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Valley Forge National Historical Park

Designation: National Historical Park

Location: Pennsylvania

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, and monuments commemorating the resolve of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together, overcome adversity, and find renewal through transformation.

🌤 Weather Information

Winters at Valley Forge are cold and damp with a cool spring and fall and a hot and humid summer. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for outdoor recreation during the snowy winter season. Find more detailed weather information here: www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/weather.htm

🚗 Directions

The park is conveniently located off of U.S. Route 422. The main entrance to the park is at the intersection of State Route 23 and North Gulph Road. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 326. From Interstate I-76, take Route 422 West to Route 23 West/Valley Forge. From State Route 252, take State Route 23 East.

Images

outdoors, log huts, gravel path, sunset, clouds

The sun sets at Muhlenberg's Brigade.

Credit: NPS Photo / Gregory Purifoy

a building that extends into a hillside with a flagpole and landscaping out front

The front entrance to the Visitor Center at Valley Forge.

Credit: NPS Photo/ G. Purifoy

outdoors, monument, statue, man on horse, grass, trees, clouds.

The Anthony Wayne Statue at Valley Forge.

Credit: NPS Photo

outdoors, grass, trees, stone house, blue sky

Washington's Headquarters in spring.

Credit: NPS Photo

outdoors, arch, monument, snow, trees

The National Memorial Arch at Valley Forge.

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
7:00AM - Sunset
Monday
7:00AM - Sunset
Tuesday
7:00AM - Sunset
Wednesday
7:00AM - Sunset
Thursday
7:00AM - Sunset
Friday
7:00AM - Sunset
Saturday
7:00AM - Sunset

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Saturday, Jul 4

Sunny

Sunny

High: 105.4°F | Low: 75.4°F

Humidity: 47%

Wind: 10.7 mph

Rain Chance: 36%

UV Index: 9.9

Sunrise: 05:37 AM

Sunset: 08:34 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (70%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 78.2°F

Cloud Cover: 36%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Sunday, Jul 5

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 89.5°F | Low: 71°F

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 12.8 mph

Rain Chance: 75%

UV Index: 6.6

Sunrise: 05:38 AM

Sunset: 08:34 PM

Moon: Last Quarter (60%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 72.9°F

Cloud Cover: 75%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Monday, Jul 6

Light rain shower

Light rain shower

High: 74.9°F | Low: 64.3°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Rain Chance: 93%

UV Index: 7.2

Sunrise: 05:39 AM

Sunset: 08:33 PM

Moon: Last Quarter (49%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 68.6°F

Cloud Cover: 93%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Maurice Stephens Parking Lot Closed During Construction Project Information
The parking lot near the Maurice Stephens house, located on Rt 23 opposite from the Washington Memorial Chapel, is closed during construction and renovation work on the house. Visitors are encouraged to park in the Chapel lot for Grand Parade trail access

More Info

Intermittent phone issues Information
Posted Feb. 15, 2026: Valley Forge's phone system is experiencing intermittent outages. If you have questions about Washington's Birthday celebration on 2/16, please check out the event listing at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=6BB581B8-98C5-3D38-0AF3A032735016A5.
Lower Lot Bathrooms Closed Park Closure
The bathrooms located in the Visitor Center Lower Lot parking area are closed until further notice for repairs. The closest bathroom facilities are in the Visitor Center available during hours of operations, 9am to 5pm.
County Line Road Closed Monday To Friday Information
County Line Road is closed during the week, from Monday through Friday. The closure will apply to all vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Please find an alternate route.
Dogs Prohibited on Grand Parade Trails from April 1 to September 15 Information
The Grand Parade Trails are closed to dogs from April 1 to September 15 to protect breeding birds nesting in the meadows. Nesting songbirds see dogs as predators, which can stress the birds and lead to less productive or even failed nests.
Trail Maintenance Work on Fatlands and Chapel Trails in 2025 Caution
Ongoing maintenance work on Fatland Trail (formerly River Trail) between Betzwood and parking lot on Pawlings Rd and on Chapel Trail west of Chapel, taking place in 2025. Trails remain open. Trail users should use extra caution and follow safety warnings

More Info

External Shuttle Pick-up/Drop-off in Visitor Center Lot (June 30 to July 5) Information
Shuttles external to Valley Forge National Historical Park, including hotel shuttles and the FIFA Watch Party shuttle between June 30 and July 4, will pick up and drop off passengers on the north side of the main lower parking lot of the Visitor Center at Valley Forge. Find more information about the FIFA Watch Party shuttle at the link below.

More Info

Park Closed Due to Winter Storm (Sun, Feb 22, 2026 & Mon, Feb 23, 2026) Park Closure
Valley Forge National Historical Park, including the visitor center and Washington's Headquarters buildings, will be closing at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 22 and will remain closed through Monday, February 23 due to a major winter storm. The park will reopen when road conditions improve and staff and visitors can safely travel to the park.

More Info

Sun, Apr 19 - Park Entrance and Tour Roads Temporarily Closed for Rev Run Park Closure
The park entrance and tour roads will be closed the morning of Sunday, April 19 from 4:30 AM to 11 AM during the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run event. Rt 23 and Rt 252 will remain open through the park.

More Info

Valley Forge NHP Not Hosting Programming Related To Big Boy #4014 Information
Union Pacific’s Big Boy #4014 is heading to Philadelphia as part of the commemorations of America’s 250th birthday. Valley Forge NHP is not hosting events, viewing parties, or programming related to Big Boy #4014. Union Pacific is in charge of the timing and schedule. There are multiple locations near Valley Forge where Big Boy #4014 will be stopped and on display. If you choose to visit the park, please note that all park rules will be enforced. Find details at the link below.

More Info

Gulph Rd Closed Between North Outer Line Drive and Thomas Rd - July 4 2026 Park Closure
On July 4, 2026 Gulph Road is temporarily closed to thru traffic between North Outer Line Drive and Thomas Road. The closure is in place for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Valley Forge National Historical Park at the National Memorial Arch. Motorists are advised to find another route. Learn more about the 50/250 Celebration at Valley Forge at the link below.

More Info

Park Facilities Closing at 3pm Ahead of Severe Weather (Mar 16, 2026) Park Closure
Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, park facilities, including the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, will be closing at 3pm today (Monday, March 16, 2026). Park grounds will remain open.
Admin Parking Lot Closed Fri 4/17 Until Sun 4/19 at Noon for Rev Run Setup Park Closure
The parking lot near the park administration building will be temporarily closed beginning the morning of Friday, Apr 17 for setup activities related to the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run event. The parking lot will reopen after the race on Sunday, Apr 19 at approx noon.

More Info

Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters) Closed For Restoration Information
The Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge) is temporarily closed for a restoration project. The Washington's Headquarters area, including the Valley Forge Train Station and exhibits, Commander-In-Chief's Guard Huts, and George Washington statue, remains open and accessible during regular operating hours. Learn more about the restoration project at the link below.

More Info

Multiple Park Road Closures After Heavy Storm Winds (June 24, 2026) Park Closure
Multiple park roads are closed due to downed trees and power lines after heavy storm winds passed through the park on the evening of Monday, June 22. Park roads will reopen once trees have been cleared and power lines repaired. Closed roads include North, West, and South Inner Line Drives. Access to Artillery Park from Gulph Road remains open.
Washington's Headquarters Area Closed Park Closure
The Washington's Headquarters area (including River Rd, parking lot, Train Station, and Headquarters building) is closed due to snow/ice and dangerous driving conditions. Areas will reopen after park staff have cleared, salted, and assessed the roadways to ensure visitor safety.
Valley Forge National Historical Park CLOSED on 1/25/26 Park Closure
Due to severe winter weather on, Sunday, January 25th, 2026 all Valley Forge National Historical Park facilities, buildings, parking lots, and park roads will be closed. Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are expected throughout the day and into the evening. Visitors are asked to avoid the area for their safety, and to allow for safe snow clearing operations.
Route 252 Closed between Route 23 and Covered Bridge - June 15 to June 26 Park Closure
PennDOT Drainage Crew will replace eight drainage pipes along Route 252 between Route 23 and the Knox Covered Bridge on Yellow Springs Road. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday June 15 and is expected to be completed by Friday June 26, 2026. Daytime road closures will be in effect throughout the project. All traffic will be detoured during working hours. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour routes.

Park Events

Valley Forge Orientation Film Screening

The 19-minute park orientation film Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment is shown daily on the hour and the half-hour in the Theater at Valley Forge. The first screening is at 9:30 AM and the final screening is at 4:30 PM.

The movie, narrated by Laura Linney, tells the story of the winter 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, and was filmed on location in 2018 and 2019.

If you are unable to attend a screening of the orientation film during a visit to the park, you can always watch it online!

Watch the park orientation film online

Location: Film is screened inside the Theater at Valley Forge, located near the visitor center building.

Date: Nov 29, 2024 12:00am to Nov 29, 2024 12:00am

Paid Event

Valley Forge Orientation Film Screening

The 19-minute park orientation film Determined to Persevere: The Valley Forge Encampment is shown daily on the hour and the half-hour in the Theater at Valley Forge. The first screening is at 9:30 AM and the final screening is at 4:30 PM.

