Location: Gettysburg
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10 Free Things to do in Gettysburg That You Shouldn't Miss
Gettysburg is steeped in the history of the Civil War. In 1863, it was the site of the epic Battle of Gettysburg, in which some 50,000 soldiers were killed. It is also, of course, the place where Abraham Lincoln delivered the immortal Gettysburg Address. The town itself is made up of houses, hotels and taverns dating back several centuries, but Gettysburg offers more modern travel and leisure activities, as well, like wine tastings, orchard tours, shopping and golfing.
Restaurants in Gettysburg
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,230 reviews
The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, was the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address."
Reviewed By AnnaTheTraveling5 - Marietta, United States
The National Military Park is very well-done with a thoughtful, informative & enlightening movie (narrated by my favorite Morgan Freeman), a cyclorama, and a comprehensive museum. We visited with our 4 yr, 6 yr, and 14 yr, and all thoroughly enjoyed our visit AND learned a ton (so did I!!!)! The museum had something for everyone, including interactive electronic exhibit games for the kids (bugle playing song trivia), plenty of life-like models of war camps and such, and interesting trivia (how to load a musket in 7 steps). This was a well-spent fun day of learning. Bring your lunch and eat at the shaded picnic tables outside! Want to see where else we've been? Instagram & Facebook - TheTraveling5
2. Gettysburg National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,925 reviews
Reviewed By egp522 - Ipswich, United States
I attended the 6:00pm Ranger Program, which reviewed the history of the cemetery, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the monument at the center, and a few stories about individual soldiers buried in the plots. Our LBG (Jon F., I believe) did an incredible job! He clearly knew his stuff and has taken the time to research and memorize writings of note. He was very attentive to the need to be respectful of the property. The tour lasted about an hour, and was well worth standing in the heat for. It was a great way to get as much information as possible and feel a personal connection by hearing the stories of those buried on the property. If you visit the cemetery, I highly recommend hopping on one of these tours.
3. Gettysburg Museum of History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,300 reviews
The Museum that was featured on History's "American Picker's" The Gettysburg Museum Of History has over 4,000 artifacts on display. The Museum is FREE TO THE PUBLIC! The Museum covers all areas of American History. Military and Political History are the focus with some pop culture covered. Some highlights include: A lock of George and Martha Washington's hair, Abraham Lincoln's wallet and opera glasses,John Wilkes Booth's splint relic, the largest collection of Gettysburg battlefield relics on display in Gettysburg, an autograph or manuscript from each president, Harry Truman's hat, Dwight D. Eisenhower's golf clubs, JFK's rocking chair, suit, and bloodstained limousine upholstery from the assassination, the flag that flew during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Shell casing from Ruby's gun that Killed Oswald, Hitler's silver that was captured by U.S. forces at his home. The Fredrick G. Pfeffer collection of relics from Pickett's Charge. The Robert L. White collection of JFK, The Captain Good collection (wounded in action at Gettysburg) includes the items he used during the battle and the bullet that wounded him! Uniforms,flags, accoutrements, weapons, documents, photos, much much more!The Gettysburg Museum Of History also buys artifacts as well as sells them. Please stop by and see the most amazing collection in Gettysburg at no charge!
Reviewed By Ricky216 - Luling, United States
This museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods of American history... The Gettysburg collection is amazing and obviously took a long time to acquire. The museum is a private collection and charges no admission...
4. Devils Den
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 535 reviews
Devils Den is a rock formation that can be explored by the whole family. Located in the middle of Gettysburg National Military Park below Little Round Top. The rock formation is interesting enough to warrant a 2 hour excursion and is a great place for children to get some energy out.
Reviewed By M7632CPdavidw - Gladewater, United States
This pile of boulders and rocks saw such horrific fighting on the second day of the battle. The rocks you walk among are original to the day and one can only imagine the great loss of life that occurred on these very stones. This place is hallowed ground where brave men bled and died. I was filled with awe and respect. A somber experience.
