Place

Washington's Headquarters Area - 50/250 Celebration

stone building with with columns and a train platform. fence covered in red white blue bunting — There is no special programming at the Washington's Headquarters area on July 3, 4, and 5.
NPS Photo / G. Purifoy

Benches/Seating, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Washington's Headquarters Area (Shuttle Stop 4)

ALERT: Extreme Heat Forecasted - Outdoor 50/250 programming will end early on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026.

See Details >

There is no special programming at the Washington’s Headquarters area on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026. Park staff will be on site to answer questions ONLY on Saturday, July 4.

What to see at Washington’s Headquarters >

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 passenger pick-up/drop-off turnaround down the hill near the train station building. The Valley Forge Train Station, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard Huts, and the George Washington statue are all accesible from paved pathways. The Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters building) is closed for restoration.

Valley Forge Train Station >

Wayside: Train Station >

Explore the Washington's Wartime Family exhibit >

Commander-In-Chief's Guard Huts >

George Washington Statue >

Virtual Washington's Headquarters >

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 Washington’s Headquarters area begins at 9:40 am each day. The last shuttle leaves the Washington’s Headquarters area at 4:20 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 in the passenger pick-up/drop-off turnaround down the hill near the train station building. The Valley Forge Train Station, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard Huts, and the George Washington statue are all accesible from paved pathways. The Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters building) is 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.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and eating salty snacks.
Keep your body temperature under control by limiting your physical exertion, taking breaks in the shade, and spending time in an air conditioned building.
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!

National park rangers and other event staff will be easy to identify and they will help reunite you with your group or lost child.
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 150 feet from the shuttle stop to the train station along a concrete sidewalk. The train station building meets ADA standards. The grounds can be accessed through a ramp or stairs, with paved pathways to the buildings. The area is primarily uneven, mowed grass. Mobility-device users should expect mixed surfaces but few steep grades.

Last updated: July 2, 2026

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