Valley Forge Self-Guided Tour: Revolutionary War History

Immerse yourself in the history of the Revolutionary War at Valley Forge National Military Park with this self-guided tour. Explore the camp where General George Washington and his troops endured a harsh winter and discover the critical role it played in the war. Download the Tour Guide App and embark on a journey through time.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Visitor Center At Valley Forge - Welcome to Valley Forge, where George Washington and his Continental Army faced one of their greatest ever challenges. When he arrived here in December of 1777 and hunkered down for a long, cold winter, Washington knew his army may not survive to see the spring. It stands today as a testament to the strength and resilience of the rebel forces.

Note: This 10+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Valley Forge in 2-3 hours.

  • Muhlenberg Brigade - Next, you’ll arrive at the site of the Muhlenberg Brigade, where you’ll hear about “Devil Pete” Muhlenberg, a former reverend who set aside the good book to pick up a rifle during the revolution.
  • Maine Memorial - After that is the Maine Memorial, honoring the soldiers from Maine and emphasizing how tenuous the connections were between men from the different colonies during this time.
  • National Memorial Arch - Then you’ll arrive at the National Memorial Arch, perhaps Valley Forge’s most notable monument. This impressive arch honors the entire continental army who wintered here, both those who survived and those who didn’t.
  • General Wayne Statue - The next monument, a statue of General Wayne, is dedicated to another of Washington’s fiercest fighters. Wayne didn’t earn the nickname “Mad Anthony” for nothing!
  • Knox’s Quarters Parking - Next, you’ll visit Henry Knox’s quarters, where the self-taught artilleryman turned general served as an important voice of reason during the long winter months.
  • Delaware Memorial - Continuing on, you’ll come to the Delaware Memorial and learn about how the situation at Valley Forge began to unravel.
  • Commander in Chief’s Guard Huts (Valley Forge National Park) - Next up, at the huts of George Washington’s personal guards, you’ll get a glimpse into a secret plot to take down the Commander in Chief.
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park - Well, here he is - the man, the myth, the legend, George Washington himself. A veteran of the French and Indian War, Washington was appointed to the head of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress in 1775, due to his extensive military experience and the belief that having a Virginian in charge would unify the colonies more than a New Englander like John Hancock. As a commander, Washington is known more for his organizational skill and leadership qualities than his tactical abilities, which are considered decidedly average. He is known as a thoughtful and analytical leader, making him the perfect choice for a war against a powerful enemy like the British.
  • New Jersey Brigade Memorial - Your route takes you next to the New Jersey Brigade Memorial, which honors some of the most well-trained, dependable troops in the entire ragtag army.
  • Statue of General Friedrich von Steuben - As the months drag on, one thing has become very clear to General Washington. His army, tough as they are, are not even close to ready to fight this war. They’ve barely survived their first few months in Valley Forge, and everything is on the verge of falling apart. Something has to be done. Somehow, this ragtag group of surly volunteers has to be turned into a real army, or surviving this winter will mean nothing.
  • Varnum’s Quarters - Next, you’ll see the stone house used during that fateful winter by General James Mitchell Varnum, one of Washington’s closest advisors. Varnum is best known for bringing the first Black soldiers into the Continental Army.
  • Patriots of African Descent Monument - After that is a monument which honors those very soldiers: the Patriots of African Descent Monument. This memorial provides a fascinating window into an often overlooked slice of history.
  • Philander Chase Knox Estate - An optional stop takes you to the Philander Chase Knox Estate, where the Attorney General who served under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt once lived.
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park - Another detour takes you to the Valley Forge Train Station, which has all sorts of info not only on old-timey trains, but also on General Washington.
  • Washington Memorial Chapel - Fans of revolutionary history will want to detour to the Washington Memorial Chapel, which boasts a replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell!
  • Washington Memorial Chapel Cemetery - Behind the Memorial Chapel you’ll find the Washington Memorial Cemetery, where several important figures like Philander Knox have been laid to rest.
  • Maurice Stephens House - You can also visit the Mauricce Stevens House, built atop the site of another general’s quarters used during the winter of 1777.
  • Port Kennedy Railroad Station - Those intrigued by abandoned places will find lots to like at the Port Kennedy Railroad Station, a defunct station that’s been shuttered since the 1980s.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Welcome to Valley Forge National Military Park, a historic American Revolution site! In the icy December of 1777, General George Washington camped the Continental Army here to wait out the long winter. The following six months tested the mettle and resilience of his ragtag fighting force and served as a critical turning point in the Revolutionary War. Explore the rich backstory of this historic Revolutionary America site with this self-guided tour.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Visitor Center At Valley Forge
North Outer Line Drive
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(35 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Codyl453
Aug 14, 2024
Valley Forge - This tour felt like you were driving/walking through an audiobook. Such a fun experience!! The scenery is excellent, the tour is full of information, and the sites are incredible reminders of Washington’s efforts to save the Revolution.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_s
Jun 29, 2024
Enjoyable and at your own pace. Not committed to a time frame. Fantastic - Great experience. Very informative stories along the way. Go at your own pace beautiful drive. Great way to experience the park.
Review provided by Viator
Vivian
Jun 21, 2024
Easy to use app and perfect amount of information - We went with two tweens . Loved how it was able to track where we were in the car and while walking . Explanations were just enough to keep the kids attention . It was a very last minute idea to get the app and it worked out really well we didn’t have any problems getting connected and it was easy to use.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ktoens
Apr 7, 2024
Loved It - Excellent!! The information was so interesting and seeing Washington’s headquarters was the highlight of our drive! Amazing!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Expedition619442
Nov 4, 2023
Wonderful App - The app worked great! It began in the Viator center and gave stop by stop explanation by tapping the stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicolehk7737go
Oct 28, 2023
Amazing Experience! - We absolutely loved this! We were traveling as a family with our 16 and 13 year olds. All 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge. It was such a beautiful day to experience what it would have been like all those years ago. I would give this 10 stars if I could. The video option was very easy to use and was under $10. If able, plan to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery plus the history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kit_s
Jan 1, 2024
Valley Forge from your car - It was a little confusing with the stories directing us and seeing the signs, then switching to the map but overall we enjoyed it.
Review provided by Viator
Joan_w
Oct 18, 2023
Valley forge by car - There were roads blocked for entry that changed the route. Interesting narrative added to our experience
Review provided by Viator
Palmbeachscott
Oct 29, 2023
You can’t get there from here!! - The road on which you start the tour was closed so we were unable to start the tour at the first stop. Following the prompts from the App we ended up starting at 22,23 and 24 then jumped to 33 then to the end. We drove around trying to see if we could pick up additional stops to no avail. Trrrible
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erick560
Oct 11, 2023
This tour was a no-show - Unfortunately I never received the email with download instructions and links for the audio tour purchased yesterday
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 4 guests
1
Traveler
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today