Visitors to Washington Crossing Historic Park may notice construction along the Delaware riverbank. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is funding and leading the effort to create a brand new interpretive trail, with interpretive panels designed by the award-winning 106 Group. The trail is scheduled to open in early 2026 for the 250th anniversary of Washington’s daring Delaware River crossing.
The trail will feature eight interpretive panels, each stop will tell the story of General Washington and the Continental Army’s Christmas night crossing in 1776 through original artwork, historical accounts, and Washington’s Watch, a timeline that links each panel to a specific hour of the operation. Visitors will see Washington’s plan unfold, the conditions the army endured, including a powerful nor’easter and an ice-clogged river, and the fierce determination that carried them to victory in Trenton.
The centerpiece of the trail will be a full-scale reproduction of a Durham boat. Constructed by the Friends of Washington Crossing Park in partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM), this vessel will allow visitors to step aboard the same type of craft that carried the Continental Army across the Delaware, providing an immersive and tangible connection to one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Built by ISM’s expert shipwrights, the replica will be designed for long-term outdoor display and ADA accessibility, ensuring that visitors of all ages and abilities can engage with this remarkable piece of living history.
“DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks is proud to support our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusive storytelling through the creation of a new, fully ADA-accessible interpretive trail along the banks of the Delaware River at Washington Crossing Historic Park. This trail and its interpretive waysides invite visitors to explore the historic crossing in greater depth—sharing the events leading up to it, the harsh conditions faced, the state of the Continental Army, and the immediate aftermath. In addition to enriching the visitor experience, the trail fosters a culture of accessibility and honors the diverse individuals who played a role in this pivotal moment in American Revolutionary history.” — Terri Kromel, Division Chief, Outdoor Programming Services Division, Bureau of State Parks
Once completed, the trail will allow guests to take a self-guided tour and experience the crossing story, even outside of regular Visitor Center hours. As construction continues, we ask visitors to excuse current site conditions and be mindful of crews and equipment in the area.