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From quick visits to full-campaign weekends, there is plenty to see, learn and experience at Gettysburg.

Scout out these possibilities to help you plan your visit and explore Gettysburg with us. 

My kids are 7 and 9 and absolutely loved this place. They learned so much. The staff was wonderful, and the hands on activities and stories of kids living through the war made everything come to life for them. We spent 2 hours there, and they are already asking to go back

Becky C. - Facebook

Quick Raid (Half Day)

Make the most of your time. Start with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience to set the the scene. Then take a quick trip through the battlefield and visit some of the battle's iconic locations.

Wheelchair-accessible

First-Time Visitors

First-Time Visitor - 1 Day

There's a lot to see and learn in Gettysburg-even in just one day. Start with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience to set the scene before heading out on a bus tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide.

First-Time Visitor - 2 Day

Repeat Visitors

Returning Visitor - 1 Day

Returning visitor - 2 day, paths of presidents, full campaign, active exploration.

Gettysburg Welcome Center

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Gettysburg PA Tours and Tour Guide Services

There is a lot to see and learn about in Gettysburg. And there are a number of ways to tour the Gettysburg battlefield and the surrounding communities, from bus tours and self-guided tours to seaways and horseback.

Find the kind of tour you’d like here.

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

778 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg PA 17325, 877-680-TOUR

Start your Gettysburg Battlefield visit by traveling the historic field on an open air, Double Decker bus with a dramatic, stereo sound, audio presentation or with a National Park Service Licensed Guide. Guided tours are also conducted on an air conditioned coach.   Visit website

Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides

241 Steinwehr Avenue Gettysburg, PA 17325 717-334-1124

Trained, licensed Association guides conduct thousands of visitors around battlefield.  Visit website

National Riding Stables at Artillery Ridge Campground

610 Taneytown Road Gettysburg, PA  17325 717-334-1288

Scenic Valley Tour

35 Carlisle Street Gettysburg, PA  17325 800-337-5015

Segway Tours of Gettysburg

22 Springs Avenue Gettysburg, PA 17325 717-253-7987, 888-473-4868

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Gettysburg: A Visitors Guide to Gettysburg, PA

Rachel Cooper

Gettysburg is known for its three-day battle in 1863, but today the historic town is a year-round destination with a wide range of attractions and events. History lovers from around the world visit the Gettysburg Battlefield to learn about the Civil War and explore the Pennsylvania countryside. More than 165,000 soldiers fought in the Battle of Gettysburg and 51,000 soldiers became casualties in what remains the largest battle ever fought in North America. Even if you are not a history buff, there is plenty to do in the Gettysburg area to keep you busy for a full weekend getaway. Gettysburg is a charming historical town with great antique shops and art galleries. The beautiful countryside of Adams County is apple country and home to the National Apple Museum and the Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail. The area is quickly evolving into a prime destination for food tours and agritourism experiences.

The Majestic Theatre offers live theatrical performances, concerts, and movies. Over the last few years, many new attractions and tours have been added to appeal to a wider range of visitors. A "must see" is the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive 360-degree oil painting of the Battle of Gettysburg that was first exhibited in 1884 and refurbished in 2008.

Getting to Gettysburg

Gettysburg is located 84 miles north of Washington DC, in Adams County, PA just north of the Maryland line. It is easy to get to - just take I-270 North to US-15 North and follow the signs to Gettysburg. Don't have a car? Take a tour from Washington DC. (Departing from Union Station March through November).

