![]() NPS Photos Saratoga National Historical Park will be a beehive of construction activity in 2022 as the primary visitor experience of the historic battlefield area will receive a major facelift for the first time in more than five decades! The work will focus on improving access and updating the overall visitor experience, enabling us to share a deeper version of the Saratoga story. Upon completion of the project, visitors will enjoy visible improvements to the parking areas, trailheads, walkways, seating, exhibits, and viewing areas along the ten-mile-long route. Keep reading to find why the project is needed, what is being done, and updates on our progress and schedules. Why is this work needed?The current Tour Road experience is more than 50 years old. Despite massive efforts by park staff to maintain the aging infrastructure of the road and tour stops, a significant maintenance backlog has developed. Made possible by $6.6 million in funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund, this renovation will expand physical access and safety enhancements for more than 100,000 visitors annually and eliminate $4 million of this backlog. It will also be instrumental in preparing the park for the extra attention it will receive related to the upcoming 250th anniversary commemorations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and of the battles in 2027. Finally, historical scholarship surrounding the pivotal events which occurred here in September and October of 1777 has significantly advanced. This project has allowed us to reflect this deeper understanding on the landscape. NPS What will be done?In order to make the park enjoyable for all, parking areas and walkways will be revamped at all ten tour stops to meet universal standards for accessibility, including seating with companion seating. Audio description for the new exhibits will be provided on an app for public use.
Modern, outdoor exhibits constructed of durable steel, aluminum, and bronze will replace existing waysides that are well beyond their intended design life. In addition to being more cost-effective by requiring less routine maintenance, the new exhibits will include replica objects and convey updated information about the battles, the landscape, multiple perspectives, and the roles of lesser-known participants to better connect visitors with the meaning and importance of the site. The design layouts are geared for easier reading; using added color contrast, appropriate fonts and font size, tactile bronze relief maps, braille, and installation heights that are beneficial for all visitors. ![]() NPS Construction Impacts on Access
2022 ScheduleTour RoadPlease use extra caution, respect any local closures, and follow instructions from park staff or contractors.
Wilkinson TrailOpen Daily, dawn-to-dusk Expected Construction Schedule
Progress Updates
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Last updated: October 12, 2022