courtesy Washington Crossing Historic Park

American Revolution Day Trip: Washington Crossing & 10 Crucial Days

The Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia serves as a portal to the region’s Revolutionary history, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging further exploration for avid history buffs and casual travelers alike. Begin your journey into America's 18th-century history at the Museum, then explore some of the region's iconic historical sites.

Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit Washington Crossing, where General George Washington famously led his Continental Army troops across the frigid Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 to attack a Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey. The swift victory at the Battle of Trenton, and subsequent victories at the Battle of Princeton and second Battle of Trenton, turned the tides of the Revolutionary War in favor of the Continental Army across what would become known as the 10 Crucial Days.

Distance from the Museum: 35 miles (about 45 minutes)

Revolutionary Sites & Museums to Visit

Explore these historic sites and museums dedicated to preserving and telling the stories of America's Revolutionary era.

This image shows a tree with yellow and orange fall leaves in Washington Crossing Historic Park.

courtesy Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

can't miss

Washington Crossing Historic Park

Visit 500 acres of American history filled with natural beauty, where George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware river and turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Stop by the park to see the historic village, the garden, and the soldiers' graves.

1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977

Website

can't miss

Old Barracks

Old Barracks Museum brings the world of colonial and revolutionary America to life through interpretive programming, exhibits, and preservation so visitors can engulf themselves in New Jersey history and learn about the people who made it happen.

101 Barrack Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

Website

This image shows the stone house with white shutters that is the Thompson-Neely House and Farmstead.

courtesy Washington Crossing Historic Park

Thompson-Neely House & Farmstead

Thompson-Neely House & Farmstead was once a temporary regimental army hospital during Washington’s winter campaign of 1776-1777. Today, the house still stands along with other properties at Washington Crossing Historic Park as a reminder of the Revolutionary era.

1635 River Road
New Hope, PA 18938

Website

This image shows the long white 18th century inn with black shutters and details.

courtesy Washington Crossing Inn

Washington Crossing Inn

The Washington Crossing Inn’s traditional colonial-style structure, featuring a faithfully preserved early 19th-cenury home, provides an elegant backdrop for lunch or dinner with family and friends and features a relaxing atmosphere, scenic views, and a seasonal menu.

1295 General Washington Memorial Boulevard
Washington Crossing, PA 18977

Website

This image shows a small white house that is located in Washington Crossing park in New Jersey.

courtesy NJ.gov

Washington Crossing Park (N.J. side)

It took General Washington and his Continental Army troops nearly 10 hours to cross the icy Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 with all of their men, cannon, and equipment. They landed at Johnson's Ferry where you can now see the Johnson Ferry House, hike the trails through the park, and much more.

355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road
Titusville, NJ 08560

Website

This image shows a plaque on a stone at Princeton Battlefield that is dedicated to the memory of General Hugh Mercer who was killed at the battle.

Princeton Battlefield State Park

Princeton Battlefield State Park preserves the site of the Jan. 3, 1777, Battle of Princeton as well as the Thomas Clarke House where General Hugh Mercer was carried and later died after he was mortally wounded. The famous Mercer Oak once stood in the middle of the battlefield.

500 Mercer Road
Princeton NJ 08540

Website

Beyond the Revolution

Continue your explorations beyond the Revolutionary era with some can't-miss destinations in the area.

This image shows a pond lined with stones surrounded by greenery in a garden as Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve.

courtesy Bowman Hill Wildflower Preserve

Bowman’s Hill Tower & Wildflower Preserve

Bowman's Hill Tower & Wildflower Preserve is home to local wildlife, trails, and meadows for all to enjoy. Bowman's Hill Tower, standing 125-feet tall, was erected in the 1930s to commemorate what may have been a lookout point for General Washington's troops.

1635 River Road
New Hope, PA 18938

Website

courtesy Sesame Place

Sesame Place

Sesame Place brings to life the characters and world of Sesame Street in a family-friendly theme park and water park with tons of attractions, rides, and shows.

100 Sesame Road
Langhorne, PA 19047

Website

courtesy Peddler's Village

Peddler's Village

Peddler’s Village features dozens of shops and restaurants alongside charming colonial-style buildings and award-winning gardens. Don't miss family-friendly events all year round and seasonal celebrations.

100 Peddler’s Village
New Hope, PA 18938

Website

courtesy Visit Philly

New Hope

New Hope's riverside Main Street has tons to offer for visitors of all ages, including the New Hope Railroad, Bucks County Playhouse, eclectic shopping, cultural attractions, diverse food and drink, and much more.

