Visit Saratoga National Historical Park: Site of the Battle of Saratoga
Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, NY, offers a diverse range of attractions and engaging activities for visitors throughout the year. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the park’s establishment, commemorating the pivotal Battle of Saratoga—a turning point in the American Revolution. Step back in time as you tour the historic Schuyler House, climb the Saratoga Monument for panoramic views, and stroll through the serene trails of Victory Woods.
Whether you're a history buff or a nature enthusiast, the park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Visit the Site of the Battle of Saratoga
Saratoga National Historical Park, part of the US National Park Service, commemorates the site where our emerging nation fought for its first victory in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution.
The park is made up of multiple units, all just a short drive from each other:
- The 9.5-square-mile Saratoga Battlefield in Stillwater
- The General Philip Schuyler House, approximately 7 miles north of the Battlefield
- The Saratoga Monument, a 155-foot obelisk that commemorates the American victory, located approximately 7.5 miles north of the Battlefield
- Victory Woods, a 22-acre parcel of land that served as British General John Burgoyne's final encampment before his surrender
- Saratoga Surrender Site, an outdoor memorial that marks the site of the British Surrender after the Battle of Saratoga
Best of all, there is no longer an entrance fee to the park! You can visit Saratoga National Historical Park any time of the year for free.
The Battlefield
Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the Battlefield Grounds mark the actual turning point of the Revolutionary War, making this a powerful place to stand and connect with history.
Saratoga Battlefield features several miles of hiking trails, including its only officially marked loop—the 4¼‑mile Wilkinson Trail—while other less‑formally marked footpaths crisscross the park.
All of the hiking paths are pedestrian‑only, with no bikes permitted. However, visitors are welcome to walk or bike along the Driving Tour Road, which runs parallel to the paved road and includes a marked Multi‑Use Lane for shared use.
The Visitor Center
Do not overlook the Visitor Center! This is where you can start your tour of the battlefield. It's open year round, and you will find a wealth of information about the history of the land. You can view a short 20-minute film, look at artifacts, and browse through several displays, including interactive maps.
Want to find out if you have ancestral ties to the park? Visitors can search in a database for ancestors who may have fought at Saratoga.
Saratoga National Historical Park hosts exciting reenactments where costumed interpreters bring the Revolutionary War to life with musket drills, cannon firings, and soldier camps—fun, loud, and full of history!
The Visitor Center also boasts a scenic overlook of the battlefield. There are several picnic tables and a covered patio behind the building to sit back and enjoy the natural landscape.
The Tour Road
Pick up a park map and brochure at the entrance to use on a self-guided driving tour of the battlefield from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, April through November. There are wayside interpretive stops along the 9.5-mile long route, featuring 10 designated stops with interpretive signage.
You'll have several opportunities along the way to interact with the friendly park rangers, touch real cannons used in the Revolutionary War, and truly immerse yourself in the experience.
The land isn't just historical - it's gorgeous. Trace through the soldiers' footsteps and prepare to be in awe of your surroundings. It begins at the scenic Freeman Farm Overlook, which provides a stunning view of the tree line, hills, and ravines that have not changed much since 1777.
There are several great spots to take a break, have a picnic, or just soak up the views. Without any stops, the drive should take about 30 minutes. If you check out each interpretive stop, the tour takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Open to vehicle traffic from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Open for pedestrians and cyclists from sunrise to sunset.
The Schuyler House
The restored Schuyler House offers a glimpse into Colonial life and was the country home of American General Philip Schuyler. Schuyler had the home rebuilt after the British burned it to the ground during their retreat.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Will be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tours at 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 11:30 AM. Open House 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Grounds open from sunrise to sunset.
The Saratoga Monument
The Saratoga Monument was built to commemorate where the British General Burgoyne surrendered. There is a brief talk by a ranger stationed at the monument.
The presentation and the climb to and from the top of the 155-foot granite monument totals about 30 minutes. The view from the top offers a unique perspective of the farmlands and countryside where the Continental Army battled and the history of the world took a sharp turn toward liberty for all people.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Starting July 5, climbing will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The site remains accessible for external viewing at all times.
Victory Woods
North of the Saratoga Monument is a 22-acre parcel of land called Victory Woods. A trail through the woods opened to the public in June 2010, and it was the location of British General John Burgoyne's final encampment before his surrender to the American army on October 17, 1777.
You can find informational signs about John Burgoyne's surrounded army along the .5-mile boardwalk and trail. The pathway is a scenic route through dense woodlands, and it is handicap accessible from Monument Drive. Be sure to check out the shallow trenches along the way - the last remnants of the fortifications.
To get to the Victory Woods Trail, there are a few options:
- Park at the Saratoga Monument and follow the pathway through Prospect Hill Cemetery to the trailhead for a 1.6 mile round trip walk.
- Just east of the Saratoga Monument, drive down Monument Drive and park at the end. The trailhead will be a short walk away.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Victory Woods is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Surrender Site
The Saratoga Surrender Site is located on Route 4, just one mile south of Schuylerville, and the outdoor memorial marks the site of the British Surrender after the Battle of Saratoga.
There is an accessible sidewalk that curves through the site and ends at a grand bronze sculpture overlooking the Hudson River.
2025 Hours of Operation:
- Open from sunrise to sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saratoga National Historical Park
What happened at Saratoga National Historical Park?
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves the site of the Battle of Saratoga, a key turning point in the American Revolutionary War. In 1777, American forces defeated British troops led by General John Burgoyne, leading to his surrender. This victory helped secure French support for the American cause and is widely seen as a critical moment in the path to independence.
Is Saratoga Battlefield worth visiting?
Yes, the battlefield is one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in the country. Visitors can explore historic grounds, walk or bike scenic trails, take a self-guided driving tour, and enjoy views that closely resemble the landscape from 1777. With its blend of history, nature, and educational experiences, it’s well worth the visit.
How long does it take to tour Saratoga Battlefield?
Expect to spend at least 1 hour at the Visitor Center to explore exhibits and view the orientation film. The full 9.5-mile driving tour, without any stops, takes about 30 minutes. A more typical visit—making brief stops at each of the 10 interpretive sites—lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you're short on time, you can take an abbreviated version using four key stops, which takes around 1 hour. Additional time may be needed if you plan to hike trails or picnic.
How much does it cost to go to Saratoga National Historical Park?
Admission is free. Visitors can explore the battlefield, Visitor Center, Schuyler House grounds, Saratoga Monument grounds, Victory Woods, and the Surrender Site at no cost. Special programs and reenactments are also free to attend.
Where is the Saratoga Monument?
The Saratoga Monument is located in the Village of Victory, about 7.5 miles north of Saratoga Battlefield. It commemorates the American victory in the Battle of Saratoga and honors the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. The 155-foot granite obelisk offers panoramic views from the top when open to the public. The grounds surrounding the monument are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
What are some things to do at Saratoga National Historical Park?
There’s a lot to explore across the park’s five main sites. Visitors can hike or bike at the Battlefield, tour the historic Schuyler House, visit the Saratoga Monument, stroll the boardwalk at Victory Woods, and walk the commemorative grounds at the Saratoga Surrender Site. The Visitor Center also offers interactive exhibits, a short film, and a scenic overlook. Seasonal events like reenactments and guided tours add even more to the experience.
First-time visitors and returning history lovers alike will find plenty to discover at Saratoga National Historical Park. Take your time exploring each site and enjoy all that this nationally significant destination has to offer.
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