Last updated: July 2, 2026
Place
National Memorial Arch - 50/250 Celebration
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Near the intersection of Gulph Road and South Outer Line Drive, including the arch monument, paved and cobblestone pathways, and grassy lawn areas.
Significance:
Place for 50th Birthday Celebration Valley Forge Then and Now on July 4, 2026.
Designation:
Shuttle Stop 3
Amenities
10 listed
Benches/Seating, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Cellular Signal, First Aid Kit Available, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Trash/Litter Receptacles
National Memorial Arch (Shuttle Stop 3)
Extreme Heat Forecasted - Outdoor programming will end early on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026.
See below for the July 4 schedule >
Valley Forge Then and Now, the 50th birthday celebration takes place at the National Memorial Arch on July 4, 2026. There is no special programming at the arch on July 3 and 5.
Parking attendants will assist you in finding a parking space for your vehicle. Parking is limited. A special event shuttle provides transportation to all of the commemorative events and program venues.
Shuttle stop located in the bus parking lot near the arch along South Outer Line Drive. Follow the paved path up to the arch.
Saturday, July 4 - Valley Forge Then and Now (50th Anniversary Celebration)
Outdoor programs end at 1 pm.
10 am to 1 pm
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Valley Forge National Historical Park (the only national park born on the 4th of July) with special family friendly programming highlighting many different eras and chapters from Valley Forge's storied history.
Live music, hut building, a replica cannon and Conestoga wagon, reenactors, tables, and activities will give this celebration a fun festival atmosphere.
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Meet Anna Morris Holstein, Regent of the Valley Forge Centennial and Memorial Association, the woman responsible for first preserving the Isaac Potts house (Washington's Headquarters) as a museum in 1879.
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Listen to early 20th century popular music performed by live band the Hot Taters from Philadelphia.
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Sign a birthday card wishing Valley Forge National Historical Park a happy 50th birthday.
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Learn about the Boy Scouts of America Jamborees held at Valley Forge in the 1950s and 60s
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Get a close-up view of a replica Revolutionary War-era cannon and learn how they were made and how they work.
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Pose in front of a Conestoga wagon.
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Build your own soldier hut.
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Try on 18th century clothing and gear.
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Learn about Architect Paul Cret, the designer of the National Memorial Arch
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See replica fossils excavated from the Port Kennedy bone cave in the 1870s and 90s and learn about the ancient Ice Age animals of Valley Forge.
Getting Around
Ride the Park Shuttle!
Ride the free hop-on/hop-off shuttle to five locations around the park on July 3, 4, and 5 2026.
Shuttle service at the National Memorial Arch begins at 9:32 am each day. The last shuttle leaves the National Memorial Arch at 4:12 pm and returns to the visitor center (shuttle stop 1) to complete its final circuit at 4:40 pm.
Shuttles run every 20 minutes on Friday, July 3 and Sunday, July 5.
Shuttles run every 10 minutes on Saturday, July 4.
STOP 1 - The Visitor Center at Valley Forge
Shuttle stop located in the main visitor center parking lot near the restrooms and bicycle rental. Exit the parking lot and follow the paved path to the visitor center building and Visitor Gateway programming.
STOP 2 - Muhlenberg's Brigade
Shuttle stop located in the Muhlenberg's Brigade parking lot along North Outer Line Drive. Cross North Outer Line Drive at the pedestrian crosswalk to access the log huts, living history demonstrations, and the storytelling firepit.
STOP 3 - National Memorial Arch
Shuttle stop located in the bus parking lot along South Outer Line Drive. Follow the paved path up to the arch.
STOP 4 - Washington's Headquarters
Shuttle stop located along River Road near the restroom building. Walk down the serpentine path to the Valley Forge Train Station, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard Huts, and the Isaac Potts House (closed for restoration).
STOP 5 - Maurice Stephens House
Shuttle service to Maurice Stephens ends at 12 noon on July 3 and 1 pm on July 4 and 5.
Shuttle stop located in the Maurice Stephens parking lot along Route 23.
Park shuttles are ADA accessible and provide a lift in the back for wheelchairs and motorized scooters. NOTE: The grounds at National Memorial Arch (Shuttle Stop 3) and the Maurice Stephens House (Shuttle Stop 5) have steep pathways and uneven terrain that may not be suitable for all assistive devices.
Ride-Hailing Services
The pick-up/drop-off location for rideshares at Muhlenberg's Brigade is located in the Muhlenberg's Brigade parking lot near the pedestrian crosswalk.
Learn more about using ride-hailing services at Valley Forge
Safety & Accessibility
We want you to have a safe and fun experience celebrating Valley Forge National Historical Park's 50th birthday! Here are some important safety and accessibility considerations to plan for over the 4th of July weekend.
In Case of Emergency Dial 9-1-1
No matter the emergency, calling 9-1-1 is always the best way to get help quickly.
Hot Weather
Weather at Valley Forge in July is very hot and humid with temperatures regularly reaching 90 degrees or hotter. Most of the celebrations and special programming takes place outside.
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Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and eating salty snacks.
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Keep your body temperature under control by limiting your physical exertion, taking breaks in the shade, and spending time in an air conditioned building.
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Rest inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, it's air conditioned!
Separated Parties and Missing Children
If you lose a child or become separated from the rest of your group, find a ranger!
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National park rangers and other event staff will be easy to identify and they will help reunite you with your group or lost child.
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Bright yellow tents at Muhlenberg's Brigade and the National Memorial Arch will serve as meetup locations and provide general event information and visitor services.
Limited Parking
Parking will be limited. Follow instructions from parking attendants when you enter the park. After you park your vehicle, head to the nearest shuttle stop to ride the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle to the program locations around the park.
Accessible Parking
All public parking lots in the park have spaces reserved for accessible parking.
Visiting With Limited Mobility
Park shuttles are ADA accessible and provide a lift in the back for wheelchairs and motorized scooters.
It is approximately 430 feet along a sloped, narrow paved trail from the shuttle stop to the event area around the National Memorial Arch. Activities are dispersed throughout the site and require crossing uneven, sloped grassy areas and cobblestone surfaces. There are no steps, but surrounding grassy areas are uneven and sloped in places. Mobility‑device users should expect mixed surface types, including some steep grades, and may require assistance.