Washington Crossing Historic Park

Description:

Today the 500-acre park is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and operated through partnership with The Friends of Washington Crossing Park. Each year the park hosts thousands of visitors, 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.

On a daily basis, guided tours are available (tickets required). The Visitor Center is open daily where visitors can get information about the park, view the Exhibit Gallery and visit the Patriot Gift Shop.

 

Special Events (including dates and times):
George Washington’s Birthday Celebration: Annually the Sunday before President’s Day in February.
Spring Brewfest: Annually the last Saturday in May.
4th of July Weekend Celebration: Check website for dates of the Living History Day, Rebels & Redcoats Classic Car Show and day of free park tours.
Wine on the Waterfront: Annually the last Saturday in July.
Autumn Market and Encampment: Check website for updated date.
Fall Brewfest: Annually the last Saturday of October from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
First Crossing Reenactment: Annually on the second Sunday in December from 10am to 4pm.
Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment: Annually on Christmas Day from noon to 3pm.

Year-round programs:
CROSSING THE DELAWARE
Tour days: Every day; Tour times: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start of your tour.This outdoor-only tour begins near the Visitor Center and explores the site on the Delaware River where General Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day in 1776. You’ll learn about the Ten Crucial Days that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Discover how Washington’s troops made it across the river, and what the crossing – and its aftermath – was like for the Continental Army and camp followers.

THE THOMPSON-NEELY GRIST MILL AND GROUNDS OF THE HOUSE
Tours of the Thompson-Neely house are temporarily unavailable due to damage to the mill’s access paths from Hurricane Ida.

BOWMAN’S HILL TOWER
Entry days: Every day; Entry times: Every half hour from 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the time on your ticket
Rising 125 feet in the air, Bowman’s Hill Tower is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. On a clear day, the tower offers a stunning 14-mile bird’s-eye view of the surrounding countryside and Delaware River. The Tower is located near the corner of Rt. 32 (River Road) and Lurgan Road, a few miles south of New Hope, PA.

Also, there are monthly programs such as the Book Club, Free Lecture Series and Nature Programs. Info on them are available on our website.