What to do and see in Greater Gettysburg, Greater Gettysburg: The Best Things to do

October 12, 2021 Janean Rudisill

Discover the best top things to do in Greater Gettysburg, United States including Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg National Cemetery, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, Devils Den, Little Round Top, Jennie Wade House, Totem Pole Playhouse, Codorus State Park, Caledonia State Park, The Markets at Hanover.
Restaurants in Greater Gettysburg

1. Gettysburg National Military Park

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-334-1124 http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Excellent
90%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8,230 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park

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

97 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2804 +1 717-334-1124
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,925 reviews

Gettysburg National Cemetery

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

1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325-7034 +1 717-338-1243 [email protected] http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,610 reviews

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

"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

Gettysburg, PA 17325 +1 866-889-1243 http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 535 reviews

Devils Den

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

Gettysburg, PA +1 717-334-2436 http://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 650 reviews

Little Round Top

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. Jennie Wade House

548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325-2605 +1 717-334-4100 http://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/gettysburg-tours/jennie-wade-house/
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,500 reviews

Jennie Wade House

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.

7. Totem Pole Playhouse

9555 Golf Course Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222-9684 +1 717-352-2164 [email protected] http://www.TotemPolePlayhouse.org/
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Totem Pole Playhouse

One of the most famous and highly regarded summer theatre in the U.S. located in the beautiful 1,200-acre Caledonia State Park in the heart of historic south-central Pennsylvania. The summer playhouse for numerous Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award winning actors.

8. Codorus State Park

2600 Smith Station Rd, Hanover, PA 17331-8000 +1 717-637-2816 http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/codorus/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 230 reviews

Codorus State Park

Reviewed By sage97

Great park . Lots of trails to hike. Great place to picnic, small or large gatherings. Multiple grills. The lake is expansive, canoeing, small boats and pontoon. Great fishing. You aren't suppose to swim in the lake, but many people were enjoying the water. The bathrooms are clean. Because of Covid the pool and concession stands are not open. Lots of free parking.

9. Caledonia State Park

40 Rocky Mountain Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222-9610 +1 717-352-2161 http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/c
Excellent
46%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 134 reviews

Caledonia State Park

Reviewed By Adventurer601838

This is a really nice place with a playground for younger kids and hiking trails for older kids:) We have a family get together here every year and love it. There’s even a creek for kids to splash in. There is a pool that looks nice but I haven’t been in it. My kids were happy with the swings at the playground and trails. Also there are plenty of trees offering shade.

10. The Markets at Hanover

1649 Broadway Route 194, Hanover, PA 17331-9606 +1 717-646-1649 [email protected] http://marketsathanover.com
Excellent
52%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 58 reviews

The Markets at Hanover

Shop The Markets at Hanover for the freshest produce, gourmet groceries, local meats, fresh seafood, delicious salads and sides, baked goods, local wine, honey, and gourmet coffee. Our independent merchants feature handcrafted items, clothing, jewelry, unique gifts, home decor, and more. Looking for a restaurant that will please the whole crew? Meet up at the Markets at Hanover, where you’ll find more than a dozen eateries! Set everyone loose to find their favorites then grab a table in the food court seating area to enjoy delicious food in a friendly and relaxed environment. Options like wood-fired pizza; pit beef and seafood; fresh ground beef burgers and cheesesteaks; soup, salad, and artisanal empanadas; authentic Korean fare; Indian cuisine; Southern BBQ; Mexican food; or gourmet pub grub at the new Public House at the Markets featuring Leo Brewing! You'll also find two onsite coffee shops, soft pretzels, stuffed shakes, and desserts from the bakeries on site.

Reviewed By 1LadyRef

Me and my friends absolutely love the Pebble Nest salt room there. Cherise (the PN owner) is very knowledgeable about the health benefits of the therapy for your whole body. So relaxing and refreshing. And take some bath bombs home to complete your week! Grab some friends and go!! Enough room me and a couple friends and SO TOTALLY WORTH IT!! Then, (heehee) we get some great COFFEE and Mexican food to top our day. Totally worth the trip. Thanks Markets!

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