Q: Are there any locations closed to special park uses?A: Yes. The Washington's Headquarters area (including Historic Valley Forge Station) and the Muhlenberg's Brigade area are both closed to special park uses during operating hours, between 9 AM and 5 PM. Q: Do I need a special use permit to hold a wedding in Valley Forge National Historical Park?A: Yes. However, the park does not issue special park use permits for wedding ceremonies to be held at the following locations: National Memorial Arch, Washingtons Headquarters, and Muhlenberg's Brigade. Most wedding requests for the National Memorial Arch usually go to the Waynes Woods picnic area and set up on the hillside overlooking the arch with the arch in the background. Q: Can I get a special use permit for the Philander Chase Knox Estate?A: The PC Knox Estate is currently held under a lease agreement and is not available for activities under a special use permit from April 1 to October 31 each year. For more information on holding a special event at the PC Knox Estate during the lease season please visit the following website: Philander Chase Knox Estate - Event & Wedding Venue Q: Are there pavilions or covered areas available for special park uses?A: No. Valley Forge National Historical Park has no pavilions or other covered areas available for special park uses. The closest area with reservable picnic pavilions is Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, operated by Montgomery County Parks and located north of Valley Forge near where Perkiomen Creek flows into the Schuylkill River. Q: Do I need a permit to spread ashes in the park?A: Yes. Spreading ashes in the park requires a special use permit and prior approval from the park Superintendent. Q: Do I need a special use permit for my horseback riding, biking, hiking, or running group? What about company or family picnics, memorial ceremonies, or graduation parties?A: Probably yes! Organized recreational events with more than 20 participants (including horseback riding, biking, hiking or running, etc.) require a special use permit. Other organized special events with more than 25 participants or that require any equipment set up of any kind within the park (examples include picnics, memorial ceremonies, graduation parties) also require a permit. Q: Can I use park buildings for meetings or private events?A: No. At this time there are no park buildings available for meetings or events for private individuals or groups. Q: Can I set up shade canopies or tents for my activity?A: Yes. Small canopies (10 ft x 10 ft) may be used for spcial events in a limited number of locations and only with prior approval from the park Superintendent. Q: Can I post signs or use sidewalk chalk to point to my event?A: No. You will not be permitted to post directional signs or use paint or chalk anywhere within the park boundary. Q: Can I hang balloons, streamers, or other decorations?A: No. Nothing may be hung from or attached to monuments, structures, or any park vegetation (including trees). Q: Do I need a special use permit from the park for events or activites at the Washington Memorial Chapel?A: No. The Washington Memorial Chapel is located on private property and is not managed by the National Park Service. The park cannot authorize any activities on chapel property. For more information on holding an event or taking event photos at the Washington Memorial Chapel pleace contact their office directly at 610-783-0120 or through their website at www.wmchapel.org Q: Can I charge fees to attend my event?A: No. Fee collection (including registration fees) or sales of any kind are not permitted within the park boundary except under a concessions or cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. Q: Can I set up a bounce house?A: No. The erection of bounce-houses and other inflatable structures is prohibited. Q: Can I set up my own nets or stakes for games?A: No. The use of nets for court games (such as volleyball or badminton) and stakes (driven into the ground in order to anchor a kite or used for games like horseshoes or croquet) are not permitted. Q: Is there electricity available on site for events?A: No. Electricity is not available on site for special park uses. A generator may be used if requested in a special use application. Q: Can I go off-trail as part of my event?A: No. Events must remain in designated areas or trails only. Off-trail hiking, running, or walking during events is not permitted. Orienteering events will be authorized using designated trails only. Q: Can I hold a run or walk in the park to raise funds for charity?A: Yes, runs and walks for charity may be held in the park, but only on the north side of the park in the Betzwood, Pawling Farm, or River Trail areas. You will not be permitted to use the Joseph Plumb Martin trail or other areas south of the Schuylkill River. Logistically, the park is not well-suited for large events due to the limitations of parking and other restrictions. If you have a large event that passes through the park (for example on the Schuylkill River Trail) you will still need a special use permit from the park. Q: Can I close a park road or trail for my event?A: No. Roads and trails and visitor use areas will not be closed for special park uses. All areas will remain open to the public. We will not issue a second special use permit for the same area at the same time, but it will also not be "reserved" for your exclusive use. Q: Can I get a permit to hunt in the park?A: No. We cannot issue a permit for hunting within the park boundary. Q: Can I advertise for my event in the park?A: No. You may not display, post, or distribute commercial notices or advertising within the park. |
Last updated: March 19, 2025