Main Attractions in Gettysburg

• Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center - 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg PA. The Visitor Center tells the story of the American Civil War and Battle of Gettysburg through a variety of exhibits, interactive displays, films, and the Gettysburg Cyclorama. There’s also an education center, bookstore, computer resource room and restaurant. This is the best place to start your visit to Gettysburg.
• Gettysburg National Military Park - Along over 40 miles of scenic roads, 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg. The National Park Service offers 2.5 hour guided bus tours and private car tours (a licensed guide will drive your car). You can also purchase a CD audio tour for your car from the museum book store. During the summer months, visitors enjoy summer ranger programs like battlefield walks, evening campfire programs, and special living history programs and concerts.
• Seminary Ridge Museum - Located on the Seminary campus and part of the Gettysburg Battlefield’s hallowed ground, the museum interprets the first day of the battle, the care of the wounded and human suffering that took place within Schmucker Hall during its use as a field hospital and the moral, and civic and spiritual debates of the Civil War era.
• Eisenhower National Historic Site - 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg PA. Dwight D. Eisenhower retired in Gettysburg after World War II. Visitors can tour the President's home, enjoy a self-guided walk around the farm, or join a park ranger for a guided tour.
• David Wills House - 8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA. The historic home of the Gettysburg attorney where President Lincoln stayed on the eve of delivering his Gettysburg Address is open to the public with exhibits about Gettysburg and the Soldiers' National Cemetery.
• Shriver House Museum - 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA The museum provides a glimpse at the civilian experience during and after the deadliest battle ever fought on American soil. The home of George and Hettie Shriver has been restored to its original 1860's appearance and displays many artifacts from that time period.
• Gettysburg Diorama - 241 Steinwehr Ave. Gettysburg, PA More than 20,000 hand-painted miniatures bring the Battle of Gettysburg alive with a sound and light show describing the battle.
• American Civil War Museum  - 297 Steinwehr Ave Gettysburg, PA. The wax museum presents the story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism.
• Land of Little Horses - 125 Glennwood Drive, Gettysburg, PA Enjoy one of Gettysburg’s most popular family-friendly attractions where you’ll meet and feed the farm’s miniature horses and other farm friends and see a show in the main arena.
• National Apple Museum - 154 W Hanover Street Biglerville, PA. This museum, located 6 miles north of Gettysburg, is housed in a restored pre-Civil War bank barn and displays exhibits of early picking, packing, and shipping of fruit, pest management, and commercial fruit processing equipment.
• Majestic Theater Performing Arts Center - 25 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA The historic theatre was beautifully restored in 2005 and offers a wide range of performing arts and cinema.

While there are many ways to enjoy visiting Gettysburg, some of the best experiences include taking a guided tour or attending a special event. Following are a variety of resources to help you plan an excursion that best suits your needs.

Bus Tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield

• Gettysburg National Battlefield Park - The National Park Service offers 2.5 hour guided bus tours departing from the Gettysburg Visitor Center.
• Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides – Take a ride with a Licensed Battlefield Guide through the Gettysburg Battlefield and stop at major points such as Little Round Top, Pickett’s Charge and Devil’s Den. Hire a guide to ride in your own car and customize a battlefield tour to meet your needs.
• Historic Battlefield Bus Tours - Enjoy your Battlefield tour in a restored classic 1930's Yellowstone bus.
• Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours – Take a guided battlefield tour on a double-decker bus.

Private Battlefield Tours in Your Own Car

• Gettysburg National Battlefield Park - The National Park Service offers private car tours (a licensed guide will drive your car).
• Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides – Hire a guide to ride in your own car and customize a battlefield tour to meet your needs.

Walking Tours of Gettysburg

Lincoln’s Lost Treasure - Explore historic Downtown Gettysburg during a LIVE two and a half hour interactive scavenger hunt. Aided by a few historical artifacts, you are sent off to piece together hidden clues that can unravel the location to treasury gold that has been lost for over a century. Encounter eccentric and engaging cast members, decode cryptic clues, and dodge FBI agents as you traverse the city’s famous streets, hidden shops, and historical landmarks.

Segway Tours

Segway Tours of Gettysburg - Take a Segway personal transporter on a spin through the town of Gettysburg and join a Licensed Battlefield Guide for a unique experience. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Battle of Gettysburg, with rest stops at key locations on the Gettysburg Battlefield.

Horseback Riding Tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield

• National Riding Stables at Artillery Ridge Campground – Join the cavalry unit and tour the Gettysburg National Military Park by horseback.
• Hickory Hollow Horse Farm – Enjoy a 1 to 4 hour scenic rides led by a professional Park Service historian.
• Confederate Trails of Gettysburg – Take a 1 or 2 hour guided horseback tour of the battlefield.

Ghost Tours

• Ghostly Images  - With so much death that occurred in Gettysburg, the town is known to be one of the most haunted places in the country. Hear the stories of paranormal activity.
• Farnsworth House Candlelight Ghost Walks  - Visit the most haunted B&B in Gettysburg and hear stories of the ghosts who live there. Take a walk through the haunted town and learn more.
• Gettysburg Ghost Tours  - Hear the stories of paranormal activity in Gettysburg.

