THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 12:43:46 PM Eastern
Numerous trees in the Brandywine Valley are down across the roads and trails due to the recent storm. Please use caution while driving and hiking never walk directly under a tree that is hanging. Park staff is working to improve conditions.
Official NPS sourceA renovation project for the nearby Comfort Station requires electrical service to be shut off. This shut off affects lighting in the spiral staircase leading up to the Pennsylvania Memorial observation deck. The staircase is now too dark to maintain visitors’ safety. The observation deck will remain closed until the Comfort Station project is complete in early-to-mid November. Note: The base of the Pennsylvania Memorial remains open to visitation during this time.
Official NPS sourceThe Visitor Center at Friendship Hill National Historic Site is now open seven days a week from 9 AM to 5 PM! The grounds and trails remain open sunrise to sunset. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 724-329-2501 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/frhi
Official NPS sourceThe Isaac Potts House (Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge) is temporarily closed for a restoration project. The Washington's Headquarters area, including the Valley Forge Train Station and exhibits, Commander-In-Chief's Guard Huts, and George Washington statue, remains open and accessible during regular operating hours. Learn more about the restoration project at the link below.
Official NPS sourceOld Mine Road between Jager Road and Route 206 will close to all traffic beginning on April 6, 2026. Contractors will work to rehabilitate a 3.5-mile stretch of road. The construction area will be closed to all traffic for the safety of park visitors and contractors.
Official NPS sourceDue to a rockfall, the interior of the Staple Bend Tunnel is closed. The trail is still open. From the Mineral Point Trailhead, visitors can bypass the tunnel, via a path around the right side of the tunnel structure.
Official NPS sourceThe Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is closed for a utilities improvement project.
Official NPS sourceA limited yield was expected this year but as particular varieties approached their ideal ripeness, virtually no apples were present. Learn more about the historic orchard.
Official NPS sourceRestrooms are available at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (museum entrance requires a fee) in Franklin Court.
Official NPS sourceMain Street in Walpack Center is closed at the Flatbrook Bridge due to structural damage to the bridge.
Official NPS sourceDingmans Falls site is closed for a bridge replacement project and trail rehabilitation. All traffic, including pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle traffic, is prohibited on the road and trail during construction.
Official NPS sourceThe David Wills House is currently closed. No known reopening date is available. Please visit our David Wills House web page for more information and a 3D tour of the house.
Official NPS source
The public is invited to join the National Park Service to honor and remember the 40 heroes of Flight 93 on the 25th observance of September 11, 2001. A full day of programs, including a morning observance and an afternoon ceremony, will be held at the Memorial Plaza near the Wall of Names.
Official NPS sourceApplications are open for the 2027 Chesapeake Gateways Grants supporting enhanced outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The application period runs from Aug. 27 through Nov. 4, 2026. Visit the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways website to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
Official NPS source
Starting Friday, September 4 and continuing throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will implement a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driver checkpoint and high-visibility enforcement campaign.
Official NPS source
Experience history firsthand at Eisenhower National Historic Site during the 2026 World War II Weekend, taking place September 18-20. This year’s programs and activities will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring how the ideals of America’s founding inspired Americans and Allies during World War II. The weekend will feature a living history encampment, guest speakers, ranger-guided walking tours, family activities for visitors of all ages and more.
Official NPS source
Steamtown National Historic Site will celebrate the past, present and future of American railroading during Railfest 2026, taking place Sept. 4 to 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service is excited to welcome visitors to celebrate National Park Week from Saturday, August 22 through Sunday, August 30, as dozens of sites across the region mark the 2026 theme, “Celebrate America’s Story,” highlighting the 250th anniversary of American independence and recognizing our shared American heritage of national parks.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) has approved the transfer of historic Norwood & St. Lawrence Railroad Locomotive No. 210 from Steamtown National Historic Site to the St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum in New York, marking the successful completion of a complex, multi-year effort to ensure the locomotive's long-term preservation and interpretation in the region where it spent nearly its entire operating career.
