Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park
Washington Crossing Historic Park
4.4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA) hosts thousands of visitors every year, from local schoolchildren to visitors from around the world, who come to see the point from which a battered and dispirited American army launched a counterattack that reversed its long losing streak, preserving its will to fight and maintaining the revolutionary spirit that would lead to independence for the United States. But Washington Crossing Historic Park represents much more than a single event. Restored Colonial buildings in the park, such as the Thompson-Neely House and McConkey Ferry Inn, give many clues about living conditions during the Revolutionary era. Later, homes and shops reveal how 19th-century rural Pennsylvanians lived and worked. Among them are the home of a prosperous merchant, a village general store, and homes for skilled artisans. The park also contains Bowman's Hill Tower, Revolutionary War soldiers' graves, stone memorials, picnic pavilions and historic collections.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
322 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
118
Average
22
Poor
3
Terrible
3
dennisE1964
Valparaiso, IN717 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
My wife and I decided to stop at Washington Crossing Historic Park while on our way to Philadelphia, and we’re so glad we did! After crossing the Washington Crossing Bridge, we couldn't resist checking out this iconic site. The museum offers insightful exhibits that dive deep into George Washington’s famous 1776 Delaware River crossing on Christmas Day. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the grounds weren’t busy, which made the experience even more enjoyable. It was the perfect 1-hour detour—definitely worth the stop!
Helpful Tips: If you're passing through, allow at least an hour to enjoy the exhibits. Great stop for history buffs and easy parking available!
Helpful Tips: If you're passing through, allow at least an hour to enjoy the exhibits. Great stop for history buffs and easy parking available!
Written October 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SfromJersey
Berkeley Heights, NJ91 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We stopped here in the midst of a history tour of PA. We only did the visitor center and tour, not the tower since it’s not really associated with Washington’s crossing the Delaware. The museum and tour are very educational. The tour itself was worth it because we were able to walk right up to and look inside one of the replica boats giving a good idea of what they were dealing with trying to get all those men and equipment across the icy river. Definitely a must see for history buffs to see such an important place in America’s history but don’t need more than 2 hours here.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy V
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Washington Crossing is amazing. I'm a history buff and felt like I was back in time. The Visitor Center is wonderful with lots of items and great books to choose. The tour guides are very informative and I would recommend taking a tour. The movie is well worth watching also. They have done a wonderful job in preserving a vital part of history.
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel Martinez
Chicago, IL59 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Washington Crossing has to be one of the most important historical sites in terms of US history. The preservation and beauty of the land is second to none. I went with my daughter and friends it was simply amazing. You can still go into the homes that have been preserved after all these years.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet M
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • Family
Our tour guide, David, did an excellent job bringing history to life for us. We particularly liked seeing the replicas of the Durham boats used to transport the troops. We also enjoyed David’s sense of humor! We highly recommend the Crossing the Delaware Tour.
Written September 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hale F
Oxford, MS481 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We went there within a week of the cross. The current in the river was 3-5 mph so it gave us an impression of how difficult the crossing would have been. The museum was informative with a good description of the battle in Trenton and its effect on the Revolutionary War. It also helped dispel a few myths. The Park is Managed by the State of Pennsylvania and is a short drive from Philadelphia, which gives you a good view of how close Washington came to being overwhelmed when spring came.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell
Altoona, PA480 contributions
Jul 2022
We loved the tour. It was $7 per person and can be reserved on-line. It was about 45 minutes. Check the website before you go as I believe tours in the winter are held only on weekends. Nice gift shop with books and gifts for all ages.
Written August 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA884 contributions
Nov 2022
We are American history buffs and decided to visit here to learn more about the historic event that occurred in 1776. I also wanted to see the buildings that make up this historic park, as promoted at their website.
