We have all realized about General George Washington in class and the tough winter Washington’s military spent encamped within the Valley Forge space through the American Revolution. I had this fuzzy recollection of Valley Forge park as a spot the place Washington and his troopers wintered in tents, dying of chilly and hunger earlier than crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Day to shock the Redcoats in Trenton, New Jersey. BUZZZZZ! Nope. Wrong.
That’s the cool factor about visiting Valley Forge with youngsters (or as an grownup) — you be taught the true historical past. On our go to to Valley Forge National Historical Park, we had been capable of take in data in a way more partaking manner than you might get in class. So not solely did this go to straighten out the details in my head, however they sunk into Hannah’s mind in a manner that merely studying about a spot can not.
As a lot as we love visiting lovely National Parks like Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton, the National Park Service additionally operates many nationwide historic parks which are good for historical past buffs, like Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry, and Independence Hall. We had an opportunity so as to add yet another to our listing with a go to to Valley Forge National Historic Park in Pennsylvania.
If you’re contemplating a visit, maintain studying for tips about visiting Valley Forge with youngsters and enjoyable locations to go close by throughout your keep.
What Happened at Valley Forge?
So what did occur at Valley Forge? Valley Forge National Historical Park is the place General Washington and his troops spent six months from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778, a 12 months after Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day. The camp consisted of 12,000 troopers and 400 girls and youngsters, which, on the time, made up the fourth largest metropolis in America.
Instead of tents, they constructed 1,500 log cabins and two miles of fortifications. During that point, about 2,000 individuals did die, however primarily from illness, which spreads simply in camps like these. Most of what we all know concerning the encampment comes from the memoirs of Private Joseph Plumb Martin. So no battles occurred right here, no main occasions, but it surely was the place many hygiene and armed forces group procedures had been put in place, forming the inspiration of the trendy United States Army.
It could be a good cease on a historical past highway journey by the north east.
Tips for Visiting Valley Forge with Kids
Note: We got a private tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park to facilitate this text. All opinions are my very own. Our keep was hosted by Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board and the Hilton Garden Inn. This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks, in the event you click on on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee.
Entrance to the Valley Forge National Historical Park is freed from cost, and plenty of locals use the park’s 26 miles of trails to stroll, run, and even horseback trip. Your first cease needs to be on the Visitor’s Center, the place you possibly can view a number of the artifacts recovered from the location, in addition to watch an 18-minute movie, “Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment.”
While on the Park’s customer heart, you should definitely inquire about any Park Ranger applications and decide up a Junior Ranger booklet for the youngsters to finish with the intention to earn their Junior Ranger Badge. The Park Rangers are at all times so extremely obsessed with what they do and the historical past and ecology of the park.
Some of the Park Ranger applications embody:
- Ranger-led walks
- Living historical past demonstrations
- Artillery demonstrations
- Ranger talks
- Junior Ranger program
You ought to plan to spend a minimum of half a day on the Park. There are some ways to tour the park, together with a self-guided, driving tour of the encampment, which makes a loop by the park. This 10-mile encampment tour is a driving tour comprised of 9 main tour stops, though you can also make different stops alongside the best way at extra monuments. These self-guided excursions take from 20 minutes to 2 hours to finish.
The main encampment tour stops embody:
- Visitor Center at Valley Forge
- Muhlenberg’s Brigade – the location of the encampment of troops led by Brigadier General Peter Muhlenberg through the winter of 1777-78. Today the world consists of 9 reconstructed log troopers’ huts dealing with a gravel firm road.
- National Memorial Arch – this arch was constructed within the early twentieth century on the highway the place troopers marched into Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. The monument commemorates the arrival and the sacrifices of General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
- Anthony Wayne Monument – the Wayne statue reveals Brigadier General Wayne on horseback, dealing with is house in Chester County.
- Washington’s Headquarters – also referred to as the Isaac Potts House, is the construction utilized by General George Washington and his family through the 1777-1778 encampment.
- Redoubt 3 – it is a reconstruction of one of many 5 earthworks fortifications constructed by troopers to defend in opposition to attainable assault by British troopers.
- Artillery Park – this was the central location used through the encampment to maintain cannons on the prepared in case of a British assault.
- Von Steuben Statue – the bronze statue of Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben, extra generally recognized as Baron von Steuben, overlooks the Grand Parade at Valley Forge. Although it was initially situated on Outer Line Drive past the Anthony Wayne Statue.
- Washington Memorial Chapel – the Washington Memorial Chapel sits on non-public land and isn’t managed by the National Park Service. The spectacular constructing was constructed between 1903 and 1917, and options a Gothic Revival fashion.
If you favor one thing a bit extra novel to entertain the youngsters, hop on one of many seasonal Trolley Tours, which depart from the entrance of the Visitor Center and make prolonged stops at Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters. Trolley Tours are 90 minutes lengthy, ADA accessible, and administered by The Encampment Store. The solely draw back is that you’re constrained by the timeline of the group and you’ll’t go at your individual tempo.
There are additionally cellphone excursions, which use your cellphone to offer details about the park as you drive by calling 484-396-1018, and an audio tour, which you play in your automotive as you drive. The audio tour is accessible for buy as an audio CD, a downloadable MP3 file, or for streaming utilizing a smartphone or pill. You should purchase and hearken to the Audio Tour by visiting The Encampment Store web site.
