Pennsylvania State Memorial Gettysburg
A grand Beaux-Arts memorial honoring Pennsylvanians at Gettysburg, offering panoramic battlefield views from its summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Pennsylvania State Memorial Gettysburg
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand Beaux-Arts memorial honoring Pennsylvanians at Gettysburg, offering panoramic battlefield views from its summit.
"The view from the top is worth it though. Very beautiful artwork and design on the monument itself."
🎯 Climb to the Top!
Don't miss the stairs to the summit for incredible battlefield views.
👻 Spooky Ghost Tours
Experience Gettysburg's haunted history with a popular ghost tour pub crawl.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pennsylvania Memorial Summit
Gettysburg National Military Park
Climb narrow stairs to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Gettysburg battlefield.
Intricate Monumental Artistry
Gettysburg National Military Park
Admire the Beaux-Arts design and detailed artwork commemorating Pennsylvanians who fought here.
Engraved Soldier Names
Gettysburg National Military Park
See the names of approximately 34,500 Pennsylvanians engraved, bringing history to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for a View
Beyond the Battlefield
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb to the Top!
Don't miss the stairs to the summit for incredible battlefield views.
👻 Spooky Ghost Tours
Experience Gettysburg's haunted history with a popular ghost tour pub crawl.
🚗 Auto Tour Recommended
The auto tour offers a great way to see the battlefield and key monuments.
🏛️ Explore Town History
Walk through Gettysburg town to feel the history; it's a must-see!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb to the Top!
Don't miss the stairs to the summit for incredible battlefield views.
👻 Spooky Ghost Tours
Experience Gettysburg's haunted history with a popular ghost tour pub crawl.
🚗 Auto Tour Recommended
The auto tour offers a great way to see the battlefield and key monuments.
🏛️ Explore Town History
Walk through Gettysburg town to feel the history; it's a must-see!
🐻 Unique Local Spots
Check out places like the renovated Boyds Bear Barn for a different vibe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pennsylvania State Memorial for its stunning views from the summit and the detailed, commemorative artwork. The opportunity to climb to the top and see the battlefield from above is a highlight, as is the historical significance of the engraved names. Some note the narrowness of the stairs, but most agree the experience is well worth the effort.
"Beautiful monument! There are stairs here to take you up to a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The stairs are rather narrow and they wind around. My two younger children and myself were able to navigate them well enough. The view from the top is worth it though. Very beautiful artwork and design on the monument itself. It was built to commemorate and honor the approximately 34,500 Pennsylvanians who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg."
Michael Stouffer
"Love being able to climb to the roof and look out and see the view from up top. Don't miss out seeing the battlegrounds for all angles. The monument is huge and lists all those with the Calvary and infantry units. Cool piece of history."
Missy Arnold
"The Pennsylvania Monument is one of my favorite stops in Gettysburg. You get incredible views from the top, and I love seeing all the names engraved in the monument—it really brings the history to life. It’s a great stop with the family and one that always stands out during our visits."
Chris R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pennsylvania State Memorial is located within the Gettysburg National Military Park. Most visitors arrive by car and utilize the park's auto tour route. Parking is available near the memorial.
Public transportation options directly to the battlefield are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or join a guided tour that includes transportation.
Many visitors opt for the self-guided auto tour, which allows flexibility. Guided bus tours and licensed battlefield guides are also available for a more in-depth experience.
Yes, the memorial is surrounded by numerous other monuments and key battlefield sites like Little Round Top and Devil's Den. The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center is also nearby.
While it's a significant distance, dedicated visitors can walk, but it's more practical to drive or take a tour to reach the memorial efficiently.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Gettysburg National Military Park and most of its monuments, including the Pennsylvania State Memorial, is free. There may be fees for specific museums or guided tours.
The memorial is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of the National Military Park. Specific hours can vary, so checking the official NPS website is recommended.
While the park itself is free to enter, there is a fee for the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which houses extensive exhibits and artifacts.
It's advisable to book guided tours, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. The auto tour does not require advance booking.
Standard park rules apply. Visitors are asked to respect the historical significance of the site and refrain from climbing on unauthorized areas of monuments.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the Beaux-Arts architecture, read the engraved names of Pennsylvanian soldiers, and climb the internal stairs to the summit for panoramic battlefield views.
The stairs are narrow and winding, but generally manageable for most visitors. It's a worthwhile climb for the incredible views.
Restroom facilities are typically available at or near major monuments within the park, including the Pennsylvania Memorial.
Yes, photography is encouraged! The monument itself is visually striking, and the views from the top are spectacular.
It commemorates the approximately 34,500 Pennsylvanians who fought at Gettysburg, honoring their contributions to this pivotal Civil War battle.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic shots of the battlefield. The monument's detailed artwork and engraved names also make for compelling close-ups.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more dramatic lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Always check the official National Park Service (NPS) regulations before flying a drone.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is useful for capturing distant monuments and battlefield features. A wide-angle lens is great for the memorial's architecture and panoramic views.
Yes, you can photograph the interior, including the stairs and artwork, but always be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the memorial, consider the auto tour for a flexible way to explore the park with kids. The Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center has exhibits that can captivate younger audiences. For a fun, slightly spooky adventure, a family-friendly ghost tour can be a memorable experience, though gauge your children's comfort levels with scary stories.
👻 Ghost Enthusiasts
Many visitors report unexplained phenomena and a palpable sense of history that can feel almost supernatural. Participating in a dedicated ghost tour, especially one that includes historical context and local legends, is highly recommended for a deeper dive into Gettysburg's haunted reputation.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the memorial, immerse yourself in the broader history by exploring the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center, which houses extensive artifacts and exhibits. Consider hiring a licensed battlefield guide or utilizing the auto tour to gain comprehensive insights into the battle's events and significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pennsylvania State Memorial: A Monumental Tribute
One of the most rewarding experiences at the memorial is the opportunity to climb the internal, winding stairs to the summit. This ascent, while narrow, leads to a breathtaking panoramic vista of the surrounding battlefield. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the vastness of the terrain and visualize the troop movements and strategic importance of the area. Many find this view to be a profound connection to the history that unfolded here.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the memorial is inscribed with the names of the Pennsylvania regiments and individuals who served. Reading these names can be a moving experience, personalizing the immense sacrifice made by so many. It's a place that encourages reflection and a deeper understanding of the human cost of the battle.
Experiencing Gettysburg's Haunted History
For those seeking a thrill, ghost tours are a popular way to explore Gettysburg's darker side. These tours often combine historical narratives with tales of hauntings, taking participants to reportedly active sites. Some tours even incorporate local pubs, offering a unique blend of history, spirits, and spirits.
Beyond the battlefield, specific locations like Gettysburg College have also been cited as highly haunted. The sheer number of lives lost during the battle has led to enduring legends of restless spirits. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the town's pervasive atmosphere of history and mystery makes for a compelling, albeit spooky, visit.
Beyond the Battlefield: Unique Gettysburg Attractions
For a different kind of historical immersion, consider experiences like the 'Caught in the Crossfire' exhibit at the Beyond the Battle Museum. This 4-D experience aims to simulate the civilian experience during the battle, using sound and visual effects to convey the chaos and fear.
Even seemingly unusual spots can hold a unique appeal. The former Boyds Bear Barn, an abandoned structure for years, has been renovated into a new establishment, offering a glimpse into local development and quirky history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit