Valley Forge Revolutionary War Self-Guided Driving Tour

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/text for a special password and setup instructions. Download the Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and once it's complete, you can enjoy it offline. Just open the app, hit the road, and follow the audio instructions! New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   10 min

   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: The tour is over 10 miles long, with more than 30+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   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.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   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.

4. 4

   National Memorial Arch

   5 min

   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.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   5 min

   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!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   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.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   Continuing on, you'll come to the Delaware Memorial and learn about how the situation at Valley Forge began to unravel.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   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.

9. 9

   Valley Forge National Historical Park

   5 min

   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.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    5 min

    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.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    5 min

    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.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    5 min

    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.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    5 min

    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.

14. 14

    Stop 14

    5 min

    An optional stop takes you to the Philander Chase Knox Estate, where the Attorney General who served under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt once lived.

15. 15

    Valley Forge National Historical Park

    5 min

    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.

16. 16

    Washington Memorial Chapel

    5 min

    Fans of revolutionary history will want to detour to the Washington Memorial Chapel, which boasts a replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell!

17. 17

    Stop 17

    5 min

    Behind the Memorial Chapel you'll find the Washington Memorial Cemetery, where several important figures like Philander Knox have been laid to rest.

18. 18

    Stop 18

    5 min

    You can also visit the Mauricce Stevens House, built atop the site of another general's quarters used during the winter of 1777.

19. 19

    Stop 19

    5 min

    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.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
• Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
• At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
• Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

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