Annual Events in Gettysburg

• May - Apple Blossom Festival
• June - Gettysburg Festival
• July - Annual Civil War Reenactment - 19th Century Baseball Festival
• August - Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
• September - Gettysburg Wine & Music Fest - Eisenhower WWII Weekend
• October - National Apple Harvest Festival
• November -Anniversary of Gettysburg Address
• December -  Holidays in Historic Gettysburg .

Related Articles

More related articles.

Ideas For Families

Gettysburg Group Reservations is excited to offer our exclusive Experience Gettysburg Packages to individual travelers and families looking to get the most out of their Gettysburg experience! Packages have been curated to provide a well rounded multi-day experience for your visit.

Featured Gettysburg Packages include:

Gettysburg insiders.

The perfect package for your visit to historic Gettysburg, PA any time of the year! Included in the package are activities that will both give your family an excellent overview of what happened during the Battle of Gettysburg and as well as an appreciation for what the small town in rural PA went through. For more information contact us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Adults $110 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $65 Per Person

Civil War & More

This package is wonderful for a multi-day visit giving visitors a taste of everything that Gettysburg has to offer. Take the guesswork out of planning your visit and let us help make the most out of your getaway! The package including historic tours and local cuisine. For more information call us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below.

Adults: $130 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $55 Per Person

Available April 1st 2023

  For more information, call us today at 800-447-8788 or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Accommodation Partners

We have partnered with some of the area’s leading attractions and accommodations to bring you the total Gettysburg experience! Combine your favorite package with one of our partner accommodations to make your visit truly special.

Our accommodation partners Include:

• Baladerry Inn
• Inn at Cemetery Hill

Click to Explore Our 2024 Value Plan!

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Tips for Your Visit

Tips for a successful campaign, start with the film, cyclorama & museum experience at the gettysburg national military park museum & visitor center..

Before you head out onto the battlefield, get the background and set the stage for your visit with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience . You will become better acquainted with the personalities, locations and tactics, and your trip to the battlefield will become much more meaningful and memorable when you start your visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center .

When to Visit Gettysburg

There is never a bad time to visit Gettysburg. A visit to Gettysburg is excellent during all seasons, with visitors experiencing a different perspective during each season of the year.

The Museum & Visitor Center–as well as the battlefield–is the busiest in the summer months, particularly July 1, 2 & 3 during the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Fall colors, cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make the autumn months ideal for a visit, while the spring months (April and May) are peak times for student group visits.

Winter months offer the opportunity to be indoors with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience, ride a climate controlled bus for a tour of the battlefield and gain a very different perspective of the view sheds on the battlefield while the leaves and vegetation are dormant. 

Whenever you decide to visit, reserving your  tickets online will help save you time and get you on your historic journey sooner.   

Park at the Park

Parking is free at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Ride the Rabbit Transit  shuttle for free and access additional, in-town National Park Service and Gettysburg Foundation destinations. Those with a proof of purchase from a National Park Service exhibit ride free. Present your Museum & Visitor Center ticket/proof of purchase.

• Handicapped-accessible Parking:  Handicapped-accessible parking spaces are available at the front of Parking Lot 1. 
• Curbside Drop Offs:  Located at the entrance to the Museum & Visitor Center, the curbside drop-off area provides another accessible option for visitors requiring some extra assistance. This area is for drop offs only (no parking).
• Additional Assistance:  If handicapped-accessible parking is full or curbside drop off is not an option, visitors requiring additional assistance may call 717-339-2124 or 877-874-2478 upon arrival, and assistance will be provided.
• Bus, Trailer and RV Parking:  Buses, trailers and RVs park in the Bus Parking Lot ( MAP ).
• Parking for Reserved Guided Car Tours Only: Maximum 15-minute parking is provided for visitors arriving for their reserved Licensed Battlefield Guide car tour. Space is limited in this area. If parking in this area is full, visitors with a reserved guided car tour can park in Lot 1 or Lot 3 as needed.
• Additional hour(s) or any part of an additional hour is $3 per hour.
• Hourly rate is prorated for charging time beyond one hour.

What to Bring

Civil War soldiers often carried more than 50 pounds of gear with them. You probably shouldn't bring that much.