Official NPS source
Stephanie Stephens has been selected as superintendent of Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument. Stephens currently serves as the acting regional director for the Midwest Region of the National Park Service and will assume her new role this fall.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service invites the public to participate in the Dragonfly Mercury Project, a nationwide citizen science initiative focused on monitoring mercury in aquatic ecosystems. Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is seeking 5–6 volunteers to assist with dragonfly larvae collection for mercury analysis on Aug. 4 and 5, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Official NPS source
WILMINGTON, Del. — The National Park Service is proposing to allow bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of designated trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of First State National Historical Park and is seeking public comment on the proposed rule from July 30 through Sept. 28.
Official NPS source
Join Johnstown Flood National Memorial for an Evening on the Lake program highlighting Clara Barton. The free presentation will take place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium. Please note the location was updated from the previous announcement saying it was at the club house.
Official NPS source
Join Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for an Evening on the Summit program about the Gallitzin Tunnels. The presentation takes place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the visitor center auditorium and is free of charge.
Official NPS source
Starting the night of July 3, 2026, the Milford Star will shine again from its perch on top of Milford Knob in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Official NPS source
Battle of Fort Necessity Anniversary Encampment with Fort Walks and Soldier's Life Programs with 18th century small arms and artillery demonstrations.
Official NPS source
Join us for an Evening on the Lake program We've Come a Long Way: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site and Johnstown Flood National Memorial Through the Years on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Official NPS source
Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 20, 2026, Fort Necessity National Battlefield will observe the Juneteenth anniversary by having programs on Civil War soldiers and 19th century muskets.
Official NPS source
Johnstown Flood National Memorial will commemorate the anniversary of the May 31, 1889, tragedy with special events, including 2,209 luminaries to honor flood victims. On that fateful day 137 years ago, the South Fork Dam broke sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley to Johnstown.
Official NPS source
The first Evening on the Lake program of the season, Alleviating Human Suffering in the Face of Emergencies: The American Red Cross’ Response to the Johnstown Flood and the September 11 Attacks is Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.
Official NPS sourceRegularly scheduled tours of the Eisenhower home will take place Thursdays through Mondays, from Thursday, May 28 through Monday, October 26. Home tours are first come, first served. Space may be limited depending on crowd sizes on the day of your visit. Visitors should check-in at our visitor contact station on-site and reserve a spot before their home tour program. Groups of 10 or more should reserve tour times outside of our regularly schedule home tour schedule. Click here to learn more on scheduling your group of ten or more.
Official NPS sourceTuesdays and Wednesdays, June 2 through October 21 10 am and 1 pm Join Eisenhower NHS Park Rangers for free guided walking tours of the historic Eisenhower farm landscape. These programs are one hour long. Meet the ranger in front of the Eisenhower home. Note: these programs do not include a tour of the Eisenhower home. They are grounds tours only.
Official NPS sourceJoin a park ranger and find out about the life and times of Philadelphia's own Benjamin Franklin. Meet ranger at the entrance to the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court.
Official NPS sourceDiscover the history that took place outside of Independence Hall on this one-hour ranger-guided walking tour of Independence National Historical Park.
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
What is Hopewell Furnace? Get the inside scoop from a park ranger on this introductory tour of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Explore the historic buildings and landscape. Learn more about the site's history as an iron-making community and beyond, the people who lived and worked here, and how places like this shaped the nation. Tours start outside the Visitor Center and last approximately 45 minutes. The route will include uphill and downhill stretches, as well as uneven terrain. Restrooms and water fountains are located at the Visitor Center. This tour may be cancelled or modified in the event of inclement weather. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 610-582-8773.
Official NPS sourceHistorically, the casting of iron products was an exact craft, and the moulders who practiced it were among the highest paid of ironworkers. It took years to gain the necessary skills, and the craft was often passed from father to son. During this program, you can try your hand as a Hopewell molder! Experience the hands-on process of making a sand mold. Gain a better understanding of the craft of the molder and how they contributed to the furnace operation. This program is free and family friendly.
