How to Visit Valley Forge National Historic Park

Valley Forge National Historic Park in Pennsylvania tells the tale of adversity during the Revolutionary War. With many historic buildings, trails and museum exhibits, Valley Forge National Historic Park should be a stop on the itinerary of anyone who is interested in the history of the United States. Here's how to make the most of your visit to Valley Forge.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Obtain maps of Valley Forge National Historic Park. Download and print trail maps from the website of the National Park Service. In addition, copies of maps of the park are available at the Welcome Center.

2. Determine the directions and the weather for Valley Forge National Historic Park. The website for the National Park Service has local maps as well as directions to the park from nearby cities. You can also view a live weather report for the park from the National Park Service website as well.

3. Know the operating hours for Valley Forge National Historic Park. The park is open year round, however hours vary during the year for the various attractions and the Welcome Center. Specific operating hours can be viewed on the National Park Service website.

4. Reserve overnight accommodations that you may need for your visit to Valley Forge National Historic Park. Check out the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau website (see link in Resources) for lodging information.

5. Visit the Welcome Center when you arrive at the park. Pick up a map of the park and get information about the park and the surrounding area. You can also find out about the activities that will be taking place in the park on the day of your visit.

6. View the exhibit "Determined to Persevere" and watch the film "Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment" at the Welcome Center. Both the exhibit and the film and admission to the Welcome Center are free.

7. Check the schedule of events for the day on which you are visiting Valley Forge National Historic Park. You can view an events calendar online on the website for the National Park Service or you can contact the Welcome Center directly.

8. Take a tour of Valley Forge National Historic Park. There are many ways to tour the park. You can take a guided ranger tour during the summer months or you can take a guided bike tour on weekends in the summer. You also can take a guided trolley tour or even a self-guided tour using your copy of the park map. Information on reserving tours, tour times and fees can be found online on the website for the National Park Service or by calling the Welcome Center.

9. Experience the Park on a guided trolley tour or even a self-guided tour using your copy of the park map. Find information on reserving tours, tour times and fees can on the website for the National Park Service or by calling the Welcome Center.

Tips & Warnings

• You can contact the Welcome Center by calling [phone].
• Many attractions and trails at Valley Forge National Historic Park are handicapped accessible. Information on accessibility can be found online on the website for the National Park Service.

Resources

• Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau
• National Park Service Website