Spotlight: Wasatch Mountains - Midway Ice Castles

Spotlight: The concept of ice castles was developed by Brent Christensen who built the first one in his front yard in Alpine, UT in 2008. The following year, Christensen built his first public ice castle at Midway's Zermatt Resort. Since then, the project has continued to grow, and Christensen has constructed his spectacular castles in other states as well. Today, the ice castles are created with several dozen employees and about 5 million gallons of water.

      Construction of the ice castles begins in late November, and takes about a month. The walls of the ice castles are 10 inches thick and very solid. The size and shape of the ice castles changes daily as 10,000 - 15,000 new icicles are added to the structure each day. Unlike icicles that grow on houses, these icicles don't fall because the bond between icicle and ice is much stronger than bonds between icicles and other materials (metal, wood, etc.) On warm days, the icicles melt from the bottom up. Over time, they get absorbed into the structure or turn into slush. Each ice castle weighs about 25,000,000 pounds. To see a behind-the-scenes look done by Fox 13 News on the castles' construction, click here.

Ice tower

Location: The Midway Ice Castles are seasonal, and as such have no permanent location. They began in Midway, UT. Due to their great popularity, however, they outgrew their original location. For the past two years they have been located at 2002 Soldier Hollow Road, just a few miles outside of Midway. Other locations include: Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Lincoln, New Hampshire, and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Cost: The prices quoted below are when you purchase tickets online. Standby is significantly higher.
          Mon.-Thurs.: $6.95/child (4-11); $9.95/adult (12+)
          Fri.-Sat.: $8.95/child (4-11); $12.95/adult (12+)

Time: The Ice Castles are usually only open a couple of months a year (early January - early March). However, if it is a warm winter, the window may be considerably less. Allow about an hour to explore.
Hours: 3 pm - 9 pm (Mon. - Thurs.); 3 pm - 10 pm (Fri.); noon - 10 pm (Sat.); closed (Sun.)

Description: The ice castles are beautiful structures made entirely of ice. They cover about 1.5 acres of land. Once completed, they form a maze of ice towers, glowing tunnels, spiky archways, small caverns with light displays, and secret passages, including the popular Slot Canyon, where visitors need to turn sideways to squeeze their way through the glossy passage.

Slot Canyon

Secret Passage

     Some of the featured structures include ice slides, a water fall and a fountain. The 2016 version has two ice slides - a small one for little children and a larger one for bigger kids and adults. If you looked carefully, you could also spot Olaf from Frozen.

small slide

     At night, the natural bluish white color fades and is replaced by glowing multi-colored LED lights, embedded inside the castle walls. The lights change from one color to the next at variable intervals throughout the evening.

water fountain

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - You need to purchase your tickets ahead of time for two reasons: 1) They are cheaper; and 2) They often sell out. There will be a service charge, but it is still cheaper than standby.
- Ticket sales are final, but dates and times may be changed up to 24 hours in advance of ticket time. You are encouraged to check weather forecasts ahead of time since there are no refunds for inclement weather.
- When you purchase tickets, you enter during your 1/2 hour ticket window. You may then stay as long as you want, but will probably be done within 60-90 minutes. Don't be late or you may be waiting standby.
- The ice castles are made completely out of snow and ice. They are also outside, so it gets COLD. Recommended clothing includes: boots, snow pants, sweatshirt and jacket, gloves, hat or cap, scarf, and warm socks.
- When you get cold, hot chocolate and warm cinnamon rolls are sold on the premises for about $3 each.
- We went at 5:30 so that we could see the castles in the daylight and at night.
- Ice princesses are on hand for pictures at select times: 4pm-8pm (Mon. & Fri.) and 1pm-9pm (Sat.) Appearances may be shortened or cancelled due to weather.
- You need to sign a waiver form before entering the Ice Castles.
- The best way to ask questions is through their Facebook page.
- Click here for information regarding sleigh rides to the ice castles.