New Hope, PA 18938

Website

This image shows the stone and black sign at the entrance of Crossing Vineyard and Winery.

courtesy Crossing Vineyard & Winery

Crossing Vineyards & Winery

Located on a 200-year-old estate less than a mile from Washington Crossing, Crossing Vineyards and Winery offers award-winning wines, wine education, and live music.

1853 Wrightstown Road
Newtown, PA 18940

Website

courtesy Grounds for Sculpture

Grounds for Sculpture

A museum, sculpture garden, and arboretum, Grounds for Sculpture features more than 300 outdoor sculptures spread across the 40-plus acre grounds.

80 Sculptors Way
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619

Website

Know Before You Go

Check out these Museum resources to learn more ahead of your visit to Washington Crossing.

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Hessians and the 10 Crucial Days Discovery Cart

Take a closer look at items featured in this digital discovery cart about Hessian soldiers and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton that turned the tides of the Revolutionary War.

Liberty Virtual Tour

Immerse yourself in 360-degree panoramic gallery images, high-resolution photos of the art and artifacts, and a guided audio tour of the dramatic, research-based works of nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani.

A painting of Washington at the Battle of Princeton, 1777

Courtesy Don Troiani

Liberty Exhibit

10 Crucial Days Liberty Exhibit Scavenger Hunt

Using paintings by artist Don Troiani of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, complete a scavenger hunt about objects and people from the 10 Crucial Days.

Liberty Exhibit

Breaking Down Don Troiani's "Victory or Death, Advance on Trenton" Painting

Take a detailed look at Don Troiani's "Victory or Death, Advance on Trenton" painting that depicts the Continental Army en route to Trenton after their Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River.

Read the Revolution

Washington's Crossing

Read an excerpt from David Hackett Fischer's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Washington's Crossing.

Read the Revolution

The British Are Coming

Read an excerpt from Rick Atkinson's book, The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777.

Online Collection

Washington Crossing the Delaware

American artist Harrington G. Fitzgerald painted this version of General George Washington’s famous 1776 crossing of the Delaware River about 100 years after the Revolutionary War.

See Object

Online Collection

Portrait of Captain William Leslie

Captain William Leslie of the British 17th Regiment of Foot, shown in this portrait with Edinburgh Castle looming in the background, lost his life at the Battle of Princeton.

See Object

Image 091120 Hession Headgear Cap Collection Hessianheadgear

Online Collection

Hessian Cap Plates

These metal pieces once adorned the headgear worn by Hessian soldiers who served under British command during the Revolutionary War.

See Object

Begin Your Journey at the Museum

Plan your visit today to make the Museum the first stop on your journey into exploring America's 18th-century Revolutionary history before you travel to the region's iconic historical sites and museums.

Image 032822 Declaration Of Independence Family Galleries

Plan Your Visit

View our ticket prices, upcoming events, tour options, and more to plan your next visit to the Museum.

Two visitors point our a historic photo at the Revolutionary Generation wall at the Museum.

Hours & Admission

View the Museum's operating hours, price of admission, and ways to save on tickets.

Jeff Fusco

Become a Member

Learn more about becoming a Museum Member at the level that is perfect for you or your family.

Continue Exploring

Have additional time in the Philadelphia region to explore the area's Revolutionary history? Check out more itineraries!

Costumed living historians dressed as the Continental Army stand in front of a log cabin at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

courtesy of NPS

American Revolution Day Trip: Valley Forge

Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit Valley Forge, where General George Washington and his Continental Army troops set up their 1777-78 encampment and trained during the brutal winter.

Two people walk past an old stone building with red painted door at Brandywine Battlefield Park.

courtesy of K. Ciappa for Visit Philly

American Revolution Day Trip: Brandywine Valley

Travel just outside of Philadelphia to visit the Brandywine Valley, where rolling hills and preserved farmlands are dotted with historic houses and Revolutionary era sites.

This image shows the stone structure of Cliveden, also known as the Chew House, in Germantown.

courtesy of Cliveden

American Revolution Day Trip: Germantown

Travel to the northwest corner of Philadelphia to visit Germantown, where the Battle of Germantown was fought on Oct. 4, 1777, between General George Washington's Continental Army troops and the British army.

Please check with individual sites, museums, and businesses for admissions and operating hours.