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Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tour

Last Date: 4/20/24

Price: Upper Deck: Adults $40 | Youth (ages 6-12) $25 | Children (ages 0-5) Free; Lower Deck: Adults $39 | Youth (ages 6-12) $24 | Children (ages 0-5) Free

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center 1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA

Sensational springtime views and spectacular scenery await you on your battlefield tour aboard a double decker bus. With a 360-degree view of the Gettysburg battlefield, you will gain a new perspective of the battle as your Licensed Battlefield Guide provides the narrative for this insightful and visually stunning tour.

Tickets are now available for Double Decker Battlefield Bus Tours departing the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center on select dates/times throughout the season. Call the Gettysburg Foundation’s Guest Relations team, 717-334-2436, or visit GettysburgFoundation.org to reserve your tickets today.

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Battlefield Bus Tour

Step onto the hallowed ground and experience Little Round Top, Devil's Den and the Angle beyond the history books and movies. You'll tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide by motor coach.

Tour time : 2 hours Tours start/end : Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

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Battlefield Bus Tour

Climb aboard a climate-controlled motor coach and tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. During your tour, you’ll have opportunities to step off the bus and explore some of the battle’s most legendary locations.

At A Glance

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 best gettysburg tours of 2024.

Explore the haunted history of Gettysburg on a guided tour.

The Best Gettysburg Tours of 2024

Destination Gettysburg

Considered the turning point of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg was also the bloodiest, amassing an estimated 51,000 casualties.

The three-day conflict took place in July 1863 at what is now known as Gettysburg National Military Park , which spans roughly 6,000 acres in south central Pennsylvania.

Because of the sheer vastness of the region as well as the depth of history, guided excursions – particularly battlefield tours and ghost tours – are a popular way to explore Gettysburg. Read on to discover the best options in both categories.

The Best Gettysburg Ghost Tours

The battlefields and buildings of Gettysburg are notoriously haunted – so much so that paranormal adventures are one of the top reasons people travel here. Even if you're someone who questions the supernatural, you'll enjoy one of these authentic Gettysburg ghost tours.

Ghost City Tours of Gettysburg - The Echoes of War Ghost Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $10 Duration: 90 minutes

On this small-group tour, you'll stop at the Gettysburg Hotel , which remained intact during the Battle of Gettysburg; the Shriver House Museum , which served as a Confederate hospital and sniper nest during the battle; and the Farnsworth House Inn, which is said to be haunted by at least 16 spirits. You'll also see the Jennie Wade House , named for the only civilian killed during the battle, and the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln put the final touches on the Gettysburg Address.

Recent tourgoers say they enjoyed the stories (and fantastic storytelling). They also note that the tours are kid-friendly.

Check prices & availability on:

After Dark Investigations - Evening Investigation

Frosty Avocado Studios

Price: From $45 Duration: 3 hours

If you’re interested in a paranormal investigation versus a traditional ghost tour, this is the option for you. After Dark Investigations offers evening tours with paranormal equipment that you can use to detect, hear and record spirits. The Evening Investigation takes place nightly from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. and travels to up to three locations (which might include Sachs Covered Bridge ); note that you'll need your own vehicle for this tour.

Previous travelers rave about this tour, noting they were able to capture orbs on camera and communicate with the deceased. They also say the guides are informative and helpful with using the provided equipment.

After Dark Investigations offers several other Gettysburg tours year-round, including an evening Sunset Scare Investigation and a Devil's Hour Investigation in the middle of the night.

Ghost Walk Gettysburg - Family Friendly History and Haunts Ghost Tour

Price: Adults from $21.95; kids from $11.95 Duration : 75 minutes

This family-friendly tour engages patrons of all ages, and previous travelers say it's tame enough for younger children who may be easily spooked. Led by a guide in period dress, tours include stops and ghostly stories at a number of locations, which can vary by tour; these include the Common School, which was a makeshift hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg; The Old Grove, known for its wealth of paranormal activity; and the Old Prison, where several bizarre events have taken place.

