are you looking for some of the best things to do at Valley Forge National Historical Park? We’ve got you covered!
One of the best things about living near Philadelphia is all of the historically significant places nearby. We’ve enjoyed exploring all of the fun historic sites in Philadelphia, as well as the ones in Bucks County, like Washington’s Crossing.
However, one of the best historical sites to visit near Philadelphia is Valley Forge National Historical Park. It’s a one-stop shop for history and outdoor fun. In fact, we visit Valley Forge NHP more for hiking than anything else!
But that doesn’t mean we don’t love the history side of the park. It’s a lot of fun to tour the cabins and the redoubts and see where George Washington set up his headquarters.
If you’re looking for a fun day out or are visiting the Philadelphia area, Valley Forge National Historical Park has so many things to do it’s worth stopping by!
The guide below shares some of the best things to do at Valley Forge and some fun options nearby. So, let’s dive in!
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Getting to Valley Forge National Historical Park
The main entrance to Valley Forge National Historic Park is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, in King of Prussia, PA, about 45 minutes from Philadelphia. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus or train to Valley Forge from Philadelphia, so you’ll have to drive if you want to visit.
You will find the Visitor Center and Encampment Store at the main entrance. This is where the Trolley Tour departs and where you can rent bicycles to ride around the park.
There are other entrances into the 3500-acre park, including the two entrances from Valley Forge Road, one on Yellow Springs Road, and one at the intersection of Thomas and Gulph Roads.
It is FREE to enter Valley Forge National Historical Park and all the buildings and structures.
Getting Around Valley Forge Park
If you’re interested in touring Valley Forge National Historical Park, you’ll want to do the 10-mile loop and visit the nine major tour stops.
Driving and Self-Guided Tour
The easiest way to see the park is to drive a car. You can determine which stops you want to make and how long to stay at each one. There are plenty of parking spaces available at each stop. You can either use a map from the Visitor Center or purchase a self-guided driving tour.
Trolley Tour
Another fun way to learn about the park’s history is to take the trolley tour. The trolley tour guide provides an in-depth history of George Washington’s encampment as you drive along the 10-mile loop.
The downside of the trolley tour is it only stops at two points along the tour: Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters.
The trolley tour costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids under 12. Kids who can sit in their parents’ laps may ride for FREE. It’s recommended that you make reservations ahead of time.
Biking
Biking is a fun way to get around Valley Forge National Historical Park. You can either bring your own or rent one at the Visitor Center. Keep in mind bike rentals are offered limited times during the year. Bikes can be rented for 2-4 hours.
The Visitor Center also offers bike tours, providing information at each scheduled stop. There are 2-hour (5 miles) and 3-hour (7 miles) tours. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance.
Valley Forge History
Why is Valley Forge a National Historic Site? It’s the location of George Washington’s winter encampment with the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
In December 1777,12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children essentially built a city at Valley Forge, the 4th largest in the colonies at the time. It included 1500 log cabins and 2 miles of fortification.
Valley Forge provided the perfect place to defend while the British occupied Philadelphia, a day’s journey away.
The Best Things to Do At Valley Forge With Kids
Visitor Center Museum
No matter what, you’ll want to start at the Visitor Center. You can get a park map and pick up your Trolley tickets or bike rentals here.
However, you’ll want to take the time to walk around the small museum inside. They’ve recently redone the museum; the exhibits are fun and interactive. So it’s perfect for kids!
The exhibits detail what life was like for the soldiers during the encampment, including what they ate and wore and different medical methods. It’s worth exploring and enjoying the exhibits before you head out on the tour.
Become a Junior Ranger
Like other National Park properties, kids can become a Junior Ranger at Valley Forge National Historic Park.
Before you leave the Visitor Center, ask for a Junior Ranger Activity Book. Kids can complete activities and answer questions as you tour the park. Before you leave, return to the Visitor Center to turn in the book for a Junior Ranger badge. It’s a fun and FREE souvenir from their visit.
Explore a Redoubt Fortress
A redoubt is one of the first stops along your drive around Valley Forge.
Redoubts were temporary fortification structures typically built into the earth. You’ll find cannons and other equipment inside. They are fascinating to explore and learn about the fortifications built to keep the British away.