There are additionally a number of picnic areas all through the park, together with a shaded space close to Wayne’s Woods, making it simple to carry a picnic and spend the day. Wayne’s Woods picnic space overlooks the National Memorial Arch and the panorama of Valley Forge. A public restroom and outside water fountain are additionally obtainable seasonally.
Preparing to Visit Valley Forge with Kids
As at all times, I’d advocate studying up a bit concerning the Revolutionary War, George Washington, and Valley Forge earlier than a go to. Some concepts embody:
Things to do Near Valley Forge, PA
If you don’t carry alongside a picnic lunch, plan to cease by the close by historic Black Powder Tavern for lunch or dinner (attempt the short-rib grilled cheese, it’s scrumptious!)
Visit the Morris Arborteum
Technically throughout the Philadelphia metropolis limits, Morris Arboretum is only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Valley Forge (or about 20 minutes by automotive with site visitors.) Before you roll your eyes on the considered your youngsters in an arboretum, let me let you know that this one has a lot to supply youngsters.
Morris Arboretum was began by brother and sister duo John and Lydia Morris, whose household made their fortune iron manufacturing. When they noticed Philadelphia shortly increasing, the determined to put aside some land to protect the pure magnificence and traveled the world bringing again concepts and crops that they carried out on the land that’s in the present day the Arboretum. Today, the Arboretum spans 92 acres, that includes 12,000 plant and timber species.
They have arrange many family-friendly applications, together with story instances, Japanese tea ceremonies through the Cherry Blossom Celebrations in April, Mother’s Day Brunch, Circus Week in July, and particular applications on Wednesdays all through the summer time. No matter whenever you go to, they make exploring enjoyable with specifically printed instructional playing cards to carry alongside on walks and a passport that explorers can stamp at stations all through the grounds. These characteristic a wetlands scavenger hunt, chicken watching guidelines, and concepts for changing into a tree scientist.
One of our favourite elements of the Arboretum was the “Out on a Limb” exhibit that includes a large birds nest perched 50 toes above the bottom. Here youngsters can actually get a birds eye view, plus have enjoyable on the nets and platforms excessive up within the air.
I want we might have visited when the rose backyard was in full bloom, however even with out the riot of colour that you simply would possibly see within the spring and summer time, it’s simple to spend half a day exploring the varied areas of the Arboretum and making your manner alongside the loop that runs by the property.
Morris Arboretum is situated at 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Visit www.morrisarboretum.org for program schedules, hours, and admission data.
Explore The Wharton Esherick Studio
When you will have had your fill of the outside, it’s time to climb inside the comfortable, crooked little studio of gifted woodworker and designer Wharton Esherick. Don’t fear you probably have by no means heard of him. You don’t want an artwork diploma to understand his whimsical, but superbly crafted designs.
From the Winnie the Pooh outdoors of the guests heart, to the winding, treehouse-like staircase contained in the studio, the designs of Esherick will enchant all ages. (But given the open stairs, it’s most likely greatest for these eight and up.)
Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) bought his begin as an artist and later bought into woodcuts. He quickly found a ardour and expertise for woodworking, which is what has made him well-known. Today, his furnishings and furnishings may be present in main American museums and personal collections, in addition to the 200+ works exhibited within the Studio.
He designed the fairy-tale like house that seconded as his studio with considerate care. Built over a 40 12 months interval, it options barn-like stone partitions that curve out like a tree trunk, with a patchwork ground of wooden items. Inside you will see his ingeniously-designed lamps, tables, and cupboards, alongside a few of his wood sculptures. He paid shut consideration to each element from the latches and hinges to the sinks and steps.
I used to be definitely shocked by how a lot we loved this brief go to and was glad to have found this hidden gem.
The Wharton Esherick Studio and Museum is located at 1520 Horseshoe Trail in Malvern, PA. Tours are by appointment solely.
Enjoy Elmwood Park Zoo
If you’re saying okay, that every one sounds good however what about one thing actually for youths…right here you go. Elmwood Park Zoo is small however packs an enormous punch. Here you will see otters, cheetahs, bald eagles, moose, prairie canine, and our favourite…crimson pandas!
If zoos aren’t your factor, additionally they supply a small treetop journey and zipline course.
Elmwood Park Zoo is situated at 1661 Harding Blvd in Norristown, PA.
Shop at King of Prussia Mall
If you’re touring with teenagers or identical to to buy, you might wish to take a look at the King of Prussia Mall, which is house to over 450 retailers. It can be a great spot to seize an informal dinner, with choices like Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Legal Seafoods, Outback Steakhouse, and plenty of extra.
King of Prussia Mall is situated at 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Where to Stay Near Valley Forge
We stayed on the close by Hilton Garden Inn in Phoenixville, PA. I’m an enormous fan of the Hilton Garden Inn as a result of they’re so dependable and nice for households. Our room was spacious, with free WiFi, free water for Hilton Honors members, and nice public area within the foyer. With this one, simply request a room that doesn’t face the freeway, as it may be noisy at night time.
Find different locations to remain close to Valley Forge:
Consider combining a go to to Valley Forge with a number of days in Philadelphia, or make an enormous highway journey to cowl Philly, Valley Forge, Lancaster, Gettysburg, and Hershey/Harrisburg.
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