• Bags and Baggage:  Help us keep the collections safe. Avoid bringing larger items into the Museum & Visitor Center. Cooler bags, bags with wheels and luggage are prohibited. All bags are subject to inspection. Please refer to the list of prohibited items .
• Food & Beverages:  Stay hydrated. Bottled water is allowed inside the Museum & Visitor Center. All other outside food or drink is not permitted inside the Museum & Visitor Center. Convenient on-site dining options are available for purchasing meals, snacks and beverages while visiting the Museum & Visitor Center.

Accessibility

• Shuttles:  Seasonal shuttle transportation is available from Parking Lot 3 during the summer months.
• Wheelchair Use & Availability:  Wheelchairs are available at the National Park Service Information Desk.
• Scooters Use & Availability:  A limited number of scooters are available to rent for the day while in the Museum & Visitor Center building. Visit the Friends Desk to learn more and inquire about availability.
• Service Animals:  Service animals are welcome in the Museum & Visitor Center and Gettysburg National Military Park.

Photography

• Photography for non-commercial use is encouraged throughout the Museum & Visitor Center grounds and Gettysburg National Military Park. However, flash photography is not permitted in the Museum galleries, theaters or Cyclorama platform area.
• For the safety of visitors and our Museum collections, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted inside the Museum & Visitor Center.
• Share your photos with us. Tag us in your Twitter and Instagram posts: #GettysburgFoundation

Dining Options

Battlegrounds Café & Grille:  Enjoy hot and cold food selections along with your favorite made-to-order coffees (lattes, espressos, iced coffee) and bottled beverages. Choose from a variety of cold sandwiches, snacks, hot dogs, pizzas and paninis.

If you’re looking to soothe your sweet tooth, we feature local favorites, ice cream, and warm Adams County apple dumplings.

For your convenience, order a boxed lunch for your family, small group, or couple, and dine outdoors on our patio or picnic area. Order boxed meals in advance .

Refreshment Saloon:  Modeled after an actual Civil War-era saloon, the Refreshment Saloon provides leisurely a-la-carte dining.

For Groups:  Request group dining and accommodations online or call 717-338-1243, option 5.

Group Dinner  Reservations: To make your group reservations for dinner, call in advance, 717-338-1243, option 5.

View h ours of operation .

Family Information

• Lost Children or Adults:  Please report lost children/adults to the Park Information Desk for assistance in locating your misplaced loved one.
• Family Restrooms:  Family restrooms are conveniently located in the Main and Group Lobbies of the Museum & Visitor Center.
• Child strollers:  Child strollers are not provided on-site. Visitors traveling with child strollers may bring them into the Museum & Visitor Center building and should be aware of the indoor stroller parking. Child or baby strollers are prohibited in the theaters (for the film) and in the Cyclorama area and on the platform. Convenient stroller parking is available in the museum lobby near the entrances to the theaters. Ticket holders for the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience shall park strollers in the designated area in the museum lobby before entering the Film & Cyclorama show, and can pick up their stroller before going into the museum.
• Lactation/Personal Care Room:  A private Lactation Room is available. Please contact a ranger at the National Park Service Information Desk or personnel at the Ticket Counter for access.

Lost & Found

Lost & Found items may be brought to or identified and claimed at the National Park Service Information Desk. To check on lost items, call the Museum & Visitor Center at 717-334-1124.

Welcome to Gettysburg

1195 Baltimore Pike

Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034

Reservations: 877-874-2478

Local: 717-334-2436

Trails & Tours

Plan Your Gettysburg Trip

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10 Must-Dos on Your First Visit to Gettysburg

So you’re planning your first trip to Gettysburg, where do you start? With the variety of experiences available in Adams County – from history , recreation , shopping and agritourism – it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. We’ve got your back – here’s a list of 10 things every first-timer should experience in the Gettysburg area.