Nearby: Soldier Hollow Cross-Country Ski Resort, Heber Valley Historic Railroad, Brighton and Alta Ski Resorts, Park City

Travel Tip #39 - Don't take a Vacation from Healthy Living

    Do you gain weight when you go on vacation? I used to - every time. There are several reasons for this: 1) You typically eat out more, which usually means that you are consuming more calories. 2) Usually you are on vacation to relax, not to exercise, which means that you are burning less calories. 3) Even if you are doing a lot of walking, it usually is at a relaxed pace, so it doesn't burn near as many calories as your typical workout.
     So how do you combat this? There are several things you can do: 1) Don't eat out for every meal. 2) When you do eat out, choose healthier options. 3) Don't completely abandon your exercise routine. If you can fit in a 20 minute run, do it. 4) Most hotels have some sort of gym. If you don't want to follow your regular routine, trying out some new equipment might add the the allure of exercising. 5) Walk as much as you can. Just because it won't elevate your heart rate much doesn't mean that you should abandon it. The more walking you do, the better you'll feel. 6) When you are at your hotel, try using the stairs instead of using the elevator. It might seem like an insignificant thing, but I would guess I go up and down the stairs half a dozen times in a typical day at a hotel.
     I've noticed that by implementing even a couple of these steps has made a significant difference in how I feel when I get home from vacation. Try it and see if it works for you.

Spotlight: Wasatch Mountains - Sundance Mountain Resort

Spotlight: Sundance Mountain Resort opened in 1944 as Timp Haven. It started with a tow rope, but later added T-bar lifts and eventually chair lifts. Actor Robert Redford purchased the land in 1968. Not only did Redford build the posh ski and spa resort, he renamed it Sundance, reminiscent of his role as the Sundance Kid in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He also set about cultivating a small community by the same name devoted to establishing a balance between art, nature and recreation. The name also evokes images of how the sun dances across the mountain tops in the mornings and evenings. In 1981, the Sundance Institute was created to "foster and celebrate diversity in American film making." The Institute sponsored the Sundance Film Festival, a popular competition for independent film makers; but the film festival is now usually held in nearby Park City.

Location: Sundance Mountain Resort is located on the backside of Mount Timpanogos, about 13 miles north of Provo. To get there, head up Provo Canyon to the HWY 92 turnoff (the first major turnoff to the north, about a mile past Vivian Park). Take this road a couple of miles until you reach 8841 Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Sundance.

Cost: - Season ski/snowboard passes start at $169/junior (6-12), $199/youth (13-18), and $329/adult, $125/senior (65+) when purchased before Oct. 31 (a $100 discount off those purchased after 10/31). There are additional discounts available for college students and military personnel.
- Single use tickets are available for full day, half day, super day, twilight, afternoon, and night skiing starting at $24/child and $32/adult (2 hour afternoon block). For more info click here.

Time: The ski season starts in early December and runs through early April. Single use tickets are available for specific blocks of time ranging from 2 hours to 20 1/2 hours. We usually find that 6 hours is just about right for skiing.

Description: The Sundance Mountain Resort ski area spans over 5,000 acres of slopes on the eastern side of Mount Timpanogos. The ski runs are for both skiers and snowboarders. In addition to a bunny slope with a tow rope for beginners, the ski resort has 5 green runs (novice), 17 blue runs (intermediate), and 27 black diamond runs (advanced). The slopes run on both the "front mountain" and the "back mountain," with all the beginning runs on the front mountain. The most unique run is called the Outlaw Trail. It has several "store fronts" related to the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Several of these have doors in them that skiers can ski through. It even has a few headstones for added ambiance.

     The first couple of times we went to Sundance, we spent the entire time on the front mountain since we didn't feel advanced enough to brave the back mountain. Interestingly, even though there are twice as many runs on the back mountain, there are not near as many skiers. Once we finally tried the back mountain, we realized that there were even more intermediate slopes than the front mountain, and they were much less crowded. Instead of waiting in long lines to get on a lift, we were able to get right on most of the time.

     The resort offers a variety of lodging options from cabins to suites. There are multiple dining options including the famous Tree Room. The Spa at Sundance is nature oriented with a Native American influence designed to restore inner balance. The Sundance Art Studio offers workshops in painting, pottery, jewelry making, watercolor, print making, photography and drawing.
     Other winter activities include: the Winter ZipTour, Ski School, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Winter Fly Fishing. Summer activities include: the Sundance ZipTour, Fly Fishing, Scenic Lift Rides, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Golfing, River Rafting, and the Sundance Summer Theatre.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - If the lift lines are long, try the single skier line. Even though you probably won't ride the lift up with your group, you can meet at the top and ski down together.
- If you go skiing when the snow pack is low, you have a good chance of skiing over slightly exposed rocks. Not only can they cause you to lose your balance, but they can scratch the bottom of your skis. If you are renting skis and know that the snow pack is low, you should strongly consider getting the insurance to cover incidental damage that wouldn't normally happen.
- Season ski passes purchased before 10/31 are significantly cheaper ($100) than those purchased after that date. For an even cheaper option, check out the night skiing rates. Check out the Hot Deals link for additional promotions.
- The ZipTour is nearly 2 miles (3rd longest in USA), with 2,100 feet of vertical drop (most in USA).
- Sundance Resort offers venues that support group business meetings or retreats. The facilities can also be rented for weddings or other celebrations.
- The 2016 Sundance Film Festival will be featuring 195 independent films, shown at 16 venues in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden. The ten day event will run from Jan. 21-Jan. 31. All tickets are $20 except for Sundance Kids Films which are $10. For more information, click here.

Nearby: Alpine Scenic Loop, The Tree Room, Aspen Grove Family Camp, Stewart Falls, Bridal Veil Falls

Travel Tip #38 - Don't forget to put on sun block when skiing

     Have you ever seen someone with "raccoon eyes"? If you're unfamiliar with this term, it refers to someone who's face is red except for the area surrounding the eyes. It is the result of skiing on a sunny day without sun block. It is a fairly common condition for novice skiers. The reason is because most people don't think about wearing sun block in the winter. Usually during the winter, people spend the day indoors where it is warm. But on those few occasions when they spend the day outdoors doing some winter activity, the thought of sun block doesn't even cross their minds. As a result, people who never get sunburns in the summer often get them in the winter. This phenomenon doesn't just affect skiers. It can happen to anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors during the peak hours of 10:00 - 2:00 standard time. It is particularly common on a sunny day with snow on the ground because you are exposed to the suns rays twice - once directly from the sun, and again from the sun being reflected off the snow. So, the next time you gear up for a winter activity outdoors, don't forget to apply sun screen to those exposed areas. I keep a small bottle of sun block zipped inside the pocket of my snow pants to remind me.

Spotlight: Wasatch Mountains - Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort

Spotlight: Although Snowbird started as a silver mining community, it is now one of the most famous alpine ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains. Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort opened in December, 1971. Although Snowbird is most famous for its excellent ski and snowboard runs, in recent years it has become a popular summer destination as well.
     The community of Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon was started in 1869, after a U.S. soldier prospected silver there. The Emma Mine soon became one of the biggest producers of silver ore in the Wasatch Mountains. At its height, more than 8,000 people lived and worked in the narrow canyon until a series of avalanches destroyed the town.
     Snowbird Resort shares Little Cottonwood Canyon with Alta Ski Area. The two resorts offer a joint ski pass which allows visitors full access to all the ski lifts and terrain on both mountains.

Location: Snowbird is located along Highway 210 up Little Cottonwood Canyon, about 4 miles east of Sandy, Utah: Google Map of Snowbird

Cost: -There are a variety of season ski passes available. The resort usually stays open for skiing through Memorial Day weekend. To view a menu of prices/packages, go to:  http://www.snowbird.com/seasonpasses/
- There is also a variety of single-day ski passes starting at $38 (youth half day):  http://www.snowbird.com/tickets-and-season-passes/
- All day summer Activities Passes are: $44/person 42 inches or taller; $34/person under 42"
- The Mountain Sports Camp is $385/child for the 5-day camp

Time: - Ski lifts are open from 9 am - 5 pm daily during ski season (usually late Nov. - late May).
-Summer Activities Pass attractions are open from 11 am - 8 pm (weather permitting). It takes about 4 hours to do all the activities once.

Description: With its close proximity to the urban areas of Salt Lake County and Utah County, as well as its heavy yearly snowfall (over 500 inches annually), Snowbird is the second snowiest resort in the U.S., and perennially ranks among the top ski resorts in North America. Snowbird ski resort has 2,500 acres of skiable land and has over 150 ski runs for beginners (27% green runs), novices (38% blue runs), and experts (35% black runs). Ten ski lifts, a surface lift, an aerial tram, and a 600 ft. one-way tunnel conveyor lift take skiers to various runs throughout the resort. Of the three ski resorts my daughter and I have visited in Utah, this one is probably our favorite.

     The Summer Activities Pass gives the participant unlimited access to the following activities:
- The Aerial Tram Ride takes riders up the 1.6 mile cable to the top of Hidden Peak (elev. 11,000 feet). The ride takes about 10 minutes, allowing the riders 20 minutes to enjoy the beautiful vistas before the tram heads back down.

- The Mountain Coaster is a roller coaster style ride that takes the rider zipping along a 3,120 foot track full of twists and turns. The difference between this and a traditional roller coaster is that the rider has some control of his/her speed. (This ride is my personal favorite.)

- The Alpine Slide allows the rider to race his wheeled sled down the twisting, turning track slide (1,300 linear feet). Once again, the driver controls the sled's speed.

- The Mountain Flyer whisks two riders up the 1,000 foot zipline (backwards) to the tower. Then it releases them to zip down the line to the Plaza Deck.
- The Vertical Drop lets harnessed participants drop from the 50-foot green tower to the ground below. The ride includes 9 feet of freefall, followed by a gradual auto-belay the rest of the way.
- The Climbing Wall allows harnessed participants to climb up the rock wall along one of 3 paths (easy, medium, or hard).

- The Ropes Course allows harnessed participants to traverse a variety of rope or wood bridges to test their sense of balance.

- The Bungee Trampoline lets riders experience extreme trampoline jumping by harnessing them with a series of bungee cords. This allows jumpers to experiment a variety of flips and aerial turns without the fear of breaking their neck if they miscalculate.
- The Peruvian Chair & Tunnel takes riders on a 20 minute ski lift ride up to the Peruvian Tunnel. Once there, riders can explore the tunnel, admire the wildflowers, or take a hike before heading back down the lift.
- The Under 42" pass includes most of the above activities (except the Mountain Flyer), but on some they must be accompanied by an adult. In addition, it includes the Kid Inflatables.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Earn a discount on season passes purchased by September 10.
- Camp Snowbird is a state licensed child-care facility that allows parents of young children to ski without worrying about the safety of their children.
- Ski passes are expensive. For a cheaper option, you might want to try night skiing ($13).
- You can usually find deals for cheaper lift tickets on the internet at sites such as Liftopia.
- Additional winter activities include: snowshoeing, winter tram rides, snowcat skiing, snowmobile tours, mountain tours, helicopter ski trips, and the avalanche training center.
- If you only want to try out a few of the summer attractions, individual tickets may be purchased for each attraction. If you wish to participate in 3 or more of the activities, you should consider purchasing the all-day pass; especially since it lets you go on rides multiple times.
- Some of the activities on the summer pass require close-toed shoes.
- The Mountain Sports Camp (for ages 10-15) allows young teens and tweens to learn new skills by participating in a variety of activities including biking, swimming, hiking, trail running, and climbing under the instruction of professional coaches.
- Other summer activities include: mountain biking, hiking, fishing, gemstone mining, mine and water tunnel tours, GPS/Orienteering classes, and bowling.
- Certain weather conditions may close various attractions.
- Food and clothing prices are significantly higher than down in the valley, so be prepared.

