Gettysburg

Understand

Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. However, Gettysburg is famous for the Battle of Gettysburg that was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started when Union and Confederate troops converged just north of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The town is also the location where President Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle is remembered both for Pickett's Charge and the "high water mark of the Confederacy" (considered by some to be the closest the Confederacy came to winning the war) as well as the turning point of the war that the failure of said charge and the overall offensive ultimately meant.

Terrain and climate Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance. In the countryside north of Gettysburg is the "Fruit Belt" of Pennsylvania with thousands of acres of apple and peach orchards and vineyards. Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.

Getting there

By plane Harrisburg International Airport (MDT IATA) is 47 miles from Gettysburg. Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI IATA) is 62 miles from Gettysburg. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD IATA) is 