Run, hike, explore, learn—and enjoy chocolate made the old-fashioned way—during National Park Week at Valley Forge National Historical Park! Plenty is in store for the annual nationwide recognition of America’s national parks during National Park Week, April 20-28. The theme for the week—“Did You Know?”—shows the unlimited ways to capture the imagination of park visitors.
Begin the weeklong celebration on Sunday, April 21, at the 8th Annual Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-mile Run, 3-mile walk and 1.776-km Young Patriots Fun Run. Race proceeds directly benefit the park. Find out more here.
The following Saturday, April 27, Valley Forge will celebrate National Junior Ranger Day with a variety of hands-on activities, games and art from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at learning stations throughout the park. Participating children and their families will learn about Valley Forge’s revolutionary history, geology and natural resources. Ongoing programs will take place at the Visitor Center, Muhlenberg Brigade Huts and Washington’s Headquarters. A graduation ceremony for all new Junior Rangers will take place at 2:30 p.m. in front of the Visitor Center, where children will take the Junior Ranger Oath and receive their official Junior Ranger Badge.
Throughout the day, visitors may also take part in a unique tasting experience from the Historic Division of Mars, American Heritage Chocolate. Guests will learn about the role of chocolate in the Revolutionary War and see how chocolate was made and used in the colonial period. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Visitor Center, demonstrations of 18th-century chocolate-making techniques will show the addition of flavorings to the chocolate, including cinnamon, nutmeg, chili pepper, orange and vanilla, with the end result poured out as hot chocolate available for sampling.
The Junior Ranger Day event is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if necessary to Saturday, May 4. Check the park website the day of the event if weather is questionable.
Capping off National Park Week, Valley Forge NHP’s partner organization, The Encampment Store, will lead a 9-mile guided hike on Sunday, April 28, at 10 a.m., which will last approximately 3-4 hours. The hike is open to the public and will depart from the Visitor Center. The route will follow the newly revised Valley Forge Historical Trail booklet and map, which has been used by the Boy Scouts of America since the 1980s. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and to bring water, snacks and a compass (optional). For more details, contact The Encampment Store at (610) 783-1074.
Valley Forge National Historical Park is located at 1400 North Outer Line Drive, in King of Prussia. For directions, visit the link!