Nearby: Alta Ski Resort, Lisa Falls, Red Pine Lake, Cecret Lake, Sunset Peak

Travel Tip #37 - When traveling to the snow, make sure to winterize your car

     I grew up in California. With historically mild winters, some Californians (or their mechanics) use water in the radiator or window wiper fluid tanks. This might be fine if you plan on staying in warm weather areas all winter, but can cause problems if you travel north to take advantage of snow activities: skiing, sledding, snow boarding, snowmobiling, etc. Water freezes when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; and when it freezes, it expands. This not only renders your fluids useless, it can also crack the tanks they are stored in. In any case, you need to check to make sure you have the right fluids in your car before the onset of winter - especially when traveling to colder climates.
     Your car's fluids aren't the only things you need to check. Cold weather also affects your car's battery, so make sure to do a thorough check of your battery cables, terminals, and fluid.
     If you are going to be driving up in the mountains or on lots of snow, you might want to look into snow tires or chains. When driving in snowy or icy conditions, you should cut your speed in half, or more. Your brakes won't lock properly, causing you to skid and slide. This means that you need to give yourself a lot more time to brake, and may need to release the brake and pump again to get better traction. You also need to be alert for other drivers who may not be taking the proper safety precautions.
     Even the best defensive driver may run into troubles when road conditions are bad. Therefore, you should carry an emergency kit with several important items - particularly if driving for a long distance or through rural areas. Some items to include are: an ice scraper (for the windshield), jumper cables, powerful flashlight, extra batteries, flares, small shovel, blankets, boots, gloves, heavy jacket, radio, power snack, and extra fluids. For additional information on winterizing your car, click here.

Spotlight: Wasatch Mountains - Soldier Hollow

Spotlight: Soldier Hollow is a cross-country ski resort located in Wasatch Mountain State Park. The resort was built to host several events in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City - cross-country skiing, the biathlon, and Nordic combined events.
     Prior to its construction, Soldier Hollow was undeveloped. It was chosen as one of 3 new sites constructed specifically for the Olympic Games. Construction began in 1999 and was completed at a cost of $22 million USD. Because of its isolation from any major population centers, the Olympic organizers created a special Western Experience in the main plaza to entertain visitors in between events, which included a mountain rendezvous, pioneer reenactments, cowboy camps, Native American displays, and a wild mustang exhibit. The historic Heber Valley Railroad was hired to transport guests to and from the venue.
     Following the Olympics, the resort was developed further for public use in cross-country skiing, tubing, and snow shoeing. In the summer it is used primarily for golf and mountain biking.

Location: Soldier Hollow is located up Provo Canyon in Wasatch Mountain State Park, west of Heber City. It is located near the northwest end of Deer Creek Reservoir at 2002 Soldier Hollow Drive, Midway, UT.

Cost: Cross-country skiing: $20/adult (18+), $10/youth (7-17), $15/senior (65+) for full day pass; for information on reduced rates for partial day (after 1:00 pm) or season passes, click here.
- Tubing: $22/rider (7+) or $12/rider (3-6) for a 2-hour session or $7 (7+), $5 (3-6) for a single run.

Time: The resort is open from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily from mid-December to March. Tube run sessions are every two hours starting at 10:00 on Saturdays and holidays and noon on Sundays & non-holiday weekdays. Plan on spending 2-4 hours.

Description: If you've never gone tubing down a snowy slope, you are missing out on one of the greatest thrills winter has to offer. Soldier Hollow has arguably the best tubing hill in the state. At 1,200 feet in length, they are definitely the longest runs. Since the half dozen lanes are wide, they also allow riders to link together with other tubes, allowing groups to either enjoy the ride together or individually.

