What to do in Gettysburg; planning your visit
The town of Gettysburg, in southern Pennsylvania, is rich in history and 19th century small town charm. The site of the most significant battle of the American Civil War, Gettysburg draws millions of visitors a year to its well preserved historic landmarks. It also boasts an attractive downtown, offering fine restaurants, quirky museums and historic houses, as well as interesting and artistic shops.
Why visit Gettysburg?
One of the reasons Gettysburg is popular with visitors today is the same reason it became the point where Union and Confederate forces ran into each other in 1863 - its location. In easy reach of larger cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C, it is very accessible for tourists today, and it was a crossroads of sorts in 1863 when both armies needed supplies and shelter.
There are basically two main things to do while in Gettysburg: one is to tour the famous battlefield and the other is to explore the quaint and historical town.
Gettysburg is also famous as the location where Abraham Lincoln gave his moving Gettysburg Address, during the official dedication of the Soldiers National Cemetery (now called the Gettysburg National Cemetery) for Union war dead, a few months after the battle. You can still visit the cemetery today and see where Lincoln gave this well remembered speech.
We’ve been to Gettysburg many times and have enjoyed a different type of experience with each visit. It’s a good place for families with kids, or adult couples on their own, as well as singles with friends as there are good night spots and Gettysburg College offers a “young person’s” vibe.
You can definitely see Gettysburg in a day, if that's all you’ve got, but we would highly recommend an overnight stay to appreciate it fully. That way you can spend a day seeing the battlefield, and enjoy a night out having dinner in town, then spend another half day of sightseeing in town and around the area. (Some suggestions on where to stay are included further below in this article.)
How to see the Battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park
Of course the big attraction of Gettysburg is its Civil War history and very well preserved battlefield, which encompasses Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle of Gettysburg took place over three days from July 1 to 3, 1863 and is considered by most historians to be where the tide of war turned for the South, with Union going on to eventually be victorious.
There are a few options for how to tour the battlefields, depending how deeply you want to get into the history. Students of Civil War history will enjoy the very strategic explanations of the battle that accompany the different areas of the battlefield. Photographers like us enjoy the many monuments and vistas, and let’s not forget all those awesome cannons!
Self-guided Auto Tour
The simplest, cheapest, most flexible and most popular way to tour the Battlefields is to do a self-guided audio tour.
Download the National Park Service App for you self-guided. There are many apps available for self-guided tours, but the NPS does a great job with their app and it’s free. We always recommend it for National Park Service sites.
The trail is very well marked with red “auto tour” signs. The app will also direct you through the locations and give you the details of each day of the battle as it unfolded.
Definitely pick up a paper map at the Visitors Center. GPS is good for point to point directions, but to get a sense of the geography of the battlefield, a printed map does a much better job. The stops of the auto tour are marked on the map. Let the person in your passenger seat man the map as you go.
There are an incredible amount of varied markers and monuments erected along the trail, in remembrance of specific regiments, states, individuals and events. Interspersed among these are various authentic cannon and pieces of equipment - so get out and have a closer look at them or take some photos. You'll likely find your own home state represented somewhere!
Incidentally, I remember doing the self-guided tour years ago when you had to buy a cassette tape for your car tape deck. Stopping and starting it was kind of hard! These things have come a long way!
Biking the Battlefield
We saw a good amount of people biking the trail as well. Some of the terrain is pretty hilly, so it’s a good place for an e-bike. Also, most of the roads do not have designated bicycle lanes or walking trails so proceed with caution. Bicycle rentals generally are available from April through October.
Here are some suggested bike rentals:
Gettysbike - For rentals of regular bikes and e-bikes. They also offer guided battlefield tours with a Licensed Battlefield Guide.
GettyPeds - Rents “Scoot Coups” (those cute little 2-person vehicles) and e-bikes. Hourly rentals and guided tours are available.