1. Get acquainted at the Museum and Visitor Center

It’s a good idea to check out the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center to get a solid overview of the Battle of Gettysburg before venturing off to the battlefield. The Visitor Center features a variety of exhibits for visitors to orient themselves including a 12-gallery museum; “A New Birth of Freedom,” a 30-minute movie narrated by Morgan Freeman; and the Cyclorama, the largest painting in North America which brings to life Pickett’s Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

2. Take a tour of the battlefield

Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the biggest draws to the area and there are many ways for visitors to experience it. There are a few self-guided options like the auto-tour where visitors follow road markers and a map as well as an interactive iPad tour. Visitors can also book a Licensed Battlefield Guide for an in-depth, intimate tour of the battlefield. Other options include bus tours, horseback tours and bicycle tours, many of which include guides. There’s no wrong way to see the battlefield but there are a lot of options so visitors can find the right way for them.

3. Visit historic buildings

The history doesn’t end on the battlefield, there are many historic buildings and sites throughout Gettysburg. Check out the David Wills House and see where Abraham Lincoln put the final touches on his Gettysburg Address, visit the Shriver House and learn about the civilian experience of the Battle of Gettysburg, go to the Seminary Ridge Museum and experience the first day of the battle or tour the Jennie Wade House and hear the story of the only civilian killed in the three-day battle at Gettysburg. Adams County is dedicated to preserving these pieces of history so their stories can continue to be told for years to come.

4. Stroll downtown

Gettysburg is about as rich in culture as it is in history. Visitors can find a variety of shops , boutiques, cafes and restaurants lining the streets of downtown, leading right up to historic Lincoln Square. Whether you’re looking for clothing, fine arts, collectibles or home décor, you’ll find it in downtown Gettysburg. Once in the square, don’t pass up the opportunity to get a presidential selfie with the statue of Abraham Lincoln outside the David Wills House.

5. Indulge in culinary excellence

Gettysburg is becoming known as a foodie hotspot. On your first trip to Gettysburg, be sure to try out period dining . Establishments such as the  Dobbin House and the Farnsworth House offer Civil War era dishes that will truly immerse visitors in the Gettysburg experience. If you’re looking for something else, Gettysburg has an array of casual , upscale and even farm-to-table dining options. If you don’t know where to start, try a food tour . Visitors can discover Gettysburg with their pallets and go on a tour foodies can only dream of.

6. Step into the craft beverage scene

The growing craft beverage industry in Gettysburg and Adams County is definitely something to experience during your first visit. There are a number of breweries, distilleries and wineries across Adams County that offer a variety of local brews and spirits. So stop in after a day on the battlefield, tour the facility and relax with a local brew, wine or cider.

7. Search for ghosts

To some people, Gettysburg and ghosts go hand-in-hand. Walk with the paranormal at one of the many ghost tours offered in Gettysburg nightly. Some are more involved than others, so if going out in the night with energy reading gear is your thing, there’s a tour for you. Visit the haunted spots through town and learn a history tidbit or two along the way. And who knows, you might spot a ghost!

8. Experience living history

While in Gettysburg for the first time, visitors should immerse themselves in the history, and there’s no better way to do that than living history presentations. Throughout the year, history comes to life in Gettysburg when living historians dressed in period wear host presentations and encampments. It can be fun to learn about the battle from a famous general or common civilian who was “actually there.”

9. Drive around the countryside

While there’s a lot to see and do in the town of Gettysburg, it’s just as important to venture out and see the surrounding Adams County countryside .  Drive past the orchards and vineyards, be immersed in the farmlands and the rolling hills. While out and about, be sure to see Sachs Bridge – one of several covered bridges in the county. There’s no better way to start, or end, the day than a sunrise/sunset out in the Adams County countryside.

10. Take home local produce

While out enjoying the scenery that Adams County has to offer, be sure to stop at one of the countryside farm markets . It’s one thing to see the orchards and the fields, but to be able to taste the literal fruits of the farmers’ labor is a fun and delicious experience. Markets offer many family friendly activities and when in season, pick your own fruit experiences.

Get the Gettysburg, PA Inspiration Guide

Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015

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Gettysburg Virtual Tour

Explore Gettysburg in our 360° Virtual Tour!

Gettysburg is home to some of the most historic and scenic Civil War sites. Follow in the footsteps of soldiers who fought at such iconic places as Culp's Hill, The Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, Devil's Den, Little Round Top, Cemetery Ridge, and more.  Use the tab at the bottom of the tour to navigate between scenes and click the tour points to learn more about the battlefield.

View this tour in full screen or in VR with a headset.

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Abraham lincoln's gettysburg address, lee and longstreet at lee's headquarters.

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