12 Exciting Attractions Near Valley Forge Casino Resort

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Valley Forge? Yep, George Washington and his Continental Army huddling up as they faced blustery conditions during the American Revolution. Well, Valley Forge Casino Resort has done its fair share to preserve such a history for the next generation. 

You can have all the fun casino gaming you desire to complete the experience as you embark on a historic tour around arguably the most historic area in the state. But don’t worry. If history doesn’t appeal to you, there’s also a huge shopping mall near the casino plus QVC Studios and other attractions that might interest you. 

So, if the Valley Forge National Park, Old Swedes Church, King of Prussia Inn, and the Peter Wentz Farmstead aren’t your cup of tea, you still have a plethora of nearby attractions. 

Let’s look at each attraction individually and you can plan your itinerary. 

1 – Valley Forge National Historical Park

Originally Valley Forge State Park, this premier attraction was the setting of the Continental Army’s third winter encampment from December 1777 to June 1778. 

Sitting on 3,500 acres, this park draws 1.2 million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited parks in the country from people of all walks of life. 

Here you’ll find many historical structures, reconstructed log huts the soldiers lived in during the winter of 1777-78, and original artifacts used during the time. 

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the 26 miles’ worth of biking and hiking trails if you’re looking to stretch those legs during a break from the casino gaming. 

2 – King of Prussia Shopping Mall

In terms of gross leasable area, this is the second-largest shopping mall in the United States. So, if you’re looking for the king of east coast malls, the King of Prussia Mall is it. Here, you’ll find 425 stores and seven anchor tenants comprising nearly 3 million square feet of retail space. 

If you’ve won a few bucks over at Valley Forge Casino Resort and are looking for a place to spend your winnings, King of Prussia Mall is a fantastic place to start. You name the store, you can place a winning bet that it has a presence in the mall. 

3 – King of Prussia VFC 9/11 Memorial

Next to the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company, this memorial commemorates those who tragically lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. 

Also in proximity to the King of Prussia Mall, the VFC 9/11 memorial comprises two steel beams taken from the old World Trade Center itself and is also made of brick, granite, and concrete. 

The memorial opened on September 11th, 2011, exactly 10 years following the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and United 93. 

4 – King of Prussia Town Center

Okay, so for some of us, the King of Prussia Mall is just too much to take in. I mean, with over 400 stores comes thousands of people bustling to and from every single day. 

What if I told you about an alternative in the area?

Well, you’ll find it at the King of Prussia Town Center. 

Near the King of Prussia Mall, the Town Center comprises just 37 stores and just 400,000 square feet of retail space, making it less than one-sixth the size of the King of Prussia Mall. 

This lifestyle center is anchored by LA Fitness, REI, Ulta Beauty, Wegmans, and Nordstrom Rack. You’ll also find some cool dining and entertainment options down this way if you’d rather venture here than the mall itself. 

5 – Old Swedes Church

There are actually two of these churches in the area. But this church, also known as St. James Kingsessing, isn’t far from the casino venue. It was one of a few churches in the area created by Swedish settlers in the colony of New Sweden between 1638 and 1655. 

This place is worth venturing off to if you’re of Swedish descent, if you love checking out old graves near the site, or if those historical buildings pique your interest. 

6 – King of Prussia Inn

Built over 300 years ago in 1719, this is one of the oldest buildings in the area and is currently occupied by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce. 

The King of Prussia Inn has a long and winding history, notably as a building that had fallen into disrepair for a time and had to be restored to its former glory. 

While it is no longer hosting guests, it is open to the public. So, if you’re looking for a quick tour of one of the state’s most historic buildings, the King of Prussia Inn is it. 

While what you’ll find is the inn’s original building, it’s ironically not in its original location. They moved this historic structure from its original spot in 2003 to avoid eventual destruction because of the expansion of US Route 202. No, really, they put it on a flatbed truck and literally moved it at 200 feet an hour.

Impressive, right?

Historic preservationists engaged in a heated battle with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ultimately won the fight, preserving the inn’s existence. 

7 – John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

Like the King of Prussia Inn, Mill Grove also boasts a status as one of the oldest structures not just in King of Prussia, but in all of Pennsylvania. Built in the 1760s, it served as the first home of James Audubon, an American painter and naturalist.

Today, the home is now a museum that has collected Audubon’s prints, oil paintings, and memorabilia. So, if you’re a fan or if you’re looking to discover more about this legendary painter, head on over to the center for an educational experience like none other. 

8 – American Treasure Tour Museum

Valley Forge is full of historic sites, but the American Treasure Tour Museum is one of the most recent additions. Having opened in 2010, the music enthusiast in you (or someone in your group) will fall in love with the collection. 

Here, you’ll find one of the largest collections of nickelodeons, band organs, music boxes, photo players, you name it, it’s in there. 

You’ll also find dolls, circus art, dollhouses, and even classic cars. I’d personally pass on the dolls (I swear, those things are looking straight at you). But if this collection is up your alley, the American Treasure Tour Museum should grace the top of your itinerary at Valley Forge. 

9 – QVC Studios

Yep, I’m sure you’ve heard of QVC, also known as Quality Value Convenience. Well, you won’t need to go far if you’re looking for its headquarters, which are in nearby West Chester on 80 acres of real estate. 

So, if you or someone you know regularly shops at QVC, then take a trip out to discover where all the goods are being advertised. 

10 – Philadelphia Premium Outlets

Okay, so by now, you’ll realize that King of Prussia is one of the premier shopping destinations on the east coast. Well, the best only gets better with Philadelphia Premium Outlets. 

This 553,000-square-foot outlet mall features 150 stores, including Forever 21, Restoration Hardware, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, and so much more. 

If you’re more into the open-air setting, then Philadelphia Premium Outlets is your premier destination. Located on Route 422 near the Limerick Nuclear Power Plant, you’ll find a good place to spend those potential casino winnings at this venue. 

11 – Pennypacker Mills

Yet another historic building in the area. Pennypacker Mills is a Colonial Revival mansion comprising 70 acres of land. Purchased in 1747 by Peter Pennypacker, this home remained in the family’s hands over the next 8 generations.

Today, Pennypacker Mills operates as a museum open for public tours. Oh, and if you’re a Civil War buff, you’ll be craving a jaunt to this place as the venue regularly puts on Civil War reenactments. So, if you want to watch a battle take place, then it’s more than worth your attendance. 

12 – Peter Wentz Farmstead

Rounding off the list is the Peter Wentz Farmstead, a German-American farm where, despite its age, the venue still serves its original purpose as a farm with its many sheep, cows, pigs, horses, and chickens taking up residence. 

But you’ll also find a visitor center at the farmstead. The center contains a cool gift shop, restrooms, employee offices, quarters, etc.

You’ll also find many reconstructed buildings scattered throughout the property. Among them, you’ll stumble across a smokehouse, privy, woodshed, ice-house, a barn, and more farm-related structures. 

If you want a taste of what life was like back on an 18th-century farm, the Peter Wentz Farmstead has what you’re looking for. 

Conclusion

As stated, history reigns supreme in the area surrounding Valley Forge Casino Resort. But you can also get the unique and diverse shopping experience of your life at the mall and also lay your eyes on the famed QVC Studios. 

And with Philadelphia in the resort’s backyard (not literally), you can turn your stay at the casino and resort into the ultimate vacation destination. Or it can be just a fun place to gamble and experience history if you’re on your way to the casino kingpin of the East Coast — Atlantic City, New Jersey. 

Have you played at Valley Forge Casino Resort? If so, let us know about your experience.