5. State of Pennsylvania Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By CSTMaryland - Maryland, United States
Hi highly recommend seeing this memorial, and all others in the W. Battlefield. They are truly breath taking.
6. Virginia Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By peteroK6518GN - Buffalo, United States
Whether you're from the north or from the south, this is of such significance of 2 Generals on opposite sides of the battlefield leading the most historic battle of our country. If you don't get a chill down your back when looking at this brilliant General Lee, you missed it. When standing next to this, you understand that you are just a tiny figure in the world that time has passed by you and left you in the dust.
7. Little Round Top
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 650 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
If you saw the movie "Gettysburg," you will recall that the most decisive moment came when Joshua Chamberlain's Union regiment, the 20th Maine, rallied with a dramatic downhill bayonet charge that prevented Confederate troops from capturing Little Round Top and flanking the Union Army. Civil War historians generally agree that Little Round Top was the most decisive terrain in the battle. Little Round Top is the smaller of two rocky hills south of Gettysburg--the adjacent, taller hill is appropriately named Big Round Top, which played an insignificant role in the battle. The view from the summit is awe-inspiring and offers a panoramic view of the battlefield, including Devil's Den, Plum Run, even Cemetery Ridge. During Pickett's Charge on the final day of the battle, cannon from Little Round Top helped to support the Union defense. From the summit, it is easy to see how difficult it was for attacking Confederate troops to scale the heights. Note the life-size statue of General Gouverneur Warren, who realized Little Round Top was undefended and quickly dispatched troops to fill the breech in the Union's defense, only minutes before the Confederates attacked. See the site where Chamberlain's regiment made its dramatic stand that arguably saved the Union. His brave effort wasn't forgotten. At Appomattox two years later, Chamberlain was chosen to accept the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
8. High Water Mark of the Rebellion Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By kermitvb
You have to stand near the Copse Trees where the CSA focused Picket and Pettigrew's charges to understand the futility of their efforts. Very impressive and you can experience it on foot.
9. The Antique Center of Gettysburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Antique shop with the areas finest collectibles. We have a huge assortment of military items from all wars. Ladies will appreciate our new front window display and jewelry.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
My wife and I got into antiquing while visiting such historic sites as Gettysburg, Natchez, Richmond and Charleston. The more you browse, the more interesting things you uncover or discover. One of our favorite stops is the Antique Emporium in Strasburg, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley. And we discovered lots of interesting trinkets and books and Civil War-related items at the Antique Center of Gettysburg. Located at 30 Baltimore Street, south of Lincoln Square, it features over 100 vendors who showcase quality antiques and collectibles. If you are a Civil War buff, as we are, this is a go-to destination for new, used and first edition military books, photographs, autographs, prints, clothing, ambrotypes, sabers, muskets, pistols, bullets, artillery shells, bayonets, maps, knives, canteens, hats, coins, belt buckles, even miniature toy soldiers. You never know what you'll find but you usually will find something. And isn't that what antiquing is all about?
10. General Lee's Headquarters Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The first time my wife and I visited Gettysburg, we stayed at the Quality Inn motel on the Chambersburg Pike on top of Seminary Ridge. And we were surprised to learn that the motel's gift shop was actually an old farmhouse that General Robert E. Lee used as his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863. Since then, the motel has been demolished and the Civil War Trust has purchased the four-acre property with in the intent of rehabilitating the house and returning the landscape to its 1863 appearance. Good for them. At the time of the battle, the small stone house was the home of 69-year-old widow Mary Thompson. Today, visitors to the site can enjoy a self-guided interpretative trail with five signs explaining the dramatic events that occurred at the headquarters during the three-day battle. Plans call for the interior of the house to be opened to the public after the Civil War Trust completes restoration efforts. In truth, General Lee didn't spend too much time at the house but chose to sleep in a tent across the road near the Lutheran Seminary.
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