valley forge national historical park

This area is large and it's a bit walking, and also driving through. Watch the brief 15 minute film so you have an understanding of what you're about to see. This exhibit showed me the true meaning of why "freedom is not free" and what our ancestors went through to help form and protect The United States of America. A "must" for every citizen.

Nice drivable loop we dialed the phone tour on cell phone and it was very informative and free. Enjoying seeing the log huts built by the soldiers. Did not get to go into Washington's headquarters as we visited in February.

This whole area is filled with knowledge of an era that brought about the the "Free" World - The United States of America. There is a sense of awe when you walk, bike, drive or run in this beautiful park. You are never far from historic sites when traveling through PA. Hopewell furnace is close by with miles and miles of walking and hiking trail as well as demonstrations of daily life and living of a bygone era.

Many of the exhibits were closed because of the intense cold, however we were able to drive the encampment tour and stop at the nine attractions. We greatly enjoyed it. When you start at the visitor center they give you a map and answer any questions you may have at that time. You can easily follow the map to all the attractions. When the weather is warmer all of the buildings are open and guides are on the tour, however if that is not an option you are able to do it on your own as well.

This National Historic Park is lovely. This was the first time I was every there and it was the right time of year - Winter - to go as the Revolutionary encampment that took place here in 1777-1778 (I think I got the dates right) was in the Winter months. They may not have had too much snow (I understand that Winter was more muddy than snowy), but it was still nice to be there at this time of year. We bought the CD auto tour and it was very enjoyable. I'm looking forward to returning sometime in the Spring or Fall with a picnic basket in tow.

It was quiet so we had more time to ask lots of questions. the museum had cool artifacts. It's amazing to me that so many were willing to risk everything for freedom (and that they did it!) It must have been difficult to stay motivated while cold and hungry.

We started at the Visitor Center,watched thi 15 min. informational video then we walked to the Memorial Arch and back. Great walk outside even though I just had neck surgery on 2.5

The museum is very informative but what I enjoyed the most was actually walking through Washington's stone house headquarters and walking to "log city" to see how differently the enlisted me and the officers lived. After you've seen everything there are over 19 miles of hiking trails in case you feel you haven't walked enough. There are 21 miles of biking trails as well as 17 miles of horse trails. Check their website for special events. Bring a picnic lunch and make a full day of it.

Needing to kill some time during a wedding weekend in Pennsylvania, we headed to Valley Forge. It was so much more than we expected. Not only was there a great museum with an extremely knowledgeable and proud staff, there was also a theater with a history film and miles of great paved walking trails. If you are not a person who enjoys walking or are unable to walk, there is also a driving option that will hit all the major landmarks. There is a beautiful walk along the river and off the beaten path if you are looking for something a little closer to nature. Audio guides are also available at the visitor center. The park itself is beautiful. I would recommend the Spring or the Fall. This place must be absolutely amazing with the changing of the leaves. It is so easy to imagine what the soldiers must have endured. We happened to be there in cold weather and could only begin to imagine the hardships faced at Valley Forge.Access to the park is easy. There is ample parking and restrooms are available along the way. If you are anywhere in the area, definitely stop by. What a treasure. I am so glad we went. Plan to spend between 2-4 hours if you want to take it all in.

Washington's Winter Camp was great during the winter-really gives the atmosphere the soldiers had while they were here. There are all kinds of running and hiking trails here so if you're looking for good exercise, it's a good place to come.The exhibits are great, especially at Washington's actual headquarters. They give some insight into how Washington organized things, as well as the challenges facing the army at the time. The Park Rangers and volunteers out at the HQ did a nice job of putting things in context too.The other nice thing is Valley Forge is really convenient to I-76, and it's right outside of Philly, so it's easy to get too.

We visited Washington's headquarters and the reconstructed cabins nearby. One was open and the motion-sensor activated audio was fun and helpful. But the headquarters were closed, as were the rest of the cabins. Somewhat odd that a location famous for its role as a winter camp would not have buildings open during the winter! That said, it was gorgeous and the signs helped us learn a great deal.

I was last here in 1964 at a Boy Scout National Jamboree. With 50,000 of my friends. President Johnson even came and spoke to us. An amazing fireworks show. Great memories.But now we could focus not only on that nostalgia. It all looked so different without all those Boy Scout tents. We could focus on a much less well fed set of campers. A cold and dreary winter encampment where we just about lost our freezing and underfed army because they all thought the revolution was a lost cause. And it seemed to be.But with some training and some lucky breaks and an infusion of food from the Oneida Nation General Washington pulled it out. And we are lucky.A great place.

I only had two days in Philadelphia and spend a whole day here! The visitors centre has a very informative but still fun video along with merchandice that emptyed my pockets. The tour was incredible. The guide told the story with so much enthusiasm you could so clearly imagine what exactly it was like. And it was just huge fun watching actors dressed up as George Washington and other soilders marching around. You felt like you were actually there. Out of all the places I've been in the US this is the one I would recommend the most. It so truly captions what America is all about.

First, the directions google maps will give you from the Philadelphia airport might take you to the end of park instead of the beginning. Be sure to enter the Valley Forge Visitor Center to start there and get the driving tour map etc.I grew up in the area but hadn't been to Valley Forge in about 25 years. It's a beautiful area and really special for history lovers. The Chapel and George Washington's HQ were the highlights for us. I was surprised to find it all open and very friendly staff quite early in the morning during the holidays. It's an important part of our country's history so I really recommend taking the self guided driving tour with as many or as few stops as you'd like, if you're in the area and have a car.

The museum and staff were excellent. The intro movie was informative but dated. The car CD was very helpful for traveling the sites. All facilities including bathrooms were very clean.From a historical standpoint it was amazing to learn so much about that time and the events surrounding it. Seeing George Washington's headquarters and learning of the unbelievable hardships the troops lived through was humbling.Take snacks/lunch as there are no food vendors in the area. Adults only should take 2.5 hours. With a four year old it took 4 hours :)