Now we have all discovered about Normal George Washington at school and the tough winter Washington’s military spent encamped within the Valley Forge space throughout 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. Unsuitable.
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 Nationwide Historic Park, we have been in a position to take in info in a way more participating means than you could get at school. So not solely did this go to straighten out the details in my head, however they sunk into Hannah’s mind in a means that merely studying about a spot can not.
As a lot as we love visiting stunning Nationwide Parks like Yellowstone, Glacier, and Grand Teton, the Nationwide Park Service additionally operates many nationwide historic parks which might be excellent for historical past buffs, like Gettysburg, Harpers Ferry, and Independence Corridor. We had an opportunity so as to add yet another to our record with a go to to Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park in Pennsylvania.
In case you are contemplating a visit, maintain studying for recommendations on visiting Valley Forge with youngsters and enjoyable locations to go close by throughout your keep.
What Occurred at Valley Forge?
So what did occur at Valley Forge? Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park is the place Normal 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.
As an alternative of tents, they constructed 1,500 log cabins and two miles of fortifications. Throughout that point, about 2,000 folks did die, however primarily from illness, which spreads simply in camps like these. Most of what we all know in regards to the encampment comes from the memoirs of Non-public Joseph Plumb Martin. So no battles passed off right here, no main occasions, but it surely was the place many hygiene and military group procedures have been put in place, forming the muse of the fashionable United States Military.
It may be an excellent cease on a historical past highway journey via the north east.
Ideas for Visiting Valley Forge with Children
Observe: We got a private tour of Valley Forge Nationwide Historic Park to facilitate this text. All opinions are my very own. Our keep was hosted by Valley Forge Tourism and Conference Board and the Hilton Backyard Inn. This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, if you happen to click on on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee.
Entrance to the Valley Forge Nationwide Historic 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 must be on the Customer’s Middle, the place you’ll be able to view a number of the artifacts recovered from the positioning, in addition to watch an 18-minute movie, “Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment.”
Whereas on the Park’s customer middle, make sure you inquire about any Park Ranger applications and choose up a Junior Ranger booklet for the children to finish so as to earn their Junior Ranger Badge. The Park Rangers are all the time so extremely captivated with what they do and the historical past and ecology of the park.
A few of the Park Ranger applications embody:
- Ranger-led walks
- Dwelling historical past demonstrations
- Artillery demonstrations
- Ranger talks
- Junior Ranger program
You need to plan to spend at the least half a day on the Park. There are lots of methods to tour the park, together with a self-guided, driving tour of the encampment, which makes a loop via 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 foremost encampment tour stops embody:
- Customer Middle at Valley Forge
- Muhlenberg’s Brigade – the positioning of the encampment of troops led by Brigadier Normal Peter Muhlenberg throughout the winter of 1777-78. At present the realm consists of 9 reconstructed log troopers’ huts going through a gravel firm avenue.
- Nationwide 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 Normal George Washington and the Continental Military at Valley Forge.
- Anthony Wayne Monument – the Wayne statue exhibits Brigadier Normal Wayne on horseback, going through is dwelling in Chester County.
- Washington’s Headquarters – also referred to as the Isaac Potts Home, is the construction utilized by Normal George Washington and his family throughout the 1777-1778 encampment.
- Redoubt 3 – this can be a reconstruction of one of many 5 earthworks fortifications constructed by troopers to defend towards attainable assault by British troopers.
- Artillery Park – this was the central location used throughout 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. Though it was initially positioned 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 Nationwide Park Service. The spectacular constructing was constructed between 1903 and 1917, and options a Gothic Revival model.
Should you desire one thing a bit extra novel to entertain the children, hop on one of many seasonal Trolley Excursions, which depart from the entrance of the Customer Middle and make prolonged stops at Muhlenberg’s Brigade and Washington’s Headquarters. Trolley Excursions are 90 minutes lengthy, ADA accessible, and administered by The Encampment Retailer. The one draw back is that you’re constrained by the timeline of the group and you’ll’t go at your personal tempo.
There are additionally cellular phone excursions, which use your cellular phone to offer details about the park as you drive by calling 484-396-1018, and an audio tour, which you play in your automobile as you drive. The audio tour is on the market for buy as an audio CD, a downloadable MP3 file, or for streaming utilizing a smartphone or pill. You should buy and take heed to the Audio Tour by visiting The Encampment Retailer 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 straightforward to deliver a picnic and spend the day. Wayne’s Woods picnic space overlooks the Nationwide Memorial Arch and the panorama of Valley Forge. A public restroom and outside water fountain are additionally accessible seasonally.
Making ready to Go to Valley Forge with Children
As all the time, I’d suggest studying up a bit in regards to the Revolutionary Conflict, George Washington, and Valley Forge earlier than a go to. Some concepts embody:
Issues to do Close to Valley Forge, PA
Should you don’t deliver 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!)
Go to 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 automobile with visitors.) Earlier than 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. After they noticed Philadelphia rapidly 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 as we speak the Arboretum. At present, the Arboretum spans 92 acres, that includes 12,000 plant and timber species.
They’ve arrange many family-friendly applications, together with story instances, Japanese tea ceremonies throughout the Cherry Blossom Celebrations in April, Mom’s Day Brunch, Circus Week in July, and particular applications on Wednesdays all through the summer season. Regardless of if you go to, they make exploring enjoyable with specifically printed instructional playing cards to deliver 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.
Considered one of our favourite elements of the Arboretum was the “Out on a Limb” exhibit that includes an enormous birds nest perched 50 ft above the bottom. Right 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 season, it’s straightforward to spend half a day exploring the varied areas of the Arboretum and making your means alongside the loop that runs via the property.
Morris Arboretum is positioned at 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Go to www.morrisarboretum.org for program schedules, hours, and admission info.
Discover The Wharton Esherick Studio
When you’ve got 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 fantastically crafted designs.
From the Winnie the Pooh exterior of the guests middle, to the winding, treehouse-like staircase contained in the studio, the designs of Esherick will enchant all ages. (However given the open stairs, it’s most likely greatest for these eight and up.)
Wharton Esherick (1887-1970) obtained his begin as an artist and later obtained into woodcuts. He quickly found a ardour and expertise for woodworking, which is what has made him well-known. At present, his furnishings and furnishings might 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 dwelling that seconded as his studio with considerate care. Constructed 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 discover his ingeniously-designed lamps, tables, and cupboards, alongside a few of his picket sculptures. He paid shut consideration to each element from the latches and hinges to the sinks and steps.
I used to be actually stunned 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 Path in Malvern, PA. Excursions are by appointment solely.
Get pleasure from Elmwood Park Zoo
In case you are 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. Right here you will discover otters, cheetahs, bald eagles, moose, prairie canine, and our favourite…purple pandas!
If zoos usually are not your factor, in addition they supply a small treetop journey and zipline course.
Elmwood Park Zoo is positioned at 1661 Harding Blvd in Norristown, PA.
Store at King of Prussia Mall
In case you are touring with teenagers or identical to to buy, you could wish to take a look at the King of Prussia Mall, which is dwelling to over 450 retailers. It’s also a great spot to seize an informal dinner, with choices like Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Authorized Seafoods, Outback Steakhouse, and plenty of extra.
King of Prussia Mall is positioned at 160 N Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
The place to Keep Close to Valley Forge
We stayed on the close by Hilton Backyard Inn in Phoenixville, PA. I’m an enormous fan of the Hilton Backyard 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 house within the foyer. With this one, simply request a room that doesn’t face the freeway, as it may be noisy at evening.
Discover different locations to remain close to Valley Forge:
Think about 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.
PIN THIS FOR LATER
