Washington Crossing Historic Park
The Pennsylvania embarkation site, with the old McConkey's Ferry Inn and Durham boats.
Washington Crossing
Where Washington crossed the icy Delaware on Christmas night 1776 and turned the war around.
With the army close to falling apart, Washington took about 2,400 men across the Delaware in a storm and surprised the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Victory there, and at Princeton a week later, kept the Revolution alive.
Parks on both banks mark the spot. Each Christmas Day, a reenactment rows across the river in replica Durham boats.
- Best Time
- May–June and September–October, or Christmas Day
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Grounds every day; buildings keep seasonal hours
- Getting There
- About an hour by car northeast of Philadelphia.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeBowman's Hill Tower
A 125-foot stone lookout tower over the river valley, a few miles north.
Princeton Battlefield
An open field and a stone colonnade, where Washington won again a week later.
Know Before You Go
- The Christmas crossing can be canceled if the river is too rough. Check first.
Where to Stay
Stay in New Hope, a pretty river town nearby.
Where to Eat
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Go Next
Must-SeePhiladelphia
Pennsylvania
Where the Declaration and the Constitution were signed, with a great food scene around it.
Full Guide
If You're NearbyTrenton
New Jersey
New Jersey's capital, where George Washington won his surprise 1776 Christmas victory.
Full Guide
Worth a DetourValley Forge
Pennsylvania
Where Washington's starving army wintered in 1777–78 and came out a real fighting force.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Mid-Atlantic list.