The country’s more than 420 national parks are popular tourist destinations, generating spending of $29 billion in communities near the parks.
Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County is no exception.
A recently released National Park Service report shows there were 1.9 million visitors to the Valley Forge National Historical Park in 2024 who spent $28.9 million in communities near the park and contributed $44.8 million to the local economy.
“People come to Valley Forge National Historical Park to discover history, connect to nature and recreate surrounded by scenic beauty. Their activities in and around the park end up supporting the economy,” park Superintendent Rose Fennell said in a statement.
She added that the park supported 325 jobs in 2024.
The park
The 3,452-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park is in Upper Merion Township and is significant for being the location of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington.
Its purpose, according to the park’s website, is to educate and inform present and future generations about the people, events and legacy of the American Revolution.
The park features encampment-era buildings, commemorative monuments and memorials, and historic structures. In addition, the park features 35 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Admission to the national park is free, but trolley tours offered by the Encampment Store do have a fee.
Valley Forge National Historical Park became Pennsylvania’s first state park in May 1893. In 1976, Pennsylvania presented the park as a gift to the nation for the bicentennial, and on July 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford signed into law an act to make the park the 283rd unit of the National Park System, according to information on the website.
“Valley Forge National Historical Park is a true gem in Montgomery County,” Mike Bowman, president & CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, said in a statement. “It’s a nationally and internationally recognized site that plays a vital role in our tourism economy. We’re proud to partner with the park and have our Welcome Center inside their Visitor Center.”
The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is responsible for promoting the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure destination, and promotes its more than 400 member hotels, attractions and services.
During the federal shutdown that started Oct. 1, the park is open for walking and driving tours. However, the Visitor Center, the Valley Forge theatre, Washington’s headquarters and several public restrooms in the park are closed. In addition, a call to the main telephone number indicates the phone line is not being monitored.
The national numbers
According to the National Park Service report — 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects — the country’s national parks contributed $56.3 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contribution in 2024, with $11.1 billion. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.7 billion in economic output, according to the report.
An interactive tool is available to explore visitor spending, labor income and total economic contribution by sector for national, state and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are on the NPS website.
To learn more about the 19 national parks in Pennsylvania and how the National Park Service works with Pennsylvania communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment and provide outdoor recreation, visit www.nps.gov/pennsylvania.
