Valley Forge

To spend your upcoming vacation studying about American history, go to Valley Forge. In the winter of 1777–1778, the town housed the Continental Army and former president George Washington. You can take a tour of the camp to visit places like Washington's Headquarters, the Artillery Park, and the United States National Memorial Arch. The park also has miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian riding paths, as well as storytelling events throughout the warmer months. The King of Prussia Mall, which has more than 400 businesses, is close by if you need a break from the village's extensive history.

When you are here, you can visit the Valley Forge National Historical Park to see where General Washington and the Continental Army stayed during the brutal winter of 1777–1778. The park's 3,500 acres of undulating hills are home to 20 miles of pathways today. As you stroll through Washington's stone office building, restored log cabins, and innumerable monuments, including the United States National Memorial Arch, you will travel through history.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Pennsylvania

Location: Pennsylvania