Valley Forge National Historical Park

Things To Do Near Valley Forge National Historical Park

The story of Valley Forge is legendary, and being there where it all happened is a fascinating experience. Not only are there historical areas to explore, but you can also enjoy hiking, check out the wildlife, and find plenty of shops and excellent restaurants.

Hiking Trails

• Mount Misery Trailhead

  A favorite trail in the area is from Mount Misery to Chapel Path to Mount Joy Trail. The trail is a mix of gravel, dirt, and pavement. Part of the trail follows along the edge of a river where you will be able to spot wildlife, birds, and flowers. Enjoy the beautiful chapel, and be sure to check out the gift shop as well.

  Location

  Wolfinger Trail, Phoenixville, PA 19460

  Length

  7.5 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Joseph Plumb Martin Trail

  The Joseph Plumb Martin Trail is a popular place to go hiking. This is an easy trail that offers lots of scenic views along the way. The trail is paved, so it is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Be sure to bring a camera since there are plenty of historical places to capture. You will also find benches on the trail where you can rest or bring a picnic lunch and use one of the picnic tables.

  Location

  1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia

  Length

  5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Valley Forge Historical Trail

  The Valley Forge Historical Trail is designed to be entertaining for adults and provide a lesson for kids visiting the park. Scouts can actually earn a badge by completing this course, which requires a map and a compass to follow. You will want to bring drinking water with you since there is not a lot of access on the trail. The forts and monuments are fascinating. 

  Location

  1400 N. Outer Line Dr., King of Prussia

  Length

  7.7 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Arnold’s Family Fun Center

  If you are ready for a little break from history, visit Arnold’s Family Fun Center. This place has something for everyone, featuring mini-golf, two taser lag venues, and lots of arcade games. It is one of the largest indoor fun centers in the United States, with activities that include go-carts and bowling. You can enjoy drinks and snacks while you are there. 

  Location

  100 Station Ave., Phoenixville, PA 19460

• Elmwood Park Zoo

  At the Elmwood Park Zoo, you can get personal with beautiful exotic animals. The giraffe-feeding deck is a popular spot there, especially in the summer. You can also feed bison or take a pony ride. Take a turn on the carousel. The Elmwood Park Zoo also features Treetop Adventures with 50 challenge games and zip lining. 

  Location

  1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA 19401

• John James Audubon Center

  The John James Audubon Center was created to help people learn about and cherish our natural world. His studies in ornithology and natural history inspired generations after him. Now Mill Grove houses bird ambassadors who are not able to be released into the wild. It is a treat to visit these birds up close. 

  Location

  1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, PA 19403

Museums

• Wharton Esherick Museum

  The Wharton Esherick Museum is in the Wharton Esherick Studio and celebrates the legacy of Wharton Esherick, an American artist who was a woodworker creating furniture, utensils, buildings, and more. His residence and studio are one of his most impressive masterpieces and are full of over 300 pieces of his work on exhibit. It is set up just like it was when the artist lived there.

  Location

  1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern, PA 19355

• World of Scouting Museum

  The World of Scouting Museum was founded in 1994 to collect and preserve memorabilia of the Scouts from our country and around the world. They have collected uniforms, badges, awards, and so much more from the many growth stages of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The exhibits illustrate the origin of the Boy Scouts and the beginning of the Girl Scouts. They also feature exhibits of the artwork of Daniel Carter Beard, one of the founding fathers of Scouting in America. 

  Location

  1601 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA 19481

• American Treasure Tour Museum

  The American Treasure Tour Museum has tram tours to see the bizarre, eclectic, and unusual items in this museum. You will see statues, musical instruments, old cars, clowns, and such an assortment of items that this place is hard to describe. You just must see it for yourself. 

  Location

  One American Treasure Way, Oaks, PA 19456

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Washington Memorial Chapel Cabin Shop

  The Washington Memorial Chapel Cabin Shopis a must-see when visiting the monument. This is a great place to grab a snack, have some lunch, and find the perfect keepsake to mark your trip. They specialize in souvenirs with a Revolutionary or Colonial theme as well as gift baskets, fine pewter, artwork, figurines, and candles. They even have a variety of special items for the kids. Do not leave without enjoying some homemade baked goods.

  Location

  PA-23 #300, Valley Forge, PA 19481

• The Encampment Store

  The Encampment Store is located at Valley Forge, providing products to commemorate your educational adventure. They also offer bike rentals around the park. The store also offers bike, trolley, private, audio, and hiking tours. They want to do their best to enhance your historical and educational experience. 

  Location

  1000 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406

• The Nook and Kranny Kafe

  The Nook and Kranny Kafe is a casual little spot for breakfast all day or lunch. Choose from a huge variety of omelets or frittatas, French toast, pancakes, or eggs. For lunch, you have a choice of sandwiches, from hot roast beef to grilled cheese and a variety of burgers. 

  Location

  847 Valley Forge Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460

• Savor

  The menu at Savor is designed to make your mouth water. They offer breakfast, burgers, steaks, hot sandwiches, hoagies, and wraps with a side of French fries or coleslaw. Enjoy some Pellman’s cheesecake for dessert. 

  Location

  3000 Valley Forge Circle, Suite 3150, King of Prussia, PA 19406

How To Get To Valley Forge National Historical Park

To get to Valley Forge National Historical Monument, merge onto I-76 W going north along the Schuylkill River. Use the right 2 lanes to take Exit 327-328B-A for US-202 N, and then, keep left on the fork toward US-422 West. Keep right at the next fork to continue onto 328A and follow the signs for US-422. Continue on US-422 to West Valley Forge Road, which will take you to the park. 

Address

1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Valley Forge National Historical Park is a fascinating place to step back in history. See where the battles actually occurred, learn the stories, and enjoy the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. Traveling by RV means you will be able to explore and take breaks at your own convenience, so you will be free to experience the Revolution for yourself.