The movie, narrated by Laura Linney, tells the story of the winter 1777-1778 encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge, and was filmed on location in 2018 and 2019.

If you are unable to attend a screening of the orientation film during a visit to the park, you can always watch it online!

Watch the park orientation film online

Location: Film is screened inside the Theater at Valley Forge, located near the visitor center building.

Date: Jan 2, 2026 12:00am to Jan 2, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Explore Washington's Headquarters - Winter Hours
Visit Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge

The Isaac Potts house, which served as General George Washington's headquarters during the Valley Forge encampment of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78, is open daily March through December. Open weekends only in January and February until daylight savings time begins.


Rangers are on-site to speak about the people who lived and worked in this historic building and answer questions.

You can also tour the house virtually here.

The nearby Historic Valley Forge Station is also open daily and is home to a museum exhibit about Washington and his military family. Washington's military family included the enslaved and free servants and soldiers that lived and worked in the house.

Date: Jan 3, 2026 12:00am to Jan 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Valley Forge Fossil Day
Valley Forge Fossil Day When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 between 10am and 4pm Where: Visitor Center at Valley Forge

Learn about mastodons, saber-toothed cats, giant ground sloths, and lots of other incredible critters that walked the ancient landscape of Valley Forge hundreds of thousands of years before George Washington and the Continental Army ever set foot here.

Find program details and plan your fossil day visit at go.nps.gov/vafo-fossil

Location: Fossil Day activities take place inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge and the nearby park theater building.

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

CANCELLED - Sewing Workshop: HM 40th Regiment of Foot, Light Infantry Company
Sewing Workshop is Cancelled

The workshop is cancelled due to an impending winter storm. Many out-of-state members of the 40th Regiment of Foot, 2nd Battalion, Light Infantry Company will not be able to travel to Valley Forge to conduct this program on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

 

 

Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Washington's Birthday Celebration
Washington's Birthday Celebration

Celebrate George Washington's birthday at Valley Forge National Historical Park on Monday, February 16, 2026!

Reenactors, hands-on Junior Ranger activities, and cupcakes will be on the Mini Grand Parade behind the Visitor Center at Valley Forge from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Location: The Mini Grand Parade is located behind the Visitor Center at Valley Forge near the Meeting Room and the park theater building.

Date: Feb 16, 2026 12:00am to Feb 16, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Art in the Park Outing - Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
Art in the Park Outing at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 9am

Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity! 

This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent. 

Location: Meet in the parking lot outside the visitor center at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

Date: Feb 28, 2026 12:00am to Feb 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Weekend Trolley Tours

Take a 90-minute guided tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park following the Encampment Tour route. Trolley tours depart from the front of the visitor center and make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and Washington's Headquarters. Trolley Tours are ADA accessible and administered by The Encampment Store.

 

Accessibility information >

 

Call The Encampment Store at 610-624-5010 for additional tour information and to reserve tickets.

 

Advance reservations are recommended. Tickets must be picked up at The Encampment Store gift shop in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge no later than 30 minutes prior to the tour's departure. Reserved tickets that have not been claimed are released five minutes prior to scheduled tours.

 

 

Location: Trolley tours depart from the front of the visitor center, follow the encampment tour route and make extended stops at Muhlenberg's Brigade and the Washington's Headquarters area.

Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Jun 7, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Explore Washington's Headquarters
Visit Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge

The Isaac Potts House, which served as General George Washington's headquarters during the Valley Forge encampment of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78, is open daily March through May 3 2026. The house will be temporarily closed to visitors beginning March 4, 2026 for restoration until the project 

You can also tour the house virtually here.

The nearby Valley Forge Train Station is open daily and is home to a museum exhibit about Washington and his military family. Washington's military family included the enslaved and free servants and soldiers that lived and worked in the house.

Date: Mar 23, 2026 12:00am to May 3, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Art in the Park Outing - Pawling Farm
Art in the Park Outing at Pawling Farm Sunday, March 28, 2026 at 8am

Bring your camera, paints, or sketch pad to explore Pawling Farm with park rangers and the Art in the Park program. Discover new ways to see the landscape and express your creativity!

This program is free and open to all ages and abilities. Program is weather and staffing dependent. 

Location: Meet in the gravel parking lot near the information kiosk at Pawling Farm.

Date: Mar 28, 2026 12:00am to Mar 28, 2026 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406

🏤 Mailing Address:
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406

📞 Voice Phone: 6107831000

✉️ Email: vafo_superintendent@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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