Gettysburg Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the American Civil War's most famous battle and turning point. Visitors can explore the historical battlefield through self-guided driving tours and strategic observatory towers that provide panoramic views. The park combines informative displays on Civil War history with natural beauty, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
IMMERSIVE CIVIL WAR EXPERIENCE
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center serves as the gateway to experiencing the Battle of Gettysburg with its interactive exhibits and resources. Visitors can enjoy the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience which sets the framework for battlefield tours. The center also offers guided battlefield tours, ranger programs, and convenient on-site dining and shopping options.
3. Jennie Wade House
CIVIL WAR CIVILIAN STORY
The Jennie Wade House provides visitors with an intimate glimpse into 1860s working-class life in Gettysburg. This historical home features authentic bullet holes and personal storytelling about its namesake, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. The detailed basement tour and period atmosphere create an engaging historical experience for visitors of all ages.
4. Gettysburg Heritage Center
INTERACTIVE HISTORICAL EDUCATION
The Gettysburg Heritage Center offers immersive Civil War exhibits that bring history to life for visitors of all ages. The center features film experiences, a well-curated museum, and detailed information about the battle and its impact. Knowledgeable guides lead battlefield tours that depart from the center, making it an excellent starting point for exploring Gettysburg's history.
5. Eisenhower National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL FARM RETREAT
Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a peaceful rural setting. Ranger-led tours illuminate the life of the former President and Supreme Allied Commander through the property's vintage memorabilia and 1950s ambiance. Visitors can enjoy a film, interactive exhibits, and self-guided tours of the working farm that served as Eisenhower's weekend retreat and meeting place for world leaders.
6. Gettysburg Museum of History
FREE HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
The Gettysburg Museum of History houses over 4,000 artifacts related to American history with free admission for all visitors. Featured on History Channel's 'American Pickers,' the museum offers an impressive collection of Civil War relics and other historical items. The extensive exhibits cover various historical periods and provide a comprehensive look at American military history.
7. Gettysburg National Cemetery
HALLOWED MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Gettysburg National Cemetery provides a tranquil space honoring the soldiers who fell during the pivotal Civil War battle. The historic grounds feature trees representing each state and serve as the site where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Visitors can take a short walk or drive from the Museum & Visitor Center to experience this solemn and reflective memorial.
8. Devils Den
RUGGED BATTLEFIELD LANDMARK
Devils Den is a distinctive rock formation that played a critical role during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. The site features educational signage explaining its strategic importance and the fierce fighting that occurred there. Its rugged terrain and poignant atmosphere make it an ideal location for understanding the battle's intensity and reflecting on the conflict's human cost.
9. Little Round Top
STRATEGIC BATTLEFIELD VIEWPOINT
Little Round Top stands as one of the most strategically important locations of the Gettysburg battlefield, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. This hill was the site of fierce fighting on the second day of battle, where Union forces successfully defended against Confederate attacks. Visitors can examine monuments dedicated to the regiments that fought there while enjoying spectacular views of the battlefield landscape.
10. Cemetery Hill
UNION ARMY'S ANCHOR
Cemetery Hill served as the center of the Union Army's defensive position during the Battle of Gettysburg. This strategic high ground features numerous monuments and artillery pieces representing the Union forces that held this crucial position. From this vantage point, visitors can understand the battle's geography and the importance of terrain in military strategy.
11. Gettysburg Excursion Railway
SCENIC HISTORICAL RAIL JOURNEY
Gettysburg Excursion Railway offers visitors a unique way to experience the historic landscape around Gettysburg through vintage rail travel. Passengers enjoy narrated journeys through the countryside where they learn about the region's history and natural beauty. The railway provides a relaxing alternative to walking or driving tours while still delivering educational content about the area.
12. Battlegrounds Café & Grille
CIVIL WAR THEMED DINING
Battlegrounds Café & Grille offers a convenient dining option located within the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Visitors can refuel with meals, snacks, beverages, and sweet treats between exploring exhibits and battlefield tours. The café provides a comfortable environment with a historical theme that complements the overall Gettysburg experience.
13. Museum Book Store
HISTORICAL LITERATURE AND SOUVENIRS
The Museum Book Store within the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center offers an extensive collection of Civil War literature and memorabilia. Visitors can shop for books, gifts, and souvenirs related to the Battle of Gettysburg and American history. The store provides quality educational materials that help extend the learning experience beyond the battlefield visit.
14. Buddy Boy Winery Tasting Room
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Buddy Boy Winery Tasting Room provides visitors with an opportunity to sample locally produced wines in the historic setting of Gettysburg. Guests can taste a variety of wines ranging from sweet to dry selections, all crafted in Pennsylvania. The tasting room offers a relaxing break from historical sightseeing and a chance to experience the agricultural aspects of the region.
15. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve offers a diverse animal experience just a short drive from Gettysburg in nearby Maryland. Visitors can observe exotic and native species while learning about wildlife conservation efforts. The preserve features interactive experiences and safari rides that provide a family-friendly complement to the historical attractions in the Gettysburg area.