We arrived at the Visitor Center on a Saturday afternoon in time to catch the final scheduled “tour” of the day. After viewing a short video that set the scene for the Delaware River crossing, we heard a talk by tour guide Tom about the event and its important role in the Continental Army’s military efforts. Our “tour”—consisting of the movie and Tom’s talk in the theater and the nearby exhibit gallery—lasted about 50 minutes, after which we perused the small exhibit gallery there on our own and walked down to the river’s edge to view a few of the Durham boats docked there. We were disappointed that the buildings in the Historic Village were all closed for renovations. Although we enjoyed the movie, the exhibits, and Tom’s remarks, having the historic buildings reopened for touring would definitely help flesh out a visit here.
All in all, we spent about 90 minutes here. Admission is reasonable (and helps fund the renovations, I assume). There is plentiful free onsite parking.
We arrived at the Visitor Center on a Saturday afternoon in time to catch the final scheduled “tour” of the day. After viewing a short video that set the scene for the Delaware River crossing, we heard a talk by tour guide Tom about the event and its important role in the Continental Army’s military efforts. Our “tour”—consisting of the movie and Tom’s talk in the theater and the nearby exhibit gallery—lasted about 50 minutes, after which we perused the small exhibit gallery there on our own and walked down to the river’s edge to view a few of the Durham boats docked there. We were disappointed that the buildings in the Historic Village were all closed for renovations. Although we enjoyed the movie, the exhibits, and Tom’s remarks, having the historic buildings reopened for touring would definitely help flesh out a visit here.
All in all, we spent about 90 minutes here. Admission is reasonable (and helps fund the renovations, I assume). There is plentiful free onsite parking.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Previa1994
Chicago, IL6,608 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
When we visited friends in Newton, they took us to Washington Crossing as a part of a driving tour of the area. The weather was nice for walking around the park. There is so much to explore and learn the history that took place here. But, we enjoyed the short walk to the Washington Crossing Monument and strolling across the bridge over the Delaware River (except for the traffic).  Washington Crossing Historic Park is a great place to learn about Washington's historical crossing on Christmas day. It would be wonderful to visit this place when they have reenactments of the river crossing.
Written December 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
Bowmans tower was fun to visit. Elevator was out of order which I believe it's been that way for a long time. This should be fixed. I'm sure the park has enough funds to complete this. We visited on a bright sunny day and even so the spiral staircase was poorly lit. An accident just waiting to happen. Just rope lights would be an improvement. Views for the top where cool. The park commission needs to keep it updated and safer.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 hours. You can walk around the pond and go in the building to see leutze painting
Written February 12, 2020
Do any of the hikng paths accomodate a mobility scooter?
Written March 5, 2018
I do believe there are parts of the park that are handicap accessible. I would call the park directly-they do have a ranger station.
Written March 7, 2018
i have mobility issues would i be able to get around with my scooter?
Written October 13, 2017
Absolutely - the outdoor portion is very much accessible, and there's a ramp for getting into the visitor's center. The visitor's center is very much accessible, wide open spaces in the interior. Enjoy!
Written October 13, 2017
If you watch from the bridge can you hear the narrative?
Written November 30, 2016
Emily W
Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania
Great question! First, the bridge is not closed for the December 11 crossing, just on Christmas Day. To be completely honest, we're not sure how well you can hear it. We place speakers on the PA side of the river only, so it depends on everything from the wind direction to the volume of the people around you. Your best shot at seeing the crossing and hearing the narration would be to arrive early and get a spot near the bank on the PA side.
Written December 1, 2016
I see there is a tour for $6/person. How much time should we allow and how far in advance should we make reservations? What is the earliest time they start?
Thanks!
Written May 4, 2016
I believe the tour is for the PA side of Washington Crossing Park. You would only need 45 minutes for that. There is some things on the other side of the river, which consists of the park, the visitor center and the Johnson Ferry House. If you are driving you have to pay a fee to get into the parking area. The visitor center and Ferry House are free, and there is also an open air theater you might wish to visit also.
Written May 4, 2016
Hi, where is the best place to park? I cant tell where the reenactment takes place ... is it by the bridge?
Written December 22, 2015
If you go to Washington Crossing historic park web site and click on events it will provide you with all the info you need. Crossing is at 1pm
Written December 23, 2015
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