Washington Crossing Historic Park
Stand where Washington's army set off across the Delaware on Christmas night.
Artwork inspired by Emanuel Leutze
This is the Pennsylvania departure shore of Washington's 1776 Delaware crossing. The army boarded here, landed in New Jersey, then marched toward Trenton; this park is not the landing place. The river, village, and interpretation reveal a logistical operation involving ice, artillery, darkness, and hundreds of people, not simply the scene in a famous painting.
Begin at the visitor center to trace the route, then walk to McConkey's Ferry Inn and the shoreline. Ticketed tours add historic interiors, while the towpath makes the landscape accessible without a guide. The annual reenactment is a special event, not a daily crossing, and depends on river conditions. Check the tour calendar before relying on building access.
- Event
- 1776 crossing
- Park side
- Pennsylvania launch
- Tours
- Historic village interiors
Quick guide
- Trace the route
- Distinguish Pennsylvania departure from New Jersey landing.
- Walk to the ferry
- Imagine moving artillery and soldiers onto boats in winter.
Know before you go
- Trace the route
- Distinguish Pennsylvania departure from New Jersey landing.
- Walk to the ferry
- Imagine moving artillery and soldiers onto boats in winter.
- Look closer
- Connect mcconkey's ferry inn with the site's history.
- Plan around
- Check current tours, special hours, and access before traveling.
Good to know
Visitor center accessible; historic buildings and riverbank paths vary. Ask about a specific tour. Visitor-center parking at 1112 River Road; event parking may differ.
Notice these
- Delaware departure shore
- McConkey's Ferry Inn
- Historic village