Looking for one last family trip before school starts? Skip the airport lines and trade in your highway travels for history, nature, and hands-on discovery right in your own backyard. We invite Bucks County locals and nearby neighbors to take an end-of-summer staycation at Washington Crossing Historic Park. From Revolutionary War stories to scenic views, it’s the perfect mix of fun and learning for all ages. Whether you spend the day with us, or just a few hours, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Recommended Day Trip Itinerary
- Lower Park
- 10:00 AM ~ Visitor Center and Gallery Exhibits
- 11:00 AM ~ Historic Village or Canal Towpath
- 12:30 PM ~ Picnic lunch
- Upper Park
- 1:30 PM ~ Thompson-Neely Grist Mill
- 2:30 PM ~ Thompson‑Neely House & Farmstead
- 3:30 PM ~ Bowman’s Hill Tower
- 4:00 PM ~ Soldiers’ Graves
Morning: Visitor Center and Gallery Exhibits
Start your day in the Lower Park, the heart of the historic crossing:
- Kick off your day at the Visitor Center, open daily from 10 AM–5 PM, where you can see a replica of Emanuel Leutze’s famous Washington Crossing the Delaware in the auditorium and catch our orientation film about the Ten Crucial Days. Visit the Museum Gallery Exhibits, such as A Glorious Enterprise: Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware and Soldier Health in Revolutionary Pennsylvania: 1776-1778. Browse Revolutionary War artifacts, view items on loan from Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, and play in our child-friendly interactive camp area.
- Stop by the Patriot’s Gift Shoppe, which offers apparel, books, décor, self-care products, toys, and more–many locally sourced or made in the USA. You’ll find history-themed gifts, unique souvenirs, and fun props for photos.
Travel tip: If you have children in Grades 1-5, download and print a “Passport to History” to collect stamps from all four of the local Ten Crucial Days sites for a chance to win prizes.
Midday: Historic Village and Canal Towpath
Around 11 AM, take a guided tour or explore the park on your own:
- On our guided outdoor Crossing the Delaware Tour, walk the grounds where General Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776. Learn how this bold move changed the course of the war and discover what life was like for soldiers and view our replica Durham Boats in the Boat Barn.
- Take a self guided stroll through the Historic Village. Admire restored historic buildings such as the McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Blacksmith Shop, Frye House, Hibbs House and other historic Taylorsville Houses. Make sure to stop by the Hibbs House Kitchen Garden to see what’s in bloom.
- For outdoor adventurers who want to extend their visit, head over to the Delaware Canal Towpath. Once used by mules hauling cargo boats, this five-mile stretch connects the lower and upper sections of the park. The tree-lined path offers a peaceful and picturesque route for walking or biking.
Travel Tip: Plan your visit around our free monthly living history programs and other special events, to see interpreters in period attire demonstrate different aspects of 18th‑century life.
Lunch Break
Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Spread a picnic blanket by the Delaware River in the Lower Park, or use one of the picnic pavilions such as the Washington and Greene Pavilions in the Lower Park and or Glover or Sullivan in the Upper Park. Adults can relax while the kids play.
Travel Tip: View local dining options here. Grab water, sunscreen, and snacks if you plan to stay for the full day.
Early Afternoon: Thompson‑Neely House, Gristmill and Farmstead
After lunch, it’s time to head to the Upper Park, approximately 3–4 miles north walk or drive:
- Uncover the workings of our historic Thompson-Neely Grist Mill on a guided tour. Offered daily at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, tours last about an hour. Learn how mills like this supported both the local community and the Continental Army.
- Step back to December 1776 with a guided tour of the Thompson-Neely House. Once home to miller Robert Thompson and his family, this historic site played a vital role during the American Revolution. Part of the Continental Army encamped on the grounds, using the house and its outbuildings. Tours of the house run daily at 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM and last about 45 minutes. Hear stories of the Thompson family, the officers who stayed here, and the soldiers who camped on the property before the Battle of Trenton.
- Stroll through the Thompson‑Neely Garden, where heirloom plants and herbs offer a glimpse into colonial food and medicine. Then meet the park’s flock of heritage-breed sheep at the restored barn, which help keep colonial farming traditions alive.
Travel Tip: Tours of the mill and house are offered from April to November, book at least 24 hours in advance.
Late Afternoon: Bowman’s Hill Tower and Soldiers’ Graves
Finish the day with scenic views of the countryside and some quiet reflection:
- Climb Bowman’s Hill Tower, a 125-foot stone structure offering panoramic views of Bucks County and the New Jersey countryside. It has great views of the park and local wildlife—perfect for one last family photo.
- Pay your respects at the Soldiers’ Graves. The gravesite is a calm memorial area with about 23 headstones marking the unknown Continental Army soldiers who died during the encampment. Look for the only marked grave, Capt. Lt. James Moore.
Travel Tip: Use the last stop to challenge your family! Count the 124 steps to the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower and see who can find Capt. Lt. Moore’s headstone first.
Evening
As you pack up the car and head home, you’ll feel a sense of connection with your kids, who can’t wait to share their newfound appreciation for history. It’s more than a day trip—it’s an opportunity to create memories your family will treasure for years to come. So pack a picnic, round up the troops, and make the most of summer’s final stretch with a local gem: Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Need more details to plan your visit? Check out the full Washington Crossing Historic Park Recreational Guide for maps, tips, and activity information.