Bus tours of the Battlefield
Seeing the battlefield by bus is another option in the warm weather months. An informed guide takes you through the battlefield, and you have the opportunity of sitting in the open top deck - which gives you a very interesting perspective. I did this a while back and although a little windy, it was really a lot of fun.
Here’s a well-reviewed bus tour:
2-Hour Gettysburg Battlefield Guided History Bus Tour with a National Park Guide - See Devil's Den, Little Round Top, the location of Pickett's charge and more from an air-conditioned coach with a NPS guide.
Private Licensed Battlefield Guides
“Licensed battlefield guides” know a crazy amount of details about the battle if that’s what you are looking for. Of course, this is the most expensive way to explore the battlefield, but if this is something you are interested in, you can hire a licensed private guide through the Gettysburg Heritage Center.
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we are recommending a product, activity, or hotel, we might be receiving a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
The Gettysburg National Military Park and Visitor’s Center
The recently built Visitor’s Center is great - attractively modern and very helpful. It features a variety of well appointed exhibits for visitors to learn about Gettysburg, including a 12-gallery museum full of interesting artifacts and a 30-minute orientation movie, as well as the very unique Cyclorama experience.
You can pick up your battlefield map here, as well partake of the Bookstore, the Refreshment Saloon (modeled after an actual Civil War-era saloon and offering leisurely a-la-carte dining) or sit down at the Battlegrounds Café & Grille. There are also clean, well kept bathrooms and a designated area for tour guides to meet their groups. And of course, the ever-helpful National Park Service rangers are knowledgeable and excited to share what they know.
You’ll have to have your bags inspected upon entering, but they are very nice about it! You can also take your photo with a contemplative and very life-like Abraham Lincoln statue in a garden setting outside the entrance of the Visitor’s Center.
The Cyclorama
Within the Visitor’s Center is also the Cyclorama - the largest painting in North America which brings to life Pickett’s Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg. It was completed in 1883, and creates an immersive experience with light and sound as the viewer stands in the center with the painting all around. This was an early type of cinematic entertainment and it’s one of the few remaining examples in existence. Recently restored and rehoused at the new Visitor’s Center, this is a well preserved piece of history in its own right.
It’s a little pricey at $20 per adult but if you haven’t seen this kind of attraction before, I’d recommend you do it. It gives you a good overview and perspective of the battle, but even more so, it's just a cool, creative thing to see from a period before films. This used to be in a funky old building that needed some love, and I have to say, it's much better in its new location in the Visitor’s Center!
Some battlefield highlights at Gettysburg National Military Park
I can’t go into everything there is to see and learn about on the battlefield - you’ll have to tour it yourself for that! - but I did want to suggest a few battlefield highlights.
Debbie scales the boulders at Devil’s Den
Devils Den
This distinctive rock formation isn’t part of the auto tour anymore, (probably because of a need for crowd control) but don’t skip it! It’s one of our favorite spots, not only because it’s famous and recognizable from old wartime photos, but because it’s just a very interesting natural area. The size of the rocks in this boulder field gave the Confederates a place to hide, and today it is popular among visitors as an active place to explore. Whereas other areas of the battlefield are basically for looking out on, Devil’s Den is a place you can stretch your legs and climb around.
Devil’s Den has recently been rehabilitated, as the paths were eroding from so much visitation. The new paths make for easier and more sustainable access.
Stopping at Devil’s Den can be a bit of a challenge since it is so popular, and the small parking area is very limited. There is also no shade available so it can get hot among the boulders! If you are here in summer, it is probably best to do it as either the first or last spot you visit on the battlefield.
The Pennsylvania Monument
Definitely take the time to visit the PA monument, the largest monument in the park. If the stairs to the balcony are open, take a walk up. You'll have great views in all directions, because you’re in the middle of the important battle sites. Whereas other viewing platforms tend to be around the edges, this puts you in the thick of it. And anyway, just a cooler experience with its spiral staircase up to the top (not unlike climbing a lighthouse) and the impressive and beautiful design of the monument.
