Gettysburg National Military Park
Explore the pivotal Civil War battlefield where the tide of war turned, with a world-class museum and solemn memorials.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Gettysburg National Military Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the pivotal Civil War battlefield where the tide of war turned, with a world-class museum and solemn memorials.
"Every minute was well spent and I left with many new impressions and a deeper understanding of the battle at Gettysburg."
🚗 Auto Tour is Key
The auto tour is well-marked and a great way to see the battlefield. Consider a free YouTube guide!
🚶♂️ Get Out & Walk
Don't just drive! Walking the fields offers a deeper connection to the history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Visitor Center
Immerse yourself in the Civil War's pivotal battle with top-notch exhibits and the iconic Cyclorama painting.
The Battlefield Auto Tour
Throughout the park
Drive through history, stopping at key locations like Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard.
+1
Pickett's Charge
Cemetery Ridge
Walk the ground where a pivotal Confederate assault met its fate. A truly moving experience.
Soldier's National Cemetery
Cemetery Hill
A solemn and beautiful resting place for Union soldiers, site of Lincoln's famous address.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Battlefield
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Auto Tour is Key
The auto tour is well-marked and a great way to see the battlefield. Consider a free YouTube guide!
🚶♂️ Get Out & Walk
Don't just drive! Walking the fields offers a deeper connection to the history.
🗺️ Start at the Visitor Center
Grab a map, get oriented, and consider hiring a guide for deeper insights.
🐶 Honor Sallie
Visit the touching monument to Sallie, a Union dog, and leave a tribute.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Auto Tour is Key
The auto tour is well-marked and a great way to see the battlefield. Consider a free YouTube guide!
🚶♂️ Get Out & Walk
Don't just drive! Walking the fields offers a deeper connection to the history.
🗺️ Start at the Visitor Center
Grab a map, get oriented, and consider hiring a guide for deeper insights.
🐶 Honor Sallie
Visit the touching monument to Sallie, a Union dog, and leave a tribute.
👻 Embrace the Spooky
Gettysburg is famously haunted; consider a ghost tour for a different perspective. +2
⏳ Allow Ample Time
You'll need 4-5 hours for the museum alone, and days to explore fully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gettysburg National Military Park for its profound historical significance, impressive museum exhibits, and the immersive experience of walking the battlefield. The well-organized auto tour and the sheer scale of the monuments leave a lasting impression. Some find the sheer volume of information overwhelming and recommend ample time for exploration.
"This is one of the most impressive Museums out there. The display and history presentation is top notch. The battlefield area to explore and the Monuments to visit is huge. Almost everything can be reached by following the car route. If you are looking to visit everything expect to spend 4-5 hours. Every minute was well spend and I left with many new impressions and a deeper understanding of the battle at Gettysburg."
Lakedaimon
"The auto tour worked out best for our time a lotted. Route is well laid out and good parking when we wanted to stop and look closer. The monuments of all the people involved in the battle were at times overwhelming. I did a little research before going which helped me understand and explain what we were seeing. A bucket list item that will stay with me till my end!"
Bert Noland
"Gettysburg, PA auto tour
While you can pay for a guide to come with you or you could pay less for an audio guide, we used a YouTube video for free. It was perfect so don't feel like you have to pay something.
Also, this is so much more than just an empty field. We've been to other battlefields and that's literally all it is. Hopefully my pictures show that it is way more than that. Once you experience it for yourself, you'll see that these pics didn't do it justice."
Jef Henninger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gettysburg National Military Park is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It's accessible by car via major highways like US-15. Many visitors drive from major East Coast cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. Parking is available at the Visitor Center and throughout the park.
Public transportation options directly to Gettysburg are limited. The nearest major airports are Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), from which you would typically rent a car or arrange private transport.
The most popular way to navigate the battlefield is via the Auto Tour route, which is clearly marked and guides you to key historical sites. You can also explore on foot, by bicycle, or even by horseback for a more immersive experience.
Yes, GPS and navigation apps are generally reliable within the park, especially for following the Auto Tour route. However, cell service can be spotty in some areas, so downloading offline maps is a good precaution.