Official NPS source*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-68dab67a-91a8-832c-8f16-9902584f3193-14" data-testid="conversation-turn-106" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> 🚢🛠️ Deltaville Ship Modelers’ Guild ⚓ Build. Learn. Share. Set sail into the world of craftsmanship and creativity at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park ! The Ship Modelers’ Guild welcomes adults of all skill levels—from curious beginners to seasoned builders. Whether you’re starting your first model or refining advanced techniques, this is the perfect place to connect, learn, and create. 🎉 What to Expect: 🔧 Demonstrations of ship modeling tools & techniques 💬 Group discussions and skill-sharing 🚤 Show-and-tell of current projects 🤝 Advice and tips from fellow modelers 🌟 A welcoming, hands-on learning environment 📍 Meeting Details: When: Second Thursday of each month 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Events Pavilion, 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 ✨ Who Can Join? Open to adult museum members of all experience levels. Come build your skills—and your next model—alongside a community of passionate makers!
Official NPS sourceProgram Title: Military Intelligence and the Gettysburg Campaign Presenter: Ranger John Nicholas Location: Pitzer Woods Amphitheater, West Confederate Avenue Description: The Gettysburg Campaign was shaped not only by what happened on the battlefield, but also by the information commanders possessed—or failed to possess. Explore the often-overlooked world of Civil War military intelligence and discover how the gathering, communication, and interpretation of information influenced the campaign.
Official NPS sourceWitness firsthand the true stories of murders and encounter characters whose legends have left their sinister imprint on The Green. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Ticket Details Duration: 1 hr. 00 min. Accessible: No Effort: Moderate Accessibility This event takes place on the Dover Green, which is a flat, park-like setting amidst towering trees. It is accessible to those requiring mobility assistance but is not paved. Parking is available immediately adjacent to the Dover Green. Amenities Restrooms available before and after tour Directions The Green, State St., Dover, DE 19901
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
Military Encampments of the Continental Army: The Encampments that Won the War When: October 10, 2026 at 7pm Where: Muhlenberg's Brigade Everyone knows about the Valley Forge Encampment, what about the seven other winter encampments of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War? Each of these encampments — including Cambridge, Middlebrook, Morristown, and New Windsor — played an important role in the survival of the Continental Army. What to Bring: Flashlight, blanket, jacket, camp chair. Weather: The program will be canceled for rain, call 610-783-1000, option 1 before 5 PM to check on the status of the program. New Location! Campfire programs are moving in 2026 to the new storytelling firepit at Muhlenberg's Brigade. Parking is in the Muhlenberg's Brigade parking lot or along the one-way North Outer Line Drive.
Official NPS sourceJoin Eisenhower NHS staff for a special series of evening campfire programs this October! These free programs take place at the Gettysburg National Military Park Amphitheater in Pitzer Woods, located on West Confederate Avenue. Each program begins at 6:30 pm, and will last 45 minutes to an hour. A list of dates and topics are below: Thursday, October 15--Gettysburg's First Lady Friday, October 16--Eisenhower's Cold War Air Force Saturday, October 17--Ike: The First Modern President Sunday, October 18--Eisenhower: Myths, Misunderstandings and Facts
Official NPS source🎆Deltaville Maritime Museum Festival 🎉 Honoring Virginia’s 250 Years (VA250) Celebrate history, heritage, and waterfront fun at the Deltaville Maritime Museum & Holly Point Nature Park during a full day festival honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary ! Enjoy the perfect mix of maritime tradition, community pride, and festival excitement along the beautiful waterfront. 🎶 Festival Highlights: 🎸 Live Music All Day – Multiple bands (TBA) keeping the energy high 🚗 Classic Car Show – Shine, chrome, and automotive history on display 🛍️ Local Vendors – Handmade goods, crafts, and local treasures 🚚 Food Trucks – Delicious eats for every taste 🧒 Children’s Activities – Fun, hands-on activities for kids 🚤 Free Boat Rides – Enjoy the water and the view 🥐 Bistro (opens at 9 AM) – Early bites to start your day right 🌊 Waterfront Views & Community Fun – Relax and explore all day long 📅 Event Details: Date: October 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 ✨ Come spend the day where history meets the harbor—celebrating Virginia’s past, present, and future with music, food, and community spirit!
Official NPS sourceNational Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.
Connecticut · Georgia · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Tennessee · Vermont · Virginia · West VirginiaNational Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army and Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau's Expédition Particulière during their 1781 march from Newport, Rhode Island, to Yorktown, Virginia. France's support in America's struggle for independence was vital to victory at Yorktown. The trail commemorates that victory and the lasting Franco-American friendship.
