Parks / Valley Forge National Historical Park
Valley Forge National Historical Park
National Historical Park · PA
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, and monuments commemorating the resolve of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together, overcome adversity, and find renewal through transformation.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters) Closed For Restoration
The Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge) is temporarily closed for a restoration project. The Washington's Headquarters area, including the Valley Forge Train Station and exhibits, Commander-In-Chief's Guard Huts, and George Washington statue, remains open and accessible during regular operating hours. Learn more about the restoration project at the link below.
Dogs Prohibited on Grand Parade Trails from April 1 to September 15
The Grand Parade Trails are closed to dogs from April 1 to September 15 to protect breeding birds nesting in the meadows. Nesting songbirds see dogs as predators, which can stress the birds and lead to less productive or even failed nests.
Maurice Stephens Parking Lot Closed During Construction Project
The parking lot near the Maurice Stephens house, located on Rt 23 opposite from the Washington Memorial Chapel, is closed during construction and renovation work on the house. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel lot for Grand Parade trail access
County Line Road Closed Monday To Friday
County Line Road is closed during the week, from Monday through Friday. The closure will apply to all vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Please find an alternate route.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Daily Trolley Tours
Aug 31, 2026 · Trolley tours depart from the front of the visitor center, follow the encampment tour route and make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and the Washington's Headquarters area.
Artillery Firing Demonstration
Sep 5, 2026 · Artillery firing demonstrations take place at the firing range behind the reconstructed log soldier huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade.
Art in the Park Outing - Wayne's Woods Picnic Area
Sep 6, 2026 · Meet in the Wayne’s Woods parking lot near the restrooms.
Things to Do
Be a Valley Forge B.A.R.K. Ranger
Learn the four B.A.R.K. principles, complete pages in the activity book, and show your work to a ranger at the visitor center. After you make the B.A.R.K. Ranger promise, you and your doggo will get a Valley Forge B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag!
Be a Valley Forge Junior Ranger
Complete in the in-park Valley Forge Junior Ranger program by picking up a copy of the Junior Ranger Activity Booklet from a ranger at the visitor center.
Be a Virtual Junior Ranger
You can become a Valley Forge Virtual Junior Ranger even if you can't visit the park! This program features six online activities that you can do with your computer, a pencil, a piece of paper, and about thirty minutes. Designed for kids 7-12, but open to all.
Bike the Joseph Plumb Martin Loop
Biking the paved 5-mile loop of the Joseph Plumb Martin trail is a great way to get some exercise and experience Valley Forge!
Dial in to the Cell Phone Guide
The Cell Phone Guide provides recorded audio information about the history, people, landscapes, and buildings of Valley Forge National Historical Park and can enhance any visit to the park. Dial 484-396-1018 to access the guide.
Drive the Encampment Tour Route
Drive the 10-mile Encampment Tour route and stop at nine key locations within the park. An excellent overview of the history, significance, and scenic offerings of Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Explore the Iron Making in Colonial America Museum Exhibit
The museum exhibit Forging a Nation: Iron Making in Colonial America features artifacts from the 18th century iron industry and puts the industry in the context of the American Revolution.
Explore the Valley Forge Encampment Museum Exhibit
Explore the sights, sounds, and stories of the Valley Forge encampment in the brand-new museum exhibit located at the Visitor Center at Valley Forge!
Explore the Washington's Wartime Family Exhibit
Explore the motivations and decisions of General George Washington and learn about the people that made up Washington's military family during the Valley Forge encampment in this museum exhibit, located in the Historic Valley Forge Station near Washington's Headquarters.
Listen to the Audio Tour
The Audio Tour is available for purchase as an audio CD, a downloadable MP3 file, or for streaming using a smartphone or tablet. You can purchase and listen to the Audio Tour by visiting The Encampment Store website.
Rent a Bicycle
For those who want to explore Valley Forge on two wheels, The Encampment Store offers seasonal bike rentals, weather permitting. Please call 610-551-7870 before going to the park to confirm that bike rentals are on for the day.
Take a Trolley Tour
Trolley tours are offered on a seasonal basis. Check the schedule for current tour status. Trolley tours depart from the front of the Visitor Center and make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and Washington's Headquarters. Trolley Tours are 90 minutes long, ADA accessible, and administered by The Encampment Store.
Walk or Run the Joseph Plumb Martin Trail
Walking or running on the paved Joseph Plumb Martin trail is a great way to get some exercise and experience Valley Forge!
Watch the Park Orientation Film
The 19-minute park orientation film Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment is shown daily on the hour and the half-hour in the Meeting Room. The first screening is at 9:30 AM and the final screening is at 4:30 PM.
Watch the Short Films
Four short films play regularly in the museum exhibit located in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge.
Visitor Centers
- Visitor Center at Valley Forge
Source: National Park Service.