Check Out the Log Cabins
Throughout the park, there are many areas where kids can learn what it was like for Continental Soldiers during their winter at Valley Forge. You can enter several cabins to see how soldiers slept (sometimes 12 to a hut!) and what it was like for officers.
Learn From Interpreters
As you explore Valley Forge, you might encounter some interpreters and guides. Some guides demonstrated and answered questions about the encampment and the American Revolution.
Others will show what life was like for the soldiers and the women and children who lived at the encampment. On one visit, we learned about colonial-era games.
Stop at the National Memorial Arch
Built between 1914 and 1917, the National Memorial Arch was originally one of two arches meant to serve as an entrance to Valley Forge Park. However, funding was only approved for one arch.
The National Memorial Arch is modeled after the Arch of Titus in Rome. It is dedicated to General George Washington, the Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, and troops on site.
See Where George Washington Slept
Washington’s Headquarters is one of the best places to visit in Valley Forge because it’s one of the only original buildings still standing.
As you visit the house, you’ll see it set up the way Washington would have had it during the winter encampment, with his office downstairs and bedroom upstairs.
Guides at the house will encourage you to use the handrail as you ascend to the second floor. It’s the same one Washington used!
Visit the Washington Memorial Chapel
Although it is not officially a part of Valley Forge National Historic Park, the Washington Memorial Chapel is still worth a visit.
The Chapel is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. You are free to explore both the grounds and the sanctuary. You can also listen to bells in the Carillon during certain times of the year.
Don’t forget to check out the Justice Bell exhibit. Modeled after the Liberty Bell, the Justice Bell traveled throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness for women’s suffrage in 1915 and again nationwide in 1920.
Tips For Visiting Valley Forge with Kids
Allow For Enough Time
Valley Forge National Historical Park is over 3500 acres in size. There are nine Encampment Tour stops and many other monuments to see around the park.
Plan to visit each stop for at least 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the location and the available activities.
Bring a Picnic Lunch
There are two dedicated picnic areas in the park. The first is about a third of the way through the park in Wayne’s Woods. There are bathrooms and ample parking at this location. It also gives you a beautiful view of the National Memorial Arch.
The second picnic area is located near Varnum’s Quarters and is open seasonally. There are also restrooms at the picnic area.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Although you will be driving to each Encampment Tour stop, you will still be doing a lot of walking. In addition, some of the paths are unpaved. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Hiking Trails at Valley Forge
There are plenty of hiking trails at Valley Forge to keep you busy. They are some of our favorite hiking trails near Philadelphia.
Our personal favorite is the Mount Misery/Valley Creek Trail loop. It’s about 3 miles, starting with a steep climb, taking you by some old ruins, and eventually bringing you to the Valley Creek Trail and the Knox Covered Bridge, a fun, easy way to end the hike.
Other Things to Do Near Valley Forge National Historical Park
There are many fun and exciting things to do in Montgomery County, where Valley Forge is located.
Some of our favorite activities nearby include the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester (another place George Washington laid his head) and the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks.
You can also enjoy some shopping at King of Prussia Mall, where there are over 400 stores to patronize.
If the weather is nice, you can kayak down the Schuylkill River at Port Providence, which isn’t too far from Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valley Forge
How much time is needed at Valley Forge?
Valley Forge is a vast park with multiple stops along its 10-mile tour loop. Plan to spend at least two to three hours at Valley Forge to see everything. More if you want to do some of the hiking or biking trails.
When is the best time to visit Valley Forge?
Valley Forge is beautiful any time of year! The summer is the most popular time to visit, and will generally have more interpreters and guides available at each station.
It’s also fun to visit during the winter to get a realistic idea of what the soldiers endured for the first months of the encampment.
Do you need tickets to visit Valley Forge?
Valley Forge is FREE to visit and does not require a ticket. However, the Trolley Tour requires tickets and advanced reservations.
Wrapping Up Visiting Valley Forge With Kids
We’ve been to many historic sites in the United States, including others in Pennsylvania, like Gettysburg and Independence Hall, and we would put Valley Forge in the top five places to visit with kids.
There are so many activities for kids to enjoy and places for them to run around. The museum at the Visitor’s Center is fun and interactive, and the Junior Ranger Badge activities will keep them interested in each stop.
You’ll want to add a trip to Valley Forge anytime you’re in the Philadelphia area.
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