The Pennsylvania Monument in the late afternoon sun.
Visiting Downtown Gettysburg
Gettysburg College is located in the town of Gettysburg, giving it a lively college town feel. This mixes nicely with the historical sights - a touch of nightlife along with sightseeing.
In the middle of town, there is a main square - which is actually a circle, go figure - where the main streets intersect. This is Lincoln Square and it’s a good place to start if you want to walk around town. Lincoln Square is the central hub of downtown Gettysburg and was called “the Diamond” in 1863 (guess they wanted to try out all the shapes!). Named for President Abraham Lincoln, who stayed at the David Wills House (on the Diamond) the night before he delivered The Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. It is believed that he finished writing his famous address while staying here at David Wills House.
A statue erected in the square in 1991 commemorates the spirit of Lincoln talking to a modern young man and tipping his hat toward the window where the writing was done. This work, entitled Return Home, is said to be the most realistic likeness of Lincoln ever created; actual castings of his face and hands were used as the inspiration for the sculpture. (Do read the placard describing the creation of the statue - it’s truly interesting!
Fun fact - the statue was created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. who was the founder of the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ, which we’ve blogged about before, so check out our post if his realistically styled sculptures capture your fancy!
And we also ran into another one of Johnson’s creations in Palm Springs, CA as well! Check out our post What to Do in Palm Springs, to read all about it.
No matter where we go - there’s always a Jersey connection! Just sayin’! ;)
Where to Eat in Downtown Gettysburg
Not only is Gettysburg a major tourist destination but it’s also a college town as the home to Gettysburg College. This means there are many restaurant options at various price points. Here are some ideas:
The Upper Crust
We stumbled upon The Upper Crust while walking around downtown Gettysburg.
It’s a giant restaurant that looked lively and exciting so we stopped in. The Upper Crust seems to cater to both tourists and college students. There is a huge area in the back with pool tables, skeeball and other games.
We tried the excellent Czech pierogies for an appetizer. For our main dish, we took a hint from the giant wood-fired oven in the middle of the restaurant and ordered pizza.
In addition to the traditional pizza flavors they also feature pineapple, pulled pork and gumbo pizza.
Not only did we enjoy the pizza, we thought the crust was excellent!
We also enjoyed some Lulu’s Finest Ice Cream there for dessert - which was an unexpected treat because this Gettysburg institution is only open in the summer season, so we didn’t expect to get to try it in February. It was delicious!
Dobbin House Tavern
At the other end of the spectrum from The Upper Crust is The Dobbin House Tavern.
It is the oldest house in Gettysburg and was built in 1776, the same year the United States was founded.
The restaurant offers two options, the Springhouse Tavern for casual dining and the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms serving steaks and seafood.
(There’s also a legend that it’s haunted! FWIW!)
If you plan to eat at the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms they suggest making reservations at least a week in advance.
One Lincoln
One Lincoln is located in the center of downtown Gettysburg at the Gettysburg Hotel.
They feature burgers, sandwiches and guacamole grilled cheese for lunch; and fish, steak, and their special One Lincoln Crab Mac & Cheese for dinner.
Ploughman Cider Taproom
Directly on Gettysburg’s main square and across from the Gettysburg Hotel is the Ploughman Cider Taproom.
They serve their own ciders plus local beers and wines from around Pennsylvania. The Taproom also features live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Shopping in Gettysburg
Gettysburg has a nice collection of artistic shops; unlike some other quaint little touristy towns, there are things you might actually like to buy here! (And I did!)
There are antique shops, eclectic artisan boutiques, artifacts for sale, art studios and tasting rooms tended by friendly shopkeeps all along Baltimore Street and Steinwehr Avenue.
I have to give a particular shout out to Gettysburg Polish Pottery - where I could have left with half the store! But I settled for a mug and a pretty heart-shaped trinket dish. Full disclosure, I am Polish by heritage and the beautiful, cheerfully patterned and well-made items really tickled my fancy! They stock 3500 shapes in exquisite patterns of Polish stoneware from the Ceramica Artystyczna factory in Boleslawiec, Poland.
Also worth a mention is Union Drummer Boy - a shop that never changes; I remember it from my first trips to Gettysburg. Located just off Lincoln Square on York Street, it is like a mini museum, specializing in authentic Civil War artifacts and relics. It’s just a fascinating store to walk around in - just be careful not to topple anything!
You could go home with a small relic as a souvenir or purchase something more unique. They also have a substantial website if you are shopping for something specific.
We do recommend just taking a walk around town and stopping in the many varied shops. It’s fun!
Museums and Historical Sites
There are a number of small historical sights and museums throughout the town, some you might want to go into but others are good for just a walk by. Below are a few highlights.
It’s worth mentioning that at some of these smaller, private museums you have to pay to get in; and $13 here and $20 there can add up. It is worth considering a package that gets you into a few of these sites on one ticket. Here’s a idea:
Gettysburg Battlefield Tours Value Plan - You can do this as a Bus Tour, visiting several Gettysburg museums or just as a Museum Plan ticket that includes 3 of Gettysburg’s greatest historic attractions and the tickets do not have to be used in one day.
Gettysburg Tours, 778 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
The Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
The seminary building itself played a significant role as a field hospital during the first day of the battle; later in the 1950s, the decaying building was rescued and restored by the Adams County Historical Society. Today it serves as a museum of Gettysburg history. It’s a good place to start if you don’t know anything about the Battle of Gettysburg. It costs $13 to get in.
You’ll recognize it by the cupola on top, which served as a Union lookout during the battle. (Your auto tour will definitely mention this cupola!)
Much of the 1993 movie Gettysburg was filmed on location and if you’ve seen it, you’ll certainly recognize this iconic building. You can even go up in the cupola by special tour and get an appreciation of the view and why it was such a good lookout during the fight (but it’s a little expensive for what it is, I think, at $33 per adult!). This is actually one of the reconstructed parts of the building, the original cupola having been struck by lightning some time ago.
Gettysburg Museum of History
This quirky museum houses one of the most extensive private collections of artifacts from the American Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as American presidential history. The museum has been featured on History Channel’s American Pickers as well as Pawn Stars and has over 4,000 artifacts on display. It’s also free to enter so that’s a nice thing. ;)
Ronn Palm’s Museum of Civil War Images
This is another quirky little artifact museum; this one focusing on a large private collection of Civil War era photographs of soldiers. An interesting hit for Civil War history buffs or anyone with an interest in historical photography, but the hours are changeable, so consult their website.
Jenny Wade House
Jenny Wade was famously the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, as shots penetrated the walls of the kitchen where she was baking bread. The house has been preserved as a historical site, and you can tour it to see some of the actual battle damage, as well as a vignette of what life was like during the period. Next door to the house is also a small gift shop for souvenirs that helps support the museum.
The Lincoln Train
Ok, this is kind of funky - and I don’t mean funky “cool” but more like funky “old-timey” - but I have to include this because I think it’s one of the quirkiest, most endearing little spots in Gettysburg. It’s a definite throwback to a different era, as it almost has a “roadside attraction on Rt. 66” feel to it. I always recommend this place to friends heading to Gettysburg just because I want it to stay open! A nice spot for kids or those like me who are big kids at heart - a weird but lovable little attraction.
It’s main thing is “taking a ride” on a life-size train car which recreates President Lincoln's funeral journey from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois, “upon which you journey with the spirit of Lincoln as he shares his love of America with you.” - as their website puts it. It ain’t Disney level magic but, well, you just have to do it.
The museum also features a generous display of model trains and railroad memorabilia and quirky old-style toys that I remember from my childhood!
Like many of Gettysburg’s smaller attractions, it is not open in winter.
