Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park is a beautifully maintained historic site offering an immersive experience into Revolutionary War history with original encampments, huts, and cannons. It features extensive walking and hiking trails suitable for families and offers amenities such as picnic tables, public restrooms, wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, and a welcoming visitor center with interactive exhibits and bike rentals. Dogs are allowed, making it a great destination for pet owners interested in combining history and outdoor activities.
Reviews
On my way through Pennsylvania, I had decided to stop at as many historical spots as I could and Valley Forge was on my list. Always wanted to come here being a Revolutionary War history buff. Overall it was a nice park. Good views and loved all the old buildings scattered throughout the park. Had alot of fun just driving around and looking at the landmarks and cannons and reading all the plaques. I must have visited on a busy day. Hardly any parking, traffic at every turn, tour busses filled with visitors, and sad I didn’t get to walk under the arch as a huge wedding party took it over. People riding my tail along the roads. People stopping their cars in the middle of the road blocking traffic for 15 min at a time. Park rangers just sitting in the parking lot, and having to dodge the sea of runners and strollers along the trail. I wouldn’t recommend this park for a peaceful viewing of history. Most the historical sites were pretty mild but the main areas were a nightmare to navigate. I really enjoyed the history and wish I had visited on a less busy day. Felt more like a recreational area vs a historical park.
I was not expecting this to be a highlight of our trip. I thought we would look at a field and move on, not the case. This area is so beautiful and there’s so many walking trails and things to see. Kids loved it.
We had a lovely visit to this historical place where my ancestors served. We toured the place by car since it was so hot outside, stopping at various spots for a closer look, including Washington’s Headquarters. The Visitor Center is very informative and interactive with clean bathrooms and a gift shop.
Beautiful park! Highly recommended. My suggestion is to stop first at the visitor center: maps, kind volunteers, little souvenirs shop, and a very interesting exposition. The 19 minutes film about the revolution was amazing (and free).
You can rent bikes (NULL adults and NULL kids). Better to book in advance during weekends.
Because the Park is huge, also during weekends is not crowded. Take a look to the map I uploaded so you can have an idea! ☺️ 5 stars for sure!
Valley Forge National Park is a national treasure. 🇺🇸
Well maintained, a visitor can’t help traveling back in time in their mind and imagining what took place on those sacred grounds as they climb the hills and view the strategically placed cannons overlooking where the ancient army anticipated an attack from the enemy.
Seeing the encampment from a distance simply doesn’t do the experience the justice it deserves. Walking in and out of the huts and reading about the history of what took place at Valley Forge including excerpts from out Founding Father – George Washington himself, stirred an authentic appreciation for The Land of the Free and The Home of The Brave!!