Absolutely! You can hire licensed battlefield guides at the Visitor Center for personalized tours, or opt for audio guides. Many visitors also find free YouTube videos to be a great resource for self-guided tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Gettysburg National Military Park itself is free. However, there are fees for the Museum & Visitor Center, which includes access to the Cyclorama painting and special exhibits. +1
The park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk. The Museum & Visitor Center has specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information.
Admission to the Museum & Visitor Center typically has a fee. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Gettysburg National Military Park website for current ticket prices and any package deals.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets for the Museum & Visitor Center in advance online through the official park website or authorized ticketing partners. This can save you time upon arrival.
While the museum has a fee, exploring the battlefield grounds, visiting monuments, and driving the Auto Tour are free. Many visitors also find free online resources, like YouTube videos, to enhance their self-guided experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To truly appreciate Gettysburg, plan for at least 4-5 hours just for the Museum & Visitor Center. Many visitors recommend dedicating 2-3 full days to explore the battlefield, town, and other historical sites.
Key areas include Little Round Top, Devil's Den, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, and the site of Pickett's Charge. The Auto Tour will guide you to most of these significant locations.
Gettysburg often hosts historical reenactments, living history demonstrations, and special events, especially around the anniversary of the battle. Check the park's calendar and local tourism websites for schedules.
The Museum & Visitor Center is generally accessible. Many areas of the battlefield are accessible via the Auto Tour, but some terrain can be uneven. The National Park Service provides accessibility information on its website.
Witness Trees are trees that were present during the battle and have been identified and tagged by the National Park Service. They offer a tangible connection to the events of 1863.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options directly within the park itself. The Museum & Visitor Center may have a cafe or snack bar. It's more common to find a wide variety of restaurants in the town of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes and diners to historic taverns and fine dining establishments. You can find everything from classic American fare to regional specialties.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas within Gettysburg National Military Park, offering scenic spots to enjoy a meal amidst the historic landscape.
Visitors are generally welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park for picnics. Please be mindful of park regulations regarding waste disposal.
Gettysburg is home to several historic inns and taverns that offer a dining experience steeped in history, such as the Dobbin House Tavern.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include Little Round Top for panoramic views, the monuments scattered across the battlefield, the fields of Pickett's Charge, and the historic buildings in town. The Cyclorama painting is also a unique photographic subject.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a golden hue. Sunrise over the battlefield can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks, including Gettysburg, to protect wildlife, preserve historical integrity, and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations before flying.
Yes, photographing the numerous monuments is a popular activity. Each monument tells a story and adds to the visual narrative of the battlefield.
Landscape photography of the rolling hills and fields, historical photography of monuments and earthworks, and even paranormal photography due to the site's haunted reputation are popular. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for ranger programs or junior ranger activities that might be available. Many families find that breaking up the visit into shorter, focused segments helps keep children engaged. Packing plenty of snacks and water is also a good idea, as dining options within the park are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cyclorama: A Victorian VR Experience
This immersive artwork was designed to transport viewers directly into the chaos and intensity of Pickett's Charge, offering a visceral experience of the battle's climax. The painting, combined with a restored diorama and dramatic lighting, creates a powerful illusion of depth and movement, making it feel like you're standing on the battlefield yourself. Visitors often describe the Cyclorama as a breathtaking and emotionally resonant experience. It provides a unique perspective on the battle that traditional exhibits cannot replicate. The sheer scale and detail of the painting are awe-inspiring, and it serves as a potent reminder of the human cost of the conflict. It's a must-see component of any visit to Gettysburg, offering a profound connection to the historical events.
Gettysburg's Haunted History
Many historical buildings in Gettysburg, including taverns and homes, are said to be particularly active. Sites like the Jennie Wade House, the Farnsworth House, and the Dobbin House Tavern are popular stops for ghost tours, where guides share chilling stories and alleged encounters.
The Civilian Experience During the Battle
This perspective is crucial for understanding the full scope of the battle's devastation. It highlights the courage and resilience of the townspeople who endured shelling, cared for the wounded, and navigated the aftermath of one of the war's most brutal conflicts. Learning about their experiences adds a deeply human element to the historical narrative of Gettysburg.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit