Event
Patriots in the Park: Celebrating the 4th of July at Valley Forge
Fee:
Free. Free activities/Food for purchaseLocation: LAT/LONG: 40.100768, -75.423508
Valley Forge NHP 1400 North Outer Line Drive King of Prussia, PA 19406
Repeating Event
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Type of Event
Description
Patriots in the Park
Enjoy the 4th of July at Valley Forge!
Celebrate our nation’s independence through crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, trolley tours, Ranger-led walks, visitor- engagement experiences, plus more. Learn about the birth of the nation and the pivotal role the Valley Forge Encampment played in securing our freedom from Great Britain - all while celebrating the 4th of July in your national park. With more than 20 activities and programs there is plenty to do at Valley Forge this 4th of July!
Note: This year's event is organized differently from previous years due to the closure of the Visitor Center for construction and the desire to offer 4th of July programming in multiple areas around the park, including Washington's Headquarters and the Muhlenberg Brigade. The Temporary Visitor Center will provide event information and host some activities during the 4th of July - and we encourage you to explore all parts of the park!
Parking may be limited in some areas of the park due to holiday visitation. We're offering a free shuttle between Washington's Headquarters and the Temporary Visitor Center from 10:30am - 3:30pm.
Click "View More" for a complete list of programs - or download the program. Most programs run from 11:00AM - 3:00PM unless otherwise noted. Most programs are free.
Readings of the Declaration of Independence
Visitor Center | 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30
Join Benjamin Franklin as he recites the Declaration of Independence and sign your "John Hancock" to a copy of the Declaration.
Crafts and Kids Activities
Visitor Center and Washington's Headquarters | 11:00 - 3:00
Dress-up like a colonial soldier or civilian, make your own finger print flag, and make a tricorn hat! Take a fun photo with Ben Franklin as well as wooden cut-outs of revolutionary characters.
4th of July Junior Ranger Program
Visitor Center | 9:30 – 5:30
Become an official National Park Service Junior Ranger by completing a variety of fun educational activities. Start at the Visitor Center and pickup your Junior Ranger Booklet. Earn a special edition 4th of July Junior Ranger token, open to all ages.
Trolley Tours
Visitor Center | 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00
Take a 90-minute guided tour and explore the landscapes and stories of Valley Forge. The trolley makes extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade and Washington's Headquarters. Tickets at Visitor Center.
Life as a Continental Soldier
Muhlenberg Brigade & Redoubt |10:00 – 4:00
Step into the world of a Continental Soldier by exploring the reconstructed huts and fortifications of the Valley Forge Encampment. Watch colonial cooking and hut-building demonstrations. Explore reconstructed huts. Learn how soldiers and their families lived, worked and trained via exhibits and demonstrations.
Ranger-led Walking Tour
Begin at Visitor Center | 10:50, 12:50, 2:50
Join a National Park Service Ranger for a short ¼ mile walk and guided tour up to the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts.
Hungry?
Visit the Canteen (11-3PM) outside the Visitor Center to purchase delicious grilled hot dogs, ice-cold beverages and more! Visit 2nd Street Sammies (Food Truck) at Muhlenberg for additional food options. Snacks and cold drinks are also available at the Visitor Center.
Storytelling
Multiple Locations | 11:00 - 4:00
Listen as Once Upon A Nation storytellers share riveting stories of the Valley Forge encampment. Benches are located on the Train Station platform at Washington's Headquarters, adjacent to the Visitor Center, and near the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts.
Historic Weapons Demonstrations
Muhlenberg Brigade Huts | 10:15, 11:30, 12:15, 1:30, 2:15, 3:30, 4:15
Watch reenactors load, prime and fire a variety of Revolutionary War muskets and rifles. Learn about the drilling, training and military techniques of the Continental Army soldier from National Park Service Rangers and volunteers.
Join the Continental Army
At Mini-Parade | 11:45, 1:45
Requires free registration before program begins. Kids can "enlist" in the Continental Army and learn to march and drill like a Continental Soldier.
Meet Monty the Fox
Visitor Center | 12:00 - 2:00
Take your picture with Monty the Fox - the friendly, furry mascot of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.
Secrets and Spies
Washington's Headquarters | 12:30 and 2:00
George Washington needs your help! There’s rumor of a plot to have him kidnapped! Be the first to enlist and join an American spy network to uncover the traitors involved. The program is presented with children in mind, but fun for participants of any age.
Discover the Bookstore
Visitor Center | 9:00 – 6:00
Browse an expansive collection of great books, clothing, souvenirs, refreshments and more at The Encampment Store. The Encampment Store supports the interpretive, educational, scientific and historical activities of Valley Forge National Historical Park as a 501(c)3 and official park partner.
Bike Rentals
Outside of Visitor Center | 9:00 - 6:00
Explore the many trails and historic destinations within Valley Forge by bike.
Tour Washington's Headquarters and Train Station Museum | 9:00 - 6:00
Step inside the original, temporary home of George and Martha Washington during the Valley Forge Encampment. Visit the Train Station to view interpretive exhibits and multimedia presentations.
Historic Military Impressions
Muhlenberg Brigade Huts | 11:00 - 3:00
Historic Military Impressions portrays the life and times of the American men and women who served in the Armed Forces. Talk with passionate reenactors and view historic equipment, weaponry throughout U.S. history.
Trails on Tap
Betzwood Picnic Area | 12:00 - 9:00
Trails on Tap brings a pop-up beer garden to Valley Forge this summer. Stop by and enjoy delicious food, Mainstay beer on tap, and non-alcoholic beverages and relax in the outdoors with chairs, hammocks, and restrooms. In partnership with Schuylkill River Greenways, more info at www.trailsontappa.com
Hike, Walk, Bike
Explore more than 30 miles of paved and unpaved trails through woods, meadows, monuments and along the Schuylkill River. Download digital map at go.nps.gov/vafomap
Watch the Park Film: “Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment”
Visitor Center | 9:30 – 5:30
Learn more about the history of the Valley Forge Encampment by watching our free, 18-minute orientation film. Also available online at go.nps.gov/vafofilm
Explore Varnum’s Quarters
Varnum’s Quarters | 11:00 – 3:00
Step inside an original encampment-era farmhouse and learn about lives of local civilians during the encampment and the experiences of General James Varnum.
Reservation or Registration: Yes
Image Gallery
Public Domain