     Soldier Hollow also offers several other perks to its riders. Instead of having to trudge up the hill pulling your sled or tube, riders hook their tube onto a tow rope which drags them up the hill at a steady pace. The facilities also provide lights for night tubing and a sound system playing enjoyable music while you ride.

     In addition to the tube runs, Soldier Hollow features a 31 kilometer trail system for cross-country skiing or snow shoeing in the winter, and hiking, mountain biking, or equestrian use in the summer. The state-of-the-art biathlon range used during the Olympics is still used for both summer and winter two-sport activities.
     The beautiful, award-winning Soldier Hollow Lodge can be booked for wedding receptions, family reunions, or other special occasions.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Children under 3 may not ride on the tube lift.
- If it is crowded, you may not want to wait in line for the lift. Pulling your sled up the hill the old fashioned way is perfectly fine too.
- Use of tubes and lift are included in your pass.

- Make sure you dress warmly (scarf, mittens, double layers of clothing, sweatshirt and jacket, cap, etc.). Also, bring sunglasses if it is sunny because the glare of the sun off the snow can be strong.
- They sell hot chocolate inside the lodge for about $2.50. We brought hot water in a thermos and hot chocolate packets to warm up after our session.

There's nothing like hot chocolate to warm you up after playing in the snow!

- Release forms must be filled out by all participants before tubing. To save a lot of time, have them printed and signed before you get there (as well as your reservation).
- It is a good idea to buy your tickets ahead of time because they often sell out - especially on weekends. If you can go on a weekday, that is ideal because the lines are much shorter.
- Groups of 25+ adults may purchase tube passes for $17/person
- Private parties can't rent the facilities at discounted rates outside of normal public hours. Call (435) 654-2002 for more details.

Nearby: Midway Ice Castles, Deer Creek State Park, Brighton & Alta Ski Resorts, Park City

Travel Tip #36 - National Park Service Centennial Celebration

     In 2016, the U.S. National Park Service will be celebrating its 100th birthday. The National Park Service was founded Aug. 25, 1916, and currently comprises 409 sites, including 58 national parks, covering an area of 84 million acres. This includes more than 18,000 miles of trails, and protects 27,000 historic and prehistoric structures, as well as 247 species endangered or threatened wildlife.

     Typically, 127 of the sites charge an admission fee that ranges from $3 - $30. As part of their centennial celebration, the NPS has decided that it will waive the entrance fee on 16 days in 2016:

- Jan. 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

- Apr. 16-24 - National Park Week

- Aug. 25-28 - National Park Service's 100th Birthday weekend

- Sept. 24 - National Public Lands Day

- Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day

     If you haven't visited a national park recently, this is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and/or history near wherever you live. Although the entrance fees are waived, visitors should realize that amenity or user fees are still in place (ie. camping, boating, transportation, tours, lodges, etc.). For more news on the centennial celebration, visit the National Park Service website. Additional information about special centennial celebrations can be found at findyourpark.com.

Spotlight: Pennsylvania - Valley Forge

Spotlight: On December 19, 1977, the Continental Army marched to Valley Forge to spend the winter. The site was chosen so that the army could keep an eye on the British (who were spending the winter in Philadelphia), and protect the supply depot in Reading. Over the next six months, the approximately 12,000 soldiers, who thus far had worked as independent divisions from the various states, worked together to survive the harsh winter conditions. Only about one in three soldiers had shoes, and more than 2,000 soldiers died that winter, despite the fact that they didn't fight a single battle here. Instead of the British, their enemies here were hunger, disease, and the weather. Working together, and drilling together under the supervision of Baron Friedrich von Steuben of Prussia, helped the individual groups form a cohesive army under the command of General George Washington.