Tours are offered nightly April through October, with limited availability during the winter months. Departure times vary by day and time of year.

Ghost Walk Gettysburg also offers a spookier version of this tour with ghost hunting equipment.

US Ghost Adventures - Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $16 Duration: 1 hour

This ghost tour covers seven haunted hotspots in Gettysburg, including The Farnsworth House. Previous travelers say the tour blends the right amount of history and spookiness.

If a one-hour ghost tour seems too short, opt for US Ghost Adventures' 90-minute excursion, which includes a stop at the Gettysburg Hotel.

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The Best Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

There are a number of ways to explore the battlefields with a local expert, from double-decker bus tours to self-guided driving excursions.

Gettysburg Battlefield Tours - Licensed Guided Bus Tour

Price: Adults from $40; kids from $25 Duration: 2 hours

Perhaps the most popular tour operator in Gettysburg, Gettysburg Battlefield Tours operates a year-round tour aboard its air-conditioned coach buses and a seasonal tour aboard its open-air double-decker bus tours. A licensed battlefield guide narrates the trip, and passengers are given earbuds so that they can easily hear the guide's commentary. On the tour, travelers will see Gettysburg National Military Park, Devils Den and Pickett's Charge. With the open-air tours, there’s a restroom/refreshment break as well as one (or more) scenic stops. Tours are available several times a day, year-round.

Recent tourgoers say the tickets are well worth the cost, noting that guides are both knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Gettysburg.

Action Day Trips - Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour

Price: From $9.99 Duration: 2 to 4 hours

For a flexible, self-guided driving tour of Gettysburg, download this well-rated smartphone app. The narrated audio tour follows the Battle of Gettysburg chronologically, taking you to infamous landmarks, including McPherson's Ridge (where the battle essentially began), Pickett's Charge and Gettysburg Cemetery, where you'll listen to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Because the app doesn't expire, you can easily pause the tour at any time during your trip. While some recent reviewers had trouble using the app, most say this tour is informative and easy to follow.

Horse Tours of Gettysburg - 2-Hour Gettysburg Horseback Tour

Price: From $122 Duration: 2 hours

Explore Gettysburg on horseback with Horse Tours of Gettysburg. Led by a Civil War expert, you'll ride through Gettysburg National Military Park, visit the Virginia Monument and take in panoramic views at Spangler Farm. Recent travelers say this is a great tour, even if you’ve never tried horseback riding before.

Tours are offered Friday through Sunday and every Wednesday seasonally. Note that children must be at least 8 years old to participate, and that there is a 250-pound weight limit for all riders.

Horse Tours of Gettysburg also offers private tours with a licensed battlefield guide, among other options.

Segways on the Square - Western Battlefield (Main) Licensed Guided Segway Tour

Price: From $95 Duration: 3 hours

On this tour, you ' ll travel the main battlefield route via Segway, visiting landmarks including Devil ' s Den, Cemetery Ridge and Meade ' s Headquarters. In total, the tour covers 9 miles and includes four rest stops.

Segway tours are offered Thursday through Monday seasonally, with one morning and one afternoon departure each day. Tourgoers must be at least 14 years old and weigh between 100 and 250 pounds to safely participate.

Recent travelers say these tours are a lot of fun. They also appreciate the focus on comfort and safety. Segways on the Square also offers an Eastern Battlefield Tour as well as a tour of downtown Gettysburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

While guided tours are a popular way to explore Gettysburg, you can easily visit on your own. There's no cost to drive through Gettysburg National Military Park and explore the battlefields. It's also free to enter the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center for general information; however; if you'd like to explore the museum and cyclorama, fees apply.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Gettysburg Hotels
• The Most Haunted Hotels in America
• The Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania
• The Most Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania

Tags: Pennsylvania , Tours , Travel , Vacations , Pennsylvania Vacations , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations

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A Look At The Best Gettysburg Tours in 2024 From A Local

Confused by the number of Gettysburg tours and not sure which one is the best?

