If you’re planning a history-focused trip in 2026 — especially during the 250th anniversary of American Independence — visiting Revolutionary War battlefields and historic sites is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with the story of the United States. These battlefields let you walk where key moments in the fight for liberty took place.
Here are some of the best Revolutionary War battlefields and historic sites to visit in 2026 — ranging from the start of the war in New England to the decisive fights in the South.
1) Yorktown Battlefield — Virginia
Why go: Yorktown is the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, where British General Cornwallis surrendered in 1781, effectively ending the conflict.
What to experience
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Walking the battlefield and earthworks
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Museum exhibits and ranger talks
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Revolutionary War trench and cannon demonstrations
Best for: History buffs and first-time visitors
2) Saratoga National Historical Park — New York
Why go: This battlefield marks the turning point of the Revolutionary War. The American victory here in 1777 encouraged France to enter the war on the side of the colonists.
What to experience
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Visitor center with exhibits
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Scenic walking trails
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Reenactments during peak season
Best for: Those who want strategic history and great landscapes
3) Minute Man National Historical Park — Massachusetts
Why go: This park preserves sites connected to the first battles of the Revolution at Lexington and Concord — where the “shot heard ’round the world” was fired.
What to experience
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Battle Road Trail walk
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Historic homes and taverns
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Ranger-led talks and interactive exhibits
Best for: Families and those new to Revolutionary history
4) Monmouth Battlefield State Park — New Jersey
Why go: One of the largest battles of the war took place here. It’s a site that brings the Revolutionary era to life with wide, open fields and informative markers throughout the park.
What to experience
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Self-guided trail markers
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Historic farmhouses
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Picnic and interpretive spaces
Best for: Outdoor travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace
5) Cowpens National Battlefield — South Carolina
Why go: One of the decisive American victories in the Southern campaign, Cowpens is a must-see for anyone studying revolutionary military tactics and the push toward final victory.
What to experience
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Battlefield walking trails
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Visitor education center
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Interactive storytelling exhibits
Best for: Military history fans
6) Kings Mountain National Military Park — South Carolina/North Carolina
Why go: At Kings Mountain, Patriot militia routed British Loyalist forces in a crucial southern campaign battle — often called the “first major Patriot victory in the South.”
What to experience
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Driving and walking tours of the battlefield
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Ranger-led programs
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Scenic wooded trails
Best for: Those seeking immersive outdoor history
7) Lexington and Concord Battlefields — Massachusetts
Why go: These historic green spaces are home to the opening shots of the American Revolution and remain deeply symbolic.
What to experience
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Lexington Battle Green
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North Bridge in Concord
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Minuteman Visitor Center Walks
Best for: First-time visitors and school groups
8) Valley Forge National Historical Park — Pennsylvania
Why go: While not a traditional battlefield, Valley Forge is where Washington’s army endured the brutal winter of 1777–78 and emerged stronger. It’s a place of story, resilience, and education.
What to experience
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Washington’s Headquarters
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Encampment trails
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Ranger programs
Best for: Those who want the human story of the Revolution
9) Fort Ticonderoga — New York
Why go: Although more famous for the French & Indian War, Fort Ticonderoga played an important role in the early Revolution when Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured it for the Patriots in 1775.
What to experience
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Historic reenactments (especially around anniversary weekends)
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Fort tour and museum
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Interactive programs
Best for: Families and 250th anniversary special events
10) Other Worthwhile Stops
Even beyond the classic battlefields listed above, there are smaller yet meaningful Revolutionary sites worth visiting on a road trip:
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Paoli Battlefield Site (Pennsylvania) — known for the Paoli Massacre of 1777.
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Bunker Hill Monument (Massachusetts) — symbolic early fight for morale.
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Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) — not a battlefield but ground zero of founding history.
Tips for Visiting in 2026
Plan around 250th anniversary events: Many sites will host reenactments, living history programs, and special tours in 2026 to mark the Semiquincentennial.
Visit National Park Service sites early in the day to avoid crowds and join ranger talks.
Combine battlefield visits with nearby museums (like the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown or the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia) for a richer experience.
