Gettysburg PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
ICONIC CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the pivotal 1863 Civil War battle and offers visitors over 6,000 acres of hallowed ground to explore, including extensive monuments and trails. Guests can experience self-guided auto tours, observation towers, and ranger-led programs that bring the rich history of the battlefield to life.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
EDUCATIONAL STARTING POINT
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center is the gateway to the battlefield, featuring immersive exhibits, a moving film presentation, and the renowned Gettysburg Cyclorama painting. It provides key historical context for the battle and serves as a hub for tours and interpretive activities.
3. Soldiers' National Cemetery
FINAL RESTING PLACE
Soldiers' National Cemetery is the solemn burial ground where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in 1863. The peaceful landscape is dotted with monuments and rows of soldiers' graves, offering a reflective space to honor the fallen.
4. Eisenhower National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL RETREAT
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the farmhouse and estate of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, providing insight into his life during and after his presidency. Visitors tour the home, walk the grounds, and learn about Eisenhower's role as both a military leader and statesman.
5. Shriver House Museum
CIVILIAN WAR EXPERIENCE
Shriver House Museum presents the story of the Shriver family and their experiences during the Battle of Gettysburg, focusing on the impact of war on local civilians. Guided tours take visitors through the restored home and the family's former business, illustrating civilian life amidst conflict.
6. Little Round Top
FAMOUS BATTLEFIELD HILL
Little Round Top is a strategic hill on the Gettysburg battlefield known for the dramatic fight that occurred there on July 2, 1863. The summit offers sweeping views and monuments commemorating the units that valiantly defended this key position.
7. Devil's Den
HISTORIC ROCKY OUTCROP
Devil's Den is a dramatic jumble of boulders that witnessed intense fighting during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The site is popular for its rugged beauty and historical significance, as well as its accessible walking paths and photographic opportunities.
8. Jennie Wade House
CIVILIAN CASUALTY MEMORIAL
The Jennie Wade House commemorates the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, offering a poignant look at the cost of war. Guided tours share the story of Jennie Wade and preserve the authenticity of the original home where she lost her life.
9. David Wills House
BIRTHPLACE OF GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
The David Wills House is the historic downtown residence where Abraham Lincoln stayed and finalized the Gettysburg Address. Today, it is a museum featuring exhibits about Lincoln's speech and the aftermath of the battle.
10. Gettysburg Museum of History
PRIVATE COLLECTION MUSEUM
Gettysburg Museum of History houses a diverse private collection of military and presidential artifacts, including items from the Civil War to modern times. Admission is free, and the exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into American and world history.
11. Sachs Covered Bridge
PICTURESQUE HISTORIC BRIDGE
Sachs Covered Bridge is a beautifully restored wooden bridge that served as a troop crossing point during the Battle of Gettysburg. Its charming setting and historical significance make it a favorite spot for photography and quiet walks.
12. Seminary Ridge Museum
HISTORIC SEMINARY BUILDING
Seminary Ridge Museum occupies an original 1832 building that witnessed the first day of battle and served as a field hospital. Interactive exhibits detail the experiences of soldiers, medical staff, and local residents during the conflict.
13. Dobbin House Tavern
COLONIAL DINING LANDMARK
Dobbin House Tavern is Gettysburg's oldest standing structure, opened in 1776, and now operates as a colonial-style restaurant and inn. Guests can dine in historic rooms and explore the building's role in Civil War history, including its rumored use as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
14. Gettysburg Ghost Tours
SPOOKY GUIDED WALKS
Gettysburg Ghost Tours lead brave visitors through the town's most haunted sites, sharing chilling tales of battlefield spirits and local legends. The evening tours mix historical facts with paranormal lore for a unique after-dark experience.
15. Rupp House History Center
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HISTORY CENTER
Rupp House History Center provides interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that engage visitors of all ages with the stories of the Civil War era. Set in a restored 1860s home, the center offers an inviting introduction to local history and culture.