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Valley Forge Tour: Explore Historic Revolutionary War Sites
4.9
234 Ratings
Philadelphia
Immerse yourself in the American Revolution with a half-day tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Explore historic sites, learn about the Continental Army, and marvel at the monuments that commemorate this pivotal period in history.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Valley Forge National Historical Park - This 3,500-acre park was once the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778 and displays a collection of memorials and monuments commemorating the soldiers and generals during a significant turning point of the American Revolutionary War.
- Boathouse Row - This row of historic boathouses housing social and rowing clubs is an iconic Philadelphia image, with the houses at night reflecting in the waters of the Schuylkill River.
- Visitor Center At Valley Forge - A recently revitalized Visitor Center is the perfect introduction to this beautifully preserved national park. Here, a self-guided exhibit and a fascinating documentary will detail what transpired on those hallowed grounds in the winter of 1777-78, how Washington’s men persevered in the face of horrific obstacles and how Washington himself grew into the legendary leader he would be remembered for.
- National Memorial Arch - This giant memorial stands to commemorate the arrival of Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
- Washington Memorial Chapel - This active chapel is a Gothic Revival-style memorial dedicated to General George Washington.
- Washington’s Headquarters - Nestled in a picturesque corner of the park stands a handsome stone home that served as the headquarters of George Washington for much of the Valley Forge encampment. You will have a chance to walk around this beautifully restored building, and if open to the public that day, see the gorgeous interior of all three floors.
- Statue of General Friedrich von Steuben - There are many unsung heroes of Valley Forge, but none had the immense impact that the Baron Frederich von Steuben had. The man that Washington entrusted to reorganize and retrain his weary troops, von Steuben utilized the Grand Parade grounds to transform the Continental soldiers into a lethal fighting force. A statue of the man stands on a bluff overlooking the fields of the old Parade where, as many historians agree, the American army was born.
- Muhlenberg Brigade - The Muhlenberg Brigade huts in Valley Forge hold historical significance as they served as winter quarters for General Peter Muhlenberg’s brigade during the American Revolutionary War in 1777-1778. These huts, constructed by soldiers under harsh conditions, provided shelter for troops enduring the severe winter at Valley Forge. Today, visitors can explore reconstructed huts and gain insight into the challenges faced by the Continental Army during this pivotal period in American history.
- Artillery Park - The Artillery Park in Valley Forge played a crucial role during the American Revolutionary War, serving as a key logistical and strategic hub for the Continental Army’s artillery units. Located within the historic Valley Forge National Historical Park, it features reconstructed artillery pieces and exhibits showcasing the artillery’s importance in the war effort. Visitors can explore the park to learn about the training, maintenance, and deployment of artillery units, gaining a deeper understanding of the military operations conducted at Valley Forge.
- Schuylkill River Trail - The Schuylkill River flows through Valley Forge, adding natural beauty and historical significance to the area. During the American Revolutionary War, the river provided a crucial waterway for transportation and communication for both the Continental Army and the British forces. Today, visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park can enjoy recreational activities along the river, such as hiking, biking, and fishing, while also reflecting on its role in shaping the history of the United States.
What's Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Donation to Valley Forge National Park
- Scenic views
- Transportation to/from Philly & Valley Forge
What's Not Included
- Additional food and drink
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for the guide
Additional Information
Relax and entrust your journey to our local expert who will guide you on a half-day trip through Philadelphia’s Rural Landscape to the famed Valley Forge National Historical Park in our comfortable tour van!
As you get onboard, we’ll set off to an important landmark of the American Revolutionary War. Your guide will narrate tales of the Continental Army’s war preparations, with a pause at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts to expose their encampment conditions.
Your tour around the park may comprise a visit to the Valley Forge Visitor Center, which hosts historic relics and artifacts, and Washington’s Headquarters by the Schuylkill River. There will be ample time for you to admire interesting sites by walking, like the National Memorial Arch, an impressive tribute to the war servicemen, and the gothic-designed Washington Memorial Chapel.
Join us and unravel profound history symbolized by monuments scattered across Valley Forge’s scenic backdrop.
Location
1848 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Outside, in front of The Urban Farmer (Vehicle pull off spot along the Ben Franklin Parkway, side of the Logan Hotel)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(234 Ratings)
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J6247ffanitag
Oct 6, 2024
Fantastic trip to Valley Forge - My tour guide was Tom Courtney. He was excellent. Very personable, knowledgeable, and patient. Bad traffic meant that we returned an hour later than scheduled, but he was very patient and did not get upset that he had to work longer than scheduled. This man deserves a raise!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lizsm268uk
Oct 6, 2024
Tom is the best - Tom is an excellent tour guide! He was very informative and we had an excellent time! We left with more knowledge about the hard winter at valley forge
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scott_h
Oct 4, 2024
Informative and Helpful Tour and Guide - Very interesting and informative tour. James did a great job sharing tidbits of information about Valley Forge and The Revolutionary War. Also provided some local tips on places to see and places to eat. Thanks James; Victor Cafe was fantastic as was your tour.
Review provided by Viator
Beverly_a
Oct 2, 2024
Don’t miss this!! - We loved the tour! Loved everything about it. Martin, our guide was very impressive. So knowledgeable about the sights, the city and had stories and insights as we made our way to Valley Forge. Worth every penny we paid. We were a small group so there was plenty of time for photos, personal observations and questions. The only downside… not enough time! Thank you Martin!
Review provided by Viator
Dennis_s
Sep 30, 2024
Great tour and lessons about Valley Forge. - Our guide, Adam, was beyond description. It was such a fantastic day! Adam has so much knowledge of the history, people and events that happened at Valley Forge. He really gave us an in depth lesson on what occurred at Valley Forge and how the events there really provided a turning point in the development of Washington's army which allowed the colonist to win the war. We learned so much!
Review provided by Viator
Judy_h
Sep 28, 2024
Immersed in history! - Realizing the conditions that are foreigners live through to fight for our freedom in this country was very humbling. James is a wealth of information and just wonderful tour guide. Love seeing countryside and understanding how they were so impactful to the revolution.
Review provided by Viator
Josephro8580kz
Sep 26, 2024
Valley Forge review - Excellent guide. Very informative and knowledgeable about Valley Forge history. Highly recommend Rick if you are in the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliegv7167fx
Sep 25, 2024
Valley Forge - The tour was so informative! We were able to get out and take pictures. Our tour guide helped to bring history to life! Great day overall.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaylena_g
Sep 22, 2024
Perfect! - Dale was marvelous! He tailored the tour to our group’s needs/wants. Very knowledgeable and friendly!
Review provided by Viator
Relax60678110925
Sep 21, 2024
Vally Forge with Dale - Dale was a terrific guide. He was knowledgeable about Valley Forge and kept great conversation going. I’d certainly look him up again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
