Washington Crossing Historic Park
4.7(2.7K)google
4.4(49)yelp
FamilyOutdoorVisitor CenterFreeEducationalMilitaryHistoric BuildingRiver
Overview
Washington Crossing Historic Park is a 500-acre (2 km2) state park in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania and Solebury Township, Pennsylvania. The park's two locations represent its two sections. One section of the park, the "lower park," is headquartered in the village of Washington Crossing located in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeMid-October foliage is spectacular, while December 25 hosts their world-famous live Revolutionary Christmas Day re-enactment row crossing. Daily, visit between 3:30 PM and sunset; low evening sun paints the historic stone ferry inns, colonial wooden longboats, and the spanning Delaware River bridge in deep gold shades, framing a powerful historic mood.
Getting ThereLocated in Washington Crossing along the riverfront at 1112 River Road. Driving is essential: take I-95 N north from Philadelphia for 35 minutes to Exit 51, and route north along Taylorsville Road/River Road (PA-32) for 3 miles. The state historic trust provides multiple interconnected, completely free open-air paved parallel parking zones steps from the stone crossing markers.
Travel Tips
- The park is split across Delaware River into two non-contiguous sectors—the Upper and Lower Parks—separated by a 4.5-mile drive; the primary Visitor Center, historic village, and iconic river-crossing launch site sit in the Lower Park, requiring precise GPS coordinates to avoid misrouting.
- Access to park grounds is free, but guided historical interior architectural tours require paid tickets. The world-famous Christmas Day Crossing reenactment on December 25 triggers massive local road closures and emergency traffic patterns, mandating arrival at designated special event lots prior to 9:00 AM.
- RVs, trailers, and oversized dual-wheel trucks are facing severe structural restrictions at the historic Washington Crossing Bridge: a strict 3-ton weight limit and an exceptionally narrow lane width. Do not attempt to cross into New Jersey here; detour via the modern I-295 Scudder Falls Bridge to the south.
Reviews
Positive
- The historical value is profound; guides give immersive insights into Washington's crossing, making history fun.
- The park grounds are meticulously maintained with lush lawns, and the riverbank views feel naturally peaceful and solemn.
- Admission prices are fair and reasonable, without heavy-handed commercial upsells, offering great overall value.
- Reaching the park by car is straightforward, with well-mapped parking lots and excellent wheelchair accessibility ramps.
Heads up
- Several secondary historic buildings are frequently closed, leading to fewer exhibits and showing a lack of regular upkeep.
- Restroom facilities are sparse and concentrated at the visitor center, causing inconvenience when deep in the park trails.
- Apart from English narrations, there is a lack of multi-lingual signage, making it less welcoming for foreign tourists.
- During the annual Christmas reenactment, the high crowd density coupled with chaotic flow makes lines miserable.