You already know that fall is the perfect time to visit the Laurel Highlands. In particular, October visits to the Ligonier Valley have become a yearly tradition for thousands of travelers. Although this tradition may look a bit different this year, there are still plenty of reasons to stop by the Ligonier Valley in 2020.
As with many other festivals this year, Fort Ligonier Days 2020 has gone virtual, offering a listing of vendors on their website and general information about this wildly popular event.
However, the gorgeous shops, outdoor recreation, and of course, Fort Ligonier itself will be open and ready for your in-person visit the weekend of October 9th, 10th, and 11th.
Here’s a breakdown of what you and your loved ones can enjoy during your 2020 visit:
Fort Ligonier
Fort Ligonier will celebrate its Battle Commemoration Weekend with several options for visitors looking to explore the Fort and its fascinating history. Visitors must abide by all health and safety guidelines. Take note that for Saturday and Sunday’s celebrations, advanced ticket purchase is required.
Follow this link to purchase your tickets for Saturday, October 10th.
Follow this link to purchase your tickets for Sunday, October 11th.
Friday, October 9
- Regular admission, regular hours – 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Fort Ligonier welcomes community residents and visitors for free from 4-6:00 pm (donations greatly appreciated). Experience the magnificent historic site that made Ligonier possible and rediscover the stories of when President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited for the Fort’s Bicentennial in 1958, which spurred the popular three-day community celebration, Fort Ligonier Days.
- Masks required in the museum but not in the outside fort area.
Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Saturday and Sunday
- Cost: $19.95 per adult, $14.95 per child/senior
- Children 5 and under are Free
- Special guided tours with living history demonstrations to commemorate the historic October 12, 1758 Battle of Fort Ligonier will be offered exclusively for this weekend only! Timed ticket reservations purchased in advance are required. The French and Indian War Battle reenactments will not be held this year.
- Your exclusive experience will include a brief overview of Fort Ligonier’s history, time on your own to explore the award-winning museum galleries and store, and a guided tour of the fort with living history stations featuring the British and French perspectives and an artillery demonstration.
- Follow this link to purchase your tickets for Saturday, October 10th.
- Follow this link to purchase your tickets for Sunday, October 11th.
Small Business Weekend
The town of Ligonier will be celebrating Small Business Weekend. Local merchants and restaurants will be open all weekend for your enjoyment, PLUS enjoy free parking only on Saturday, October 10th, sponsored by several local merchants. Visitors must abide by all health and safety guidelines.
More sites and events
The nearby Lincoln Highway Experience will be open for visitors Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with last visitors admitted at 3pm. Visitors must abide by all health and safety guidelines.
And of course, check out all of our partner sites listed on westmorelandheritage.org and plan a beautiful fall weekend with your loved ones.
Book your weekend stay and leave yourself plenty of time to explore the area.
About Westmoreland Heritage
Westmoreland Heritage is a county-wide partnership that serves as a network for Westmoreland County’s numerous historic and cultural organizations. We also have individual supporters who seek to spread the dual missions of Westmoreland Heritage to as many people as possible.
Those two missions of Westmoreland Heritage are:
- Educate county residents and visitors about our remarkable history and culture.
- Encourage tourism of those historic & cultural assets and events.
Westmoreland Heritage collaborates with all partners and the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau to accomplish these missions.
