Virtual Visitor Center

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Given the changes to normal operations at Valley Forge due to COVID-19 response, the Virtual Visitor Center webpage has been designed to quickly direct visitors to essential information for a successful visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Top Visitor Questions

Q: What is currently open in the park? What about restrooms?

A: Visit the Current Conditions page to learn which buildings and restroom facilities are open. This information is regularly updated.

Q: What are the daily operating hours?

A: Park grounds, including parking lots and some restrooms are open daily from 7 AM to 30 minutes after sunset.

Q: Is the Visitor Center open?

A: Yes! As of Saturday July 3rd, 2021, the newly renovated Visitor Center building is open 7 days a week, 9 AM to 5 PM. During operating hours, rangers will be available to answer questions and provide printed information.

Q: Where can I find a park brochure?

A: You can view or download park brochure maps and trail maps on the maps page, or pick up a hard copy of the park brochure from a ranger at the Visitor Center or from an information kiosk. Kiosks are located at every stop location along the Encampment Tour route.

Q: Is the park offering any Ranger-led tours or interpretive programs?

A: Yes, as of May 15, 2021, rangers dressed in 18th century living history clothing are at Muhlenberg's Brigade (Stop #2 on the Encampment Tour) from 10AM-4PM on Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). There will be brief 10-15 minute formal programs (weather permitting) at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM. If the weather is in doubt, please call the park at [phone] to confirm whether programming is taking place.

Q: How can I learn more about the history of Valley Forge?

A:

• Read the Overview of the History and Significance of Valley Forge.

• Drive, walk, and bike park grounds to read outdoor exhibit panels, view historic buildings and monuments, and explore the trails.

• Purchase a downloadable audio driving tour and historical books from The Encampment Store.

• Dial in to the cell phone guide to learn about the history of specific areas in the park.

• Go on a weekend Trolley Tour! Learn how to reserve tickets for a 90-minute trolley tour for a Saturday or Sunday here.

Visit Valley Forge Virtually

• Watch the 19-minute orientation film Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment.

• Explore our recent special programming including:

  • Explore the story of the arrival of the Continental Army at Valley Forge with online Virtual March-In programming.

  • Virtual Washington’s Birthday Celebration.

• Visit the Valley Forge NHP YouTube Channel to find more videos about the history and significance of Valley Forge.

• Read more about the history of the encampment online. Explore online museum collections and park archives.

• Become a Junior Ranger!

• Read the official National Park Service "American Revolution Handbook" online to learn more about the struggle for American independence.

Things to Do

1. Walk, hike, and bike numerous trails in the park to visit historic areas with outdoor exhibits, interpretive waysides, and view exterior of historic structures.There are more than 30 miles of trails and 3,500 acres to explore in the park.

2. Drive the Encampment Tour route by following the blue line on the park map. Learn more here.

3. Explore beautiful, lesser-known areas including walking trails along Valley Creek, Mount Joy and Mount Misery, the River Trail, Sullivan's Bridge, and the mown trails with the Grand Parade. View these areas on the trail map or the park map.

4. Learn all about the history of the Valley Forge encampment through self-guided experiences, audio tours and online media.

5. Visit other local, state and non-profit historic sites associated with the American Revolution adjacent to Valley Forge, including nearby attractions and the Patriot Trails.

Ranger Recommendations Organized by Length of Your Visit

1 Hour - Drive the encampment tour loop by following the blue line on the park map. This provides an excellent overview of the park and you can stop where desired.

2 Hours - Drive the encampment tour loop, stop at Muhlenberg Brigade, National Memorial Arch, Washington's Headquarters. Walk some of the paved/gravel trails along the route.

3+ Hours - Visit the areas described above, and choose to explore some of the beautiful, "lesser-known" areas mentioned in Things to Do above (#3). Consider visiting Hopewell Furnance National Historic Site, located 20 miles west of Valley Forge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What parking lots are currently open in the park?

Visit the Current Conditions page to view the latest information on any parking lot restrictions or closures. Please park only in designated spots.

How can I participate in the Junior Ranger program?

You can either complete the Virtual Junior Ranger program online, print out the activity booklet if you're planning to visit the park, or pick up an activity booklet from a ranger at the Visitor Center!Get started here!

How can I get my National Park Passport book stamped?

You can stop by the Visitor Center, open 9 AM to 5 PM, 7 days a week to have your passport book stamped.

A relative or friend might have been at Valley Forge during the 1777-1778 encampment. How can I search for them?

You can visit the online Muster Roll Project sponsored by the Valley Forge Park Alliance to conduct this search.

Where can I learn more about area lodging, attractions, restarants and things to do?

The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board provides an excellent online guide to the local area, and has a travel information desk in the Visitor Center.

Where can I get an America the Beautiful Pass?

Since Valley Forge National Historical Park does not charge an entrance fee, the America the Beautiful Pass is not for sale at the park.
The pass is available for purchase at any federal site that charges an entrance fee, or online or by phone as follows:

http://store.usgs.gov/pass

1.888.ASK.USGS option 1

1.888.275.8747 option 1

Tips for Visiting Safely

1. Use the restroom before you arrive, take all trash with you. Please Recreate Responsibly, follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

2. Park in designated parking spots. If a parking lot is busy, please find another legal place to park. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed and vehicles that block emergency access (such as on roads or in front of gates) will be towed, as they present a serious safety hazard.

3. Please continue to practice social distancing, avoid large groups, and stay 6 feet away from others. Cover your coughs and sneezes. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Email or Call a Park Ranger

We're happy help plan your trip and respond to additional questions about visiting the park. Email a Park Ranger. Call a Park Ranger at [phone].