Baron Friedrich von Steuben

     The camp included about 500 women and children, including Martha Washington, who served as laundresses washing and mending uniforms, as well as providing emotional support to the homesick soldiers. Women received half the rations and pay as soldiers, as well as half pensions following the war.
     Valley Forge State Park earned national park status in 1976 as part of the U.S.'s bicentennial celebration. It contains 3,500 acres of land with miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails, restored buildings, museums, monuments, and recreational facilities.

Location: Valley Forge National Historical Park is located at 1400 N Outer Line Drive; King of Prussia, PA about 23 1/2 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The easiest way to reach the National Park from Philadelphia is (appropriately) via Interstate 76.

Cost: free; tours cost extra

Time: The park is open from 7:00 am - dark. The Visitor Center is open from 9 am-5 pm daily, and stays open until 6:00 pm from mid-June through mid-August. Other buildings have their own schedule: Washington's Headquarters, the Train Station, Washington Memorial Chapel, Chapel Cabin Shop, and Varnum's Quarters. You should plan on staying between 2-4 hours.

Description: There are various methods of exploring Valley Forge National Historical Park. Tour options include: the Trolley Tour, the Bicycle Tour, a Ranger-led Walking Tour, Private Tours, or a self-guided tour. The self-guided tour follows the 10-mile Encampment Tour Route and takes you past most of the scenic views and historical monuments - such as the magnificent National Memorial Arch (dedicated to the officers and soldiers who served there). You can just follow the map, or listen to the 60 minute audio tour.

National Memorial Arch

     One of the most popular activities is the Living History reenactments that take place at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts from 10 am - 4 pm daily during the summer months, and on weekends during the fall. Reconstructed log cabins similar to those used by the soldiers are found throughout the park.

     The Visitor Center houses an excellent collection of exhibits that show what life was like at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Don't miss the 18-minute introductory film Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment shown at the park theater. Also, visitors can hear stories about Valley Forge on the Story Telling Benches located near the Visitor Center and at the Train Station.

silver dollar, 2 half dollars, 4 quarters, and 8 bits

Continental Army uniform

     Washington's Headquarters has been restored and refurbished to appear as it did during the winter of 1777-78. Adjacent to Washington's HQ, visitors can visit the restored Valley Forge Train Station that serves the famous Reading Railroad.

Reading Railroad Train Station 

Washington's Headquarters

     The Washington Memorial Chapel and National Patriots Bell Tower carillon sit on a hill just outside the Park. They are part of the legacy of Reverend Dr. W Herbert Burk, who was instrumental in developing the Park. The chapel hosts an active Episcopal congregation as well as many park visitors. The grounds also host the World of Scouting Museum.

     The Park hosts a variety of annual events. These include: Martin Luther King Day of Service, Washington's Birthday Party, Join the Continental Army, The Revolutionary 5-mile Run, National Junior Ranger Day, Memorial Day Observance, March Out of the Continental Army (6/19), July 4 Community Picnic in the Park, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day Commemoration, March in the Continental Army (12/19). For dates and details, go to http://www.valleyforge.org/things-to-do/national-park/events/

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The bicycle tour is a five mile, two hour guided tour available for guests 12 years and up for a price of $10. Bicycles may be rented for an additional $15. For additional information, call 610-783-4593. Visitors may also use bicycles to explore the park's 21 miles of bike trails.
- The film is shown every half hour from 9:30-4:00 pm.
- In addition to bike trails, the park has 19.5 miles of marked hiking trails.
- There are 17 miles of horse trails in the parks, but there are restrictions on where the horses may go.
- The Schuleykill River and Valley Creek are popular with local fishermen. Although you may fish, the park has a strict catch-and-release only policy.
- Valley Forge NHP has three picnic areas. The Betzwood Picnic area, on the northern end of the park, has grills available.
- A fun activity for kids is a special program called Secrets and Spies, in which participants are spies, and must thwart a plot to kidnap General Washington. The program is held on Saturdays at 12:30 pm at the Train Station platform.

Nearby: Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens, Medal of Honor Grove, Wharton Escherick Studio, Elmwood Park Zoo, Washington Crossing Historic Park