Things To Do In The Laurel Highlands: Fort Ligonier, Ligonier, PennsylvaniaYour blog post

Tucked into the heart of Ligonier, Pennsylvania is Fort Ligonier Historic Site and Museum. This historic site and museum really brings the history of the French and Indian War to life. Built in 1758, Fort Ligonier, originally named Post at Loyalhanna, was a former British fortification during the French and Indian War. It served as the final staging area for troops and supplies along the Forbes Road campaign that stretched from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to ultimately French Fort Duquesne, present-day Pittsburgh.

There are two parts of Fort Ligonier: the museum and reconstructed fort. Most likely you will start with the museum first. The entrance to the museum is located right behind where you pay. You’ll find six galleries to explore including The World Ablaze, History Gallery, and The Washington Gallery. As you move through the museum you will be introduced to people of Fort Ligonier and experience what daily life was like, see artifacts from every theatre of the French and Indian War, read letters from George Washington, and more.

Once you are done exploring the museum head outside and up to the reconstructed fort. Here you will learn about how the British Army spent their days at the fort as well as how it was designed and constructed. The fort features several buildings to walk through including Forbes hut, the inner fort, and Artillery Battery. Volunteers or staff members are usually in the fort area to answer any questions and share insights.

Fort Ligonier is one of my favorite museums in the region. There is a lot to learn so definitely plan to spend 1.5-2 hours.

If you enjoy visiting museums and historic sites then you definitely don’t want to miss Fort Ligonier. Fort Ligonier offers visitors a world-class museum experience in the Laurel Highlands. It is a great place to spend a few hours if you are driving through or spending a few days. Between the museum and fort there are plenty of things to learn. Once you're done, take some additional time if available to grab lunch or take a stroll through Ligonier.

📍 Address & Parking:

Fort Ligonier Historic Site and Museum is located just off of Route 30 at 200 S Market Street in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Free parking is available in the visitors parking lot.

⏰ Hours:

Hours vary throughout the year. From Early April through Thanksgiving the MUSEUM and FORT are open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. During the winter months the MUSEUM is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The MUSEUM is open Christmas week December 26 through December 30, 2026. The MUSEUM is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Ticket prices are as of January 16, 2026. Check website for updated information.

🎟️ Tickets:

• Adults: $14.00

• Senior Citizens (Ages 62+) $11.00

• Active Military Veterans & Law Enforcement: $7.00

• Youth (Ages 4-17): $7.00

• Children (3 and under Free)
  
  This covers access to the museum and fort, self guided tours, as well as programs and activities. Tickets can be purchased online or in person.Ticket prices are as of January 16, 2026. Check website for updated information.

Sources & Resources:

Website: https://www.fortligonier.org/
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/41EZdwwDkamyJegU7