Location: Gettysburg
Top Things to do in Gettysburg
Countries
What to do and see in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Things to do
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 National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,610 reviews
"A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets and shuttle bus to Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from Visitor Center. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, USA Today Top 10 Places to Visit, AAA Gem. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival online and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Admission fee for Cyclorama, Film and Museum. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free.
Reviewed By conimaries - Pennsylvania, United States
I strongly recommend starting your Gettysburg experience by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor’s Center. If you choose to do anything, I strongly recommend the Film, Cyclorama and Museum combination. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, paints a wonderful picture of what led up to the Civil War, the Battle at Gettysburg, and how our country has evolved (although it’s clear to see the parallel between what was going on in 1863 and what is going on in 2019). And Morgan Freeman has way of narrating that just pulls you in. After the film, you are invited to view the Cyclorama which is the most beautiful, yet saddening, image of the Battle at Gettysburg. I won’t tell you all about the image because they’ll tell you about it when you get there, but suffice to say, it’s a must-see! The museum was full of historical information, photographs, and memorabilia. If you like museums, you could spend hours there. I, am not a museum person. I like to walk through them, look at the displays and take photos, but I don’t typically read the placards or take a lot of time in them. The statute of Abraham Lincoln is just outside the main entrance and you can obtain tour information at this location. They also have a Gift Shop/Book Store which is a great place for souvenirs and historical materials.
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. 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.
6. Eisenhower National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,203 reviews
President Eisenhower used this farm as a retreat from the White House, then retired here.
Reviewed By ASLEM609
Although the house wasn't open for touring, I checked it off my bucket list to have seen a presidential home. It was a blast from the past and humbling to walk where a great man once walked.
7. Shriver House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 831 reviews
You may know what happened on battlefield...but do you know what happened to the families and their homes in town? The Shriver House Museum is an award-winning Civil War museum dedicated to the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is told through the eyes of the Shriver family, whose ancestors settled in the area in the 1700s. While George Shriver served in the Union army, his wife, Hettie, was worried about the safety of their daughters, Mollie (5) and Sadie (7), as well as their home. When soldiers filled the streets of Gettysburg, Hettie (27) chose to take her children back to her family's farm three miles south of town, by Big Round Top; where she thought they would be out of harm's way. Hettie could not know she jumped from the frying pan into the fire or that her unoccupied home would offer the Rebels an outstanding view of Union ground. It was quickly commandeered by Confederates to set up a sharpshooters' nest in the attic. Today the Shrivers' home appears much the same way it did when it was built in 1860, just a few months before the Civil War began. Guides in period dress recount the harrowing story of the Shriver family's experiences as you walk through their home - from the Confederate sharpshooters' nest in the attic, through their finely-appointed home, to Shriver's Saloon in the cellar. The story of George Shriver was not well-known until 1996 when his house, which sat abandoned for nearly 30 years, was painstakingly restored to its original appearance. Today the Shrivers' story is one of the most intriguing stories told when it comes to the civilian aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Reviewed By Y3151VZjamesp - Waldorf, United States
Was a great tour, it showed how the battlefield was also in the city and how it affected the civilian population. If you are there for the history it is definitely a place you have to stop.
8. Jennie Wade House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,500 reviews
The Jennie Wade House is a guided tour with the guides in period clothing taking you through the home where the only civilian killed during the battle of Gettysburg was tragically lost. As the story unfolds the guides take you room to room following the path of the family on July 3rd 1863. Tour has been modified to adhere to Social Distancing protocol as well as shields have been installed. Be respectful and wear a mask for the safety of our staff and guests.
Reviewed By MichelleBauer1124
I always assumed this was named the Jennie Wade house because she owned it, I had no idea the actual history behind it. Our tour guide gave us a great tour and to be able to experience walking through a house that the Civil War soldiers were in and all the history surrounding it was amazing.
9. Sachs Covered Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
Reviewed By EastSideJohnny6 - Wilkes-Barre, United States
Great to visit after reading some of the history and ghost stories associated with the bridge. Definitely a “must see” when visiting Gettysburg
10. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Start Your Gettysburg Journey at the Heart of the First Day’s Fighting. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center is located on Seminary Ridge along the National Park Service's auto tour route. Three floors of exhibits connect individuals and groups to the dilemmas which led to the Civil War, provide a powerful and personal view of the battle's first day, and show the work of one of the battlefield's largest field hospitals.
Reviewed By 229eyeg
We wanted to do this on day one but couldn't fit it into our schedule. Ended up doing it last and it was prefect. Take the cupola tour - the view is amazing. It gives a 360 degree view.