Well, don’t worry because I have your back.

In this post you will not only find Gettysburg battlefield tours and bus tours, but also Gettysburg walking tours, food tours, ghost tours and more!

Keep reading to find out everything you need about Gettysburg PA tours and tips for visiting the Gettysburg battlefield.

Past Lane Travels contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Don’t want to read the whole article? I recommend Gettysburg Battlefield Tours . They’ve been around for generations and provide the best bang for your buck in getting an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Table of Contents

Visiting Gettysburg

As the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the American Civil War, Gettysburg has become a bucket list destination for many history lovers .

But you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy this charming small town.

No matter what kind of Gettysburg tour you’re looking for, you’re sure to find one that will give you a deeper appreciation of the town’s rich heritage and culture.

So, get ready to take a step back in time as we take a look at the best tours in Gettysburg.

Need a place to stay? Check out these unique rentals in Gettysburg !

Best Gettysburg Tours of The Battlefield

There are so many ways to see the Gettysburg battlefield and downtown Gettysburg that you may not even be aware of the many different tours.

Helpful Hint: The best time to visit Gettysburg will depend on what you want to see and how much time you want to take. You may want to make the Gettysburg National Park and Visitor Center one of your first stops to learn about your different options.

Without further ado, here is a quick look at the different types of Gettysburg tours that are available in 2023.

If you happen to be visiting Gettysburg in late March or April, make sure you take a drive out into the countryside and take in the miles of spectacular fruit blossom views.

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

Taking a Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tour gives you an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg as a guide tells you about the phases of the entire 3-day battle. You will see Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, Peach Orchard and more.

This Gettysburg bus tour is probably the most comfortable and the most detailed historical overview. You will appreciate the air conditioner in summer and heat in winter. Plus, you can sit back and let someone else do the driving as you learn about the Battle of Gettysburg.

These bus tours are among the most popular because they offer a number of Gettysburg tour packages. For instance, you can also book a tour of the Eisenhower National Historic Site here.

Tour departs from Gettysburg Tour Center, 778 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Cost is $38.

Tour Time: Approximately 2 hours.

BOOK A BATTLEFIELD BUS TOUR

Gettysburg Self-Guided Audio Tours

The self-guided audio tour is a great way to see the battlefield if you have a lot of time and want to stop and look around.

This flexible option includes a GPS map and audio narration that can be downloaded after purchasing and never expires. You will see all of the major battlefield sites like the iconic landmark of Little Round Top and the Wheatfield.

The in-depth audio narration helps bring the history to life, and is a thrifty option, since you just buy one tour for the whole car instead of purchasing individual tickets.

BUY THE SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Gettysburg Tours With A Licensed Guide

A great way to see the battlefield and get a comprehensive tour is to hire your own Licensed Battlefield Guide . These guides are licensed by the National Park Service and are legally the only ones allowed to conduct visitors around the Gettysburg National Military Park.

When you hire a guide, he rides with you in your vehicle and provides in-depth information about the battlefield and Battle of Gettysburg. This guided car tour is a great way to tour the expansive military park and hear about all three days of the battle.

The current guide rates for a basic two-hour tour are: $63 for 1 to 6 people. $83 for 7 to 15 people. $132 for 16 people and up.

Additional time can be added for a fee.

Pro Tip : It is cheaper to hire a guide by calling this number: 717-337-1709, because the Visitor Center and others add a surcharge. Leave a message. The answering machine is checked often, but there may be no one in the office.

Related Post: Check out the pros and cons of visiting Gettysburg in the summer .

Other Gettysburg Tours Of The Battlefield

Gettysburg tours by bike.

GettysBike Tours : Renting a bike for your tour gives you a true sense of the terrain and what the Civil War officers and troops faced during the Battle of Gettysburg.

This tour gets high rankings for the knowledgeable tour guides and opportunity to get an up close view of the battlefield.

Open seasonally. Located in the Bus and RV lot at the Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.

You can also check out Gettysburg Bicycle if you’re bringing your own bike and need supplies. They sometimes rent bikes as well.

Gettysburg Tours With Electric Vehicles

If you want to tour by bike, but don’t want to pedal, then try GettyPeds.

They not only offer electric bicycles, but also Scoot Coupes and a 1929 Ford Model AA ‘Olde” School Bus!

This mode of transportation and way of seeing the battlefield gets very high marks because it’s fun and you see more than you would from a car or bus.

Electric Bike prices range from $29.95/hour to $74.95/all day.

A Scoot Coop ranges from $49.95/hour to $189.95/all day.

BOOK GETTYPEDS NOW

Gettysburg Horseback Tours

If you’re interested in taking a Gettysburg tour by horseback , you have a lot of choices.

When you book a Gettysburg Licensed Guide Horseback Tour you really get a sense of the immense size of the battlefield and see it from the perspective of the soldiers.

Many of these rides fill up quickly during the summer months so book early.

Tours last about 2 hours, but longer tours can also be booked.

BOOK A HORSEBACK TOUR

Gettysburg Tours By Carriage

I think seeing downtown Gettysburg or the battlefield by horse-drawn carriage is one of the most romantic things you can do in Gettysburg.

The Victorian Carriage Company offers horse-drawn carriage tours of Gettysburg and a small portion of the battlefield. There is a wide range of prices, depending on the type of carriage and the length of the tour.

The carriage tours are seasonal, and are very popular on summer nights.

The Gettysburg battlefield carriage tour is a popular Gettysburg tour that lets you see the sites at a slow pace while listening to the gentle clip clop of the horses.

BOOK A CARRIAGE TOUR

Gettysburg Tours By Segway

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly way to see the battlefield, then check out Segway tours.

The company says they are easy to operate, and that after 10 minutes of training, you will become an expert. All tours are directed by a Licensed Battlefield Guide (recorded or in person) who recounts the events of the battle, the military blunders, and the heroic defenses that characterize this battle.

If you aren’t interested in battlefield history, they also offer escorted Segway rides through town and an indoor obstacle course for the adventurous.

Called “exhilarating” and “informative” in reviews.

CHECK OUT SEGWAY TOURS

Downtown Gettysburg Tours

Baltimore street and jenny wade walking tour.

This Gettysburg tour explores Baltimore Street and the downtown area, and uncovers what it was like to live there during the Civil War. The tour visits the house where Jennie Wade was killed while baking bread, and talks about the Battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of the ordinary townspeople

Meeting Place: 548 Baltimore St., Gettysburg.

BOOK A JENNY WADE HOUSE WALKING TOUR

Gettysburg Food Tours

Savory Foodie Tour of Gettysburg gives you a look at Gettysburg’s culinary scene. Local chefs, influenced by Amish culture and Philly flavors, have created a growing foodie scene in Historic Gettysburg.

On this tour, you can sample local delicacies such as chocolates made from locally sourced ingredients and Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels. (Yum!).

Investigate and find out why cheesesteaks are a favorite food among locals. You’ll enjoy some of the region’s best foods on this tour that will satisfy food lovers and history buffs alike.

Tour Length: 2 and a half to 3 hours.

BOOK A SAVORY FOOD GETTYSBURG TOUR

Gettysburg Brew Tours

The Gettysburg American Brew Tour gives you a well-rounded view of the town on a mile-long walking tour of some of Gettysburg’s breweries, wineries and distilleries.

Drink a pint of “Acan’s Revenge” at Fourscore Beer Co. or a glass of strawberry wine at J&P Winery while learning about the three-day fight that changed Gettysburg forever.

You don’t drink? Not to worry! Craft root beer, birch beer, ginger beer, and orange cream soda are among the many tasty bar nibbles available at The Appalachian Brewing Co.

Tour Time: 2 and a half hours

Meeting Place: The Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast, 452 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA

BOOK THE BREW TOUR NOW

Downtown Gettysburg Walking Tour

If you just want to walk around downtown, you can purchase an app that allows you to move at your own pace.

This self-guided walking tour of downtown Gettysburg brings to life what the civilians faced as they were swept up in the chaos of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Learn about hardships and heroism as ordinary people found themselves caught in extraordinary times.

There is no expiration so you can take pictures and then listen again at home as a reminder of your tour!

BUY THE WALKING TOUR

Gettysburg Tours: Ghosts And Spirits

Everyone knows there are lots of ghost in Gettysburg. In fact, it’s been called one of the most haunted towns in the United States.

You have lots of choices if you’re interested in learning about the spirits that abound in Gettysburg.

For instance, if you want to explore on your own, here are some of the most haunted places in Gettysburg that you can visit.

If you’d rather book a tour, there are a variety of ghost tours in Gettysburg. There are a lot of different ghost walks and investigations in Gettysburg.

You can also rent Ghost Hunting Gear and discover spirits along with your guide or do a self-guided driving tour with an audio file download .

EXPLORE GETTYSBURG GHOST TOURS

FAQ’s About Gettysburg

Is the gettysburg battlefield free.

Yes, the Gettysburg Battlefield is free. Unlike many other national parks, you can drive anywhere you want on the battlefield roads during daylight hours.

Can You Just Drive Through The Gettysburg Battlefield?

Yes, because the battlefield surrounds the town (and is part of the town), it is open to drive or walk through.

Is A Gettysburg Tour Worth It?

Yes! The Gettysburg National Military Park covers 6,000 acres and three days of fighting so taking a tour is the best way to see the highlights and understand what happened.

Your Visit To Gettysburg

If this is your first time visiting Gettysburg, you may be looking for what museums to visit. Make sure you put Lee’s headquarters on your list!

Everyone’s on a budget, but don’t worry. There are plenty of free things to do in Gettysburg , and lots of historic gems that are hiding in plain sight .

If you’re looking for accommodations, Gettysburg offers a number of campgrounds with cabins, or you can just pitch a tent.

There are also a wide variety of Bed and Breakfasts , some of which are located in buildings that were used as Civil War hospitals! The Cashtown Inn, just outside of Gettysburg, is a favorite.

And of course, Gettysburg offers a range of hotels from budget-friendly to pet-friendly .

If you’re like most people, you will discover so much to see in Gettysburg that you will want to return again and again. Believe it or not, many think that winter is the best time to visit Gettysburg.

Wrap-Up Of Gettysburg Tours

You can see why Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is such a popular tourist destination. Known for its rich history, it also has a lot to offer with its surrounding agriculture and beautiful landscapes.

No matter which tour you choose or how you decide to tour Gettysburg, you are sure to find something that will leave a lasting impression.

Keep in mind, these are just a few examples of the many Gettysburg tours available that showcase the town’s unique charm and history.

Visitors should research and compare the different options to find the tour that best fits their interests and budget.

Author and Travel Blogger

Jessica James is an award-winning historical fiction author and life-long Gettysburg resident who loves sharing her passions for history and travel. She enjoys exploring the back roads of the USA and uncovering stories about unique destinations, cultures and almost-forgotten history.

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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!

Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland

Today we continue on our journey highlighting four of the best driving destinations from central Ohio.

With a focus on the creme de la creme — vital, accessible and unforgettable voyages that every central Ohio resident should put on his or her bucket list — we offer suggestions that will appeal to most everyone.

From a circle tour of “our Great Lake” to the architectural wonders of a modernist sister city three hours away, these four extraordinary adventures are wonderful ways to widen your horizons in 2024.

More: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Explore the Northern Shore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Today's installment is Part 2 of 4 destination packages from Columbus Monthly's annual travel guide. We hope you enjoy.

Traveling to Gettysburg and Antietam

Not every traveler is a history buff. But a visit to Gettysburg, site of one of the most iconic and bloody battles of the Civil War, should probably be on every American’s bucket list. 

From Columbus, the drive takes a bit more than six hours. And a two- or three-day visit to the Pennsylvania landmark can easily include several other noteworthy sites along the way, including another important Civil War battlefield, the fort where George Washington suffered his most humiliating defeat and the memorial where the first Americans to fight back during 9/11 are commemorated. 

In addition to being a major historic site, Gettysburg is also a lovely small town adept at catering to the nearly 1 million visitors who arrive each year. Even visitors who never set foot in the Gettysburg National Military Park would find plenty to do. Town streets are packed with shopping, dining, breweries and wineries, hotels and inns, galleries and museums. But the battlefield should definitely be on the to-do list. 

More than 165,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clashed from July 1-3, 1863. The largest battle ever fought on this continent resulted in more than 51,000 casualties — and turned the tide of the war in favor of the Union. The battlefield Museum and Visitors Center includes 12 separate galleries, many interactive exhibits and thousands of artifacts on display. Visitors can also experience the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a painting in-the-round created in the 1880s that tells the story of the battle and is, itself, a magnificent piece of history. 

Plenty can also be discovered on a self-guided auto tour. The 6,000-acre battlefield is crossed by several small roads with plenty of places to pull off and explore the many monuments and markers that were erected in the decades after the battle. 

Bus tours are available from the visitor center. But the best way to tour the battlefield may be with a licensed guide in your own vehicle. Guides are happy to customize tours based on visitors’ interests and knowledge. 

Although the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Antietam, near the village of Sharpsburg, Maryland, was the site of the war’s bloodiest single day — and the bloodiest day in American history, with some 23,000 casualties. Antietam National Battlefield is just an hour’s drive from Gettysburg, making it a logical stop for history-lovers passing through, or an easy daytrip for travelers extending their stay in the Pennsylvania town. 

Like Gettysburg, Antietam is dotted with monuments honoring the military units and men who served there. One of the most curious is a Brobdingnagian marker commemorating the service of a young commissary sergeant who went on to become President William McKinley. The monument celebrates McKinley’s efforts at bringing coffee and hot food to Union troops on the front lines. 

No, really. 

But if I were on the front, tired and hungry, I would certainly have welcomed and appreciated Sgt. Billy’s offerings. (Come to think of it, this might actually be the most noble act a future president has ever performed.) 

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

Southwestern Pennsylvania also hosts two other important historic sites along the route from central Ohio. Fort Necessity National Battlefield near Farmington, Pennsylvania, is a small historic site featuring a museum and the recreated fort where George Washington, as a very young lieutenant colonel, led a unit of British colonial troops to a humiliating defeat at the hands of the French in 1754. Though discouraged, Washington, of course, persevered, having much better luck decades later in the American Revolution. 

Few Americans who remember Sept. 11, 2001, can visit the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and not get a bit emotional. The memorial tells the story of the terrorist attacks on the United States that day and of the passengers on United Flight 93 who gave their lives fighting back against their hijackers, preventing their plane from being used as a weapon against another prominent target, possibly the U.S. Capitol. 

The memorial marks the site where the plane hit the ground, killing all aboard. In addition to a museum, the site features several trails, including the Trail of Remembrance along the final flight path. Also at the memorial is the Tower of Voices, a 93-foot-tall structure containing 40 large wind chimes, each tuned to a separate and distinct tone of its own — a haunting and fitting way to remember the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93 and a bit of history many of us lived through ourselves. 

Where to Stay When Visiting Gettysburg

Gettysburg offers a wide variety of lodging options. The Gettysburg Hotel (est. 1797) is a historic property at the heart of downtown with rates from $118 per night. For a cozier stay, consider the Brafferton Inn , with rooms beginning around $110 per night, or Battlefield Bed and Breakfast in a restored 1810 farmhouse, with rooms beginning around $210 per night. hotelgettysburg.com , brafferton.com , gettysburgbattlefield.com   

This story is from the Best Driving Vacations package in the February 2024 issue of Columbus Monthly. 

This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Best Driving Vacations 2024: Take a Battlefield Tour of Pennsylvania and Maryland