Connecticut · Delaware · Maryland · Massachusetts · New Jersey · New York · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · VirginiaNational Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!
Delaware · Maryland · New York · Pennsylvania · VirginiaOver 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to and through Chesapeake Bay. The National Park Service strives to connect people to the opportunities and adventures throughout the watershed. Inspiring stewardship across this vast region supports recreation, business, tourism, learning, and a thriving natural resource for all to enjoy.
Delaware · Maryland · New York · Pennsylvania · Virginia · West VirginiaNational Historical Park
Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley. From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence.
Delaware · PennsylvaniaNational Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Dakota · Washington · West VirginiaNational Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
Maryland · Pennsylvania · VirginiaNational Scenic Trail
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prairies, and distant horizons paint the land. Historic sites along the way tell how America settled and grew as a nation. From North Dakota to Vermont, adventure is never far away.
Michigan · Minnesota · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Vermont · WisconsinNational Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting.
New Jersey · PennsylvaniaNational Wild and Scenic River
The Delaware River, the largest free-flowing river in the eastern United States, runs past forests, farmlands and villages. It also links some of the most densely populated regions in America. In 2000, the National Wild and Scenic River System incorporated key segments of the lower Delaware River to form this unit of the National Park System.
New Jersey · PennsylvaniaScenic & Recreational River
Canoe through rapids and quiet pools as the Delaware River winds its way through a valley of swiftly changing scenery or fish amid rolling hills and riverfront villages in one of the finest fishing rivers in the northeastern United States. The clean water of the Delaware, the last major undammed river in the eastern United States, supports a healthy ecosystem and offers tranquility and excitement.
New York · PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
The first railroad to cross the Allegheny Mountains, the Allegheny Portage Railroad was the final piece of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. "The Portage" opened in 1834, marking the first time that there was one, direct route between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. All things to all people, it served merchants, passengers, slaves in pursuit of freedom, and soldiers from the Mexican War.
PennsylvaniaNational Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, and partners to develop resources and share the story of the children, families, and communities impacted by Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School.
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Described as horrifying, mystifying, and brilliant, Poe’s writing has engaged readers all over the world. The six years Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia were his happiest and most productive. Yet Poe also struggled with bad luck, personal demons and his wife’s illness. In Poe’s humble home, reflect on the human spirit surmounting crushing obstacles, and celebrate Poe’s astonishing creativity.
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farm of General and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Adjacent to the Gettysburg battlefield, the farm served the president and first lady as a weekend retreat and as a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a respite from Washington, DC, and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.
PennsylvaniaNational Memorial
On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, the U.S. came under attack when four commercial airliners were hijacked and used to strike targets on the ground. Nearly 3,000 people tragically lost their lives. Because of the actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard one of the planes, Flight 93, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was thwarted.
PennsylvaniaNational Battlefield
The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America. The stage was set for the American Revolution.
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations. In that time he reduced the national debt, purchased the Louisiana Territory and funded the Lewis & Clark exploration. Gallatin's accomplishments and contributions are highlighted at Friendship Hill, his restored country estate.
PennsylvaniaNational Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address".
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Before Pennsylvania there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to a forgotten past. Visit the church's pastoral surroundings and its burial ground of patriots and ordinary citizens alike.
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron plantations laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.
PennsylvaniaNational Historical Park
The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
PennsylvaniaNational Memorial
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."
PennsylvaniaNational Historic Site
Feel the heat from the firebox, smell hot steam and oil; hear the whistle and the "chuff-chuff" from the smokestack, feel the ground vibrate, and watch as one-ton drive rods turn steel wheels. Discover how steam railroading helped shaped our nation's history and culture. Learn about the stories of the people who built, repaired and rode, and about the ongoing work to preserve railroading history.
PennsylvaniaNational Memorial
Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the room where he received notable visitors such as Chief Little Turtle and Thomas Jefferson.
PennsylvaniaNational Historical Park
Valley Forge is the place where George Washington and the Continental Army took refuge during the winter of 1777-1778. Today the park protects 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, historic landscapes, and monuments commemorating the resolve of the Revolutionary War generation and honoring the power of people to pull together, overcome adversity, and find renewal through transformation.
PennsylvaniaDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory