Valley Forge National Historical Park is a step back in time to the winter of 1777. The snow falling during my late January visit brought the experience to life. I walked where General George Washington’s troops walked as they weathered the winter and prepared to fight for independence. The park has numerous paths, trails and roads that wind their way through the countryside. With so many options, I’ve compiled a list of seven places to visit at Valley Forge.

Begin Your Visit at the Visitor Center

I made the mistake of exploring the visitor center after I’d driven through the park. While it wasn’t a big deal, I felt like I would’ve had a better grasp on what I was seeing in the park if I would’ve stopped at the visitor center first.

Inside the visitor center, you’ll find artifacts from the winter in Valley Forge. I was able to lift a musket to feel how heavy it was and learn about the foods, the challenges, the perseverance and the accommodations of the troops. I didn’t get a chance to watch the video in the visitor center, but that would’ve probably helped me learn even more about life among the troops as the Revolutionary War progressed.

While at the visitor center, you can find historical books, apparel, art and other souvenirs. Once you’ve filled your head with knowledge, it’s time to venture out into the park.

Explore the Cabins of Muhlenberg Brigade

Since I was there in January, the weather was cold, windy and wet. Snow was starting to fall. Wandering through the cabins of the Muhlenberg Brigade was pretty neat. One cabin showed what the officers quarters were like. Another one had two sets of bunk beds with straw for a mattress and a little spot for a fireplace. I could only imagine how miserable that sleeping arrangement would’ve been. But I’m also blessed with modern conveniences.

Each of the open cabins provide a slightly different glimpse into life at Valley Forge. Nearby, you’ll also find cannons used to help protect the brigade should any enemies approach the camp.

Just to the west are wide open fields. I found a park bench along a walking path and took a moment to look out into the field and imagine a tent city with troops sitting around a fire to stay warm. It was a humbling experience reflecting on those men and women who gave their lives in a war that brought independence.

Reflect at the National Memorial Arch

After reflecting on an open field, I later found myself at the National Memorial Arch. Construction of the Arch was completed in 1917 and educated to General George Washington and his troops of the American Continental Army.

The inscription along the top of the Arch is a quote from General Washington. It reads,

“Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable Patience and Fidelity of the Soldiery”

The monument is a symbol of the army’s perseverance in the war. During the winter of 1777-1778, 2,500 American soldiers died from exposure, malnutrition and disease. Yet the American Continental Army kept going and later won America’s independence.

Stand Where General Washington Stood

The Isaac Potts House became General Washington’s headquarters at Valley Forge. The house was defended by a nearby river and mountain, along with log cabins filled with soldiers. It became the perfect spot for the leaders of the Continental Army to discuss war strategy and organize training sessions to ready the troops for the battles that would certainly come in the spring.

Washington’s Headquarters has adequate parking, though it’s a little bit of a walk from the main parking area to the house. Definitely make a stop at the train station. It’s filled with great information about Valley Forge and General Washington.

The house is open for tours. Here are the hours of operation:

• April 16 – June 15 from 9AM – 5PM daily
• June 16 – August 19 from 9AM – 6PM daily
• August 20 – December from 9AM – 5PM daily
• 10AM – 4PM weekends only, January – April 15 including President’s Day, Martin Luther King Day.
• Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years Day.

Read up on the rooms inside Washington’s Headquarters and how they were used in this downloadable PDF.

Size up the Cannons at Artillery Park

During my visit to Valley Forge, I spotted a cannon here and there. When I came to Artillery Park, it was by far the largest concentration of cannons I’d seen my entire visit. Three rows of five or six formed a little box, all pointing outward. I enjoyed seeing how big the cannons were and imagining how the soldiers would work together to fire the cannons during battle.

Kids will probably enjoy this part of the park. However, the cannons don’t fire, and kids shouldn’t climb around on them. But it would still be fun for the kids to explore and see how big the cannons are compared to themselves.

Artillery Park has a small parking lot and restroom facilities, so it also makes a great spot for a potty break on your trek through Valley Forge.

Be Inspired at the Washington Memorial Chapel

The Washington Memorial Chapel is home to the Justice Bell. It’s a replica of the Liberty Bell and was used during the campaign for women’s voting rights. A little exhibit explains the Justice Bell Tour around Pennsylvania in the early 1900s.

The chapel is also full of numerous stained glass windows. The little room where the Justice Bell resides has some that highlight Americanization, education, national defense and research. The chapel also honors those who have served in the American armed forces.

During the year, the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge offers concerts, special guest speakers and even some reenactments. While at the chapel, visit the gift shop or grab a bite to eat.

The chapel hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5:00 p.m.

Explore the Valley Forge via Hike, Bike or Horseback

When I was wrapping up my winter drive through Valley Forge, I saw a bike rental shop near the visitor center. I reflected back on all the paved bike trails and crossings I had seen throughout the park. Although the rental shop wasn’t open, I was thinking that in better weather, it would be a fun family activity to explore Valley Forge by bicycle.

Valley Forge has 19.5 miles of hiking trails, 21 miles of bike trails and 17 miles of designated horseback riding trails. The Joseph Plumb (JP) Martin Trail is 6.6 miles of paved trail, perfect for biking. It connects with many of the popular sites along the south side of the park. For the hiker, Horseshoe Trail begins at Washington’s Headquarters and connects with the Appalachian Trail.

So whatever your activity level, take the time to explore the park in your own way.

The Details

Address: 1400 North Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia, PA, 19406

Parking: The Visitor Center has a nearby parking lot. Throughout the park, you’ll find smaller parking lots at some of the key sites.

Cost: There is no cost to enter Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Hours: The park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset. The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but extends to 6 p.m. mid-June through mid-August. Washington’s Headquarters is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park buildings are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/vafo/index.htm

Phone: (610) 783-1000

Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out these nearby stops.

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