Gettysburg National Cemetery
The Gettysburg National Cemetery (formerly Soldiers National Cemetery) is famous for being the site of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery’s dedication ceremony. It is the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
If it’s a nice day, it’s worth a walk through to explore the individual grave markers, memorials and monuments within its grounds. It is pretty moving to see how many soldiers are buried there - just incredible how many died in just a very short battle. Many of the soldiers couldn’t even be properly identified and are marked with stones pronouncing them as “Unknown”. There were no “dog tags” issued back then, so many could only be identified by friends or by personal letters or other effects found on their bodies. As a result, there are large “unknown” sections. Some markers read “partially unknown” - if the soldier could only be accounted for by his home state or last name.
The brick speaker’s platform, built in 1879, known as The Rostrum was not actually used by Lincoln, though many other dignitaries, including six United States presidents have used it during Memorial Day services and other ceremonies.
Today the cemetery contains the remains of American soldiers and dependents from the Civil War through Vietnam. It was officially closed to interments in 1972; but family plots remain for dependents of veterans already interred.
The Gettysburg National Cemetery is located within the National Military Park, adjacent to the Visitors Center. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Parking for the cemetery is a lot located between Taneytown Rd. and Steinwehr Ave.
Interesting Fact - Within walking distance from National Cemetery where Lincoln spoke about “a new birth of freedom”, is a lesser known cemetery in Gettysburg with a history all its own, that makes one ponder those famous words. Lincoln Cemetery, established in 1867, holds the remains of more than 450 Black Americans, including about 30 Civil War veterans. Although local black civilians dug most of the soldiers’ graves at the National Cemetery, black veterans themselves were denied burial in the whites-only military cemetery. Lincoln Cemetery was established to bury these soldiers. The cemetery fell into disrepair in the 1960s and today it can only be visited by appointment. But new efforts have been in motion to restore it. These efforts were recently featured in this article from Smithsonian Magazine.
WWII American Experience Museum and Education Center
Located a little out of town just off Mummasburg Road, the World War II American Experience is not Civil War related, but still interesting if you like military history and big machines. It contains a huge collection of authentic WWII vehicles, uniforms and artifacts, and offers interactive, living history programs, as well as simulated and real vehicle experiences.
The WWII American Experience is not open in January, but it is open the rest of the year. Check their website for specific hours.
The main house at the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
A lesser known fact about Gettysburg is that Lincoln isn’t the only former president with a connection to the town. President Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained a “country home” and working farm here, adjacent to the famous battlefield, during his presidency, throughout the Cold War and into his retirement. The humble home - actually the only house Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower ever owned! - is now preserved by the National Park Service and run as a historic site.
Use your National Park Service App to learn about the site or take a virtual tour. More information is also on the NPS website here.
You can take a Ranger guided tour of the house in spring, summer and fall. While the Eisenhower home is only open for tours on select dates, the grounds of Eisenhower National Historic Site are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset, so you can just walk the grounds any time of year.
As we were here in February that’s exactly what we did, and I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed this. It’s very interesting to see the helicopter landing pad area that is still marked out that Eisenhower used when traveling to and from Washington DC during his presidency. You can also see the old cinder-block milk house that was used as an office for the Secret Service who protected Ike during his presidency and after his retirement.
I was struck by the serenity of the location and by just how modest the home was - you would expect a man of his stature to live somewhere grander, but that speaks to his character I suppose!
Eisenhower was Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during WWII and achieved the five-star rank as General of the Army - a heady accomplishment - before being elected President in 1952.
There is an Eisenhower exhibit at the Visitor’s Center as well, where you can learn about his connection to Gettysburg. One of the artifacts on display there is his Five Star General insignia badge - not something you see every day! I don’t think many of those were made! So make sure you check that out.
Note: Enter the Eisenhower Historic Site from Emmitsburg Road, which is not necessarily how GPS will take you.
The Ghosts of Gettysburg
Because it hosted one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg is famously “haunted” (if you buy into that kind of thing). Lots of books are written about ghost sightings in the town and roaming the battlefields.
Well, I don’t know about any of that but it has given rise to a fair amount of walking “ghost tours” of Gettysburg. Suspending reality a little bit and embracing the “ghosties” is all part of the Gettysburg experience.
We did this a few years ago and I have to say, it was more fun than I was expecting. And our son was fairly young at the time - elementary school age - and none of it was “scary” enough to upset him. Think more “spooky” than “horror”.
This kind of tour gives you another angle on what Gettysburg is famous for. Most of the tours involve just walking about town to known haunted locations.
We weren’t travel bloggers yet at the time when we had done this, so I don’t remember who we did the tour through, but here are a few ghost tours that are well-reviewed:
Echoes of War All Ages Ghost Tour - Family-friendly and suitable for all ages; listen to spooky ghost stories from an entertaining guide as they take you through most of the haunted locations in town. A different way to learn about the battle, the soldiers and the townspeople of Gettysburg.
Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour by US Ghost Adventures - See Gettysburg from a paranormal perspective on this walking tour. Follow your host around town to several sites known for paranormal activity such as Unity Park, Dobbin House Tavern, and Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Where to stay in Gettysburg
This is a bit outside town, but it is very convenient to highways. This is where we stayed and it was very comfortable.
Indoor Pool
Very nice lobby for hanging out - or working on blog posts! ;)
Skip the breakfast - you have to pay for it and it’s not so great. There is a Dunkin Donuts nearby for something quick.
Excellent rating on Trip Advisor
Located in town, very close to the Visitors Center
Wonderful rating on Trip Advisor
Located literally right in the center of town, next to the David Wills House, where Lincoln stayed for the dedication of the cemetery.
When is a good time to visit Gettysburg?
We’ve been to Gettysburg a number of times over the years as it isn’t far from home for us, and have hit it pretty much in every season. Of course, it’s a summer oriented location, with the “season” generally being from April through October, with some exceptions. And of course, you’ll get the prettiest photographs in the warm weather months - blue skies and rich sunsets - but don’t overlook the shoulder seasons or even late winter, as we did in our most recent trip.
Late winter/early spring is actually a great time to come. There are a few inconveniences - some minor attractions and seasonal shops or restrooms will be closed - but if that’s not a huge concern for you, cooler weather for touring the battlefield is so much nicer. And though it’s never “empty”, it’s much less crowded. There’s also something nice about it being a time when school is in session, as the college students create a youthful and happy vibe in town.
It is worth noting, maintenance to sites is generally done in this “off peak” time of year, so there could be closures. Little Round Top - one of the more popular battlefield sites for both its significance and its views - was closed in February for restoration but will reopen later in 2024.
Summer is obviously when the tourist season is in full swing, so all the sites are open, big and small. Since the Battle of Gettysburg took place over July 1-3, those dates are when the re-enactors swing into town for encampments, mock battles, drills and weapon demonstrations. We visited during this time with our son when he was younger, and it was a lot of fun to see. Of course it’s overall busier in town as a result, but it’s also entertaining to see people walking around in costume and in character. And I have to say - a weapons demo we watched of some small cannons was pretty cool!
November is another significant month to visit Gettysburg if you like seeing the re-enactors in town. Since President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863, a re-enactment takes place every year at the National Cemetery on that day, called Dedication Day. There is also a parade of Civil War soldiers and events at the cemetery on Remembrance Day, held on the Saturday closest to Dedication Day. (And sometimes it happens to land on the same day!) Because this is a “special weekend”, some sites that are usually closed during November will open for special events associated with Dedication Day and Remembrance Day.
Whatever time of year you go, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit to historic Gettysburg. There is so much more there than expected!
This post was researched and written by Debbie of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here.
Some well-reviewed Gettysburg tours:
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if we are recommending a product, activity, or hotel, we might be receiving a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
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