Things To Do

Activities
The Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit. The ranger on duty will answer your questions and give you a brief overview of the site. The twenty-minute movie "Road of Necessity" introduces the park story. Talks, tours, and historic weapons demonstrations are offered during the summer months. Get a complete schedule of activities at the visitor center.

Follow the short paved path from the visitor center to the Great Meadow and Fort Necessity, where the French & Indian War began. A 300 yard walk will get you from the Visitor Center to the reconstructed fort and battlefield.

You may wish to take the short hike or drive to the Mount Washington Tavern. The tavern is open to the public for self-guided tours from May 1st to October 31st. It is generally open 10 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week. The Mount Washington Tavern operated as a stage stop from 1828 to 1855. It is now a museum focusing on life along the National Road.

A monument marks the final resting place of British General Edward Braddock at the Braddock Grave Unit. Outdoor exhibits explain the ill-fated Braddock Campaign of 1755. A trace of the Braddock Road is clearly visible at this site.

Visit Jumonville Glen, the site of Washington's first encounter with the French. Outdoor exhibits help visitors understand the event.

Plan 1 1/2 to 2 hrs to see the historic sites in the main of the park. Add an additional hour to visit Braddock's Grave and Jumonville Glen.