Winter Encampment

Explore wintertime camp life as a soldier in Washington's army!

Discover the hardships of wintertime in General Washington’s army when you “join the troops” and send 2023 out with a BLAST at Fort Mifflin’s annual Winter Encampment. Step inside a “wedge tent” to experience for yourself the accommodations afforded soldiers encamped at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. Enjoy friendly fireside activities with the garrison to learn how they passed the time without cell phones, video games or streaming services when there were no battles to be fought. Learn to drill with our wooden muskets, check out the camp kitchen preparing meals for the garrison with only limited supplies, learn how the soldiers cared for their muskets and uniforms and enjoy black powder demonstrations. Think you have what it takes to fire a cannon? A $25 donation will let you find out (adults only) – think of your best New Year’s resolution or something you want to dispatch into history for this special activity. We will wrap up the afternoon with a simultaneous blast from three cannons! Activities are centered in the (heated) Soldiers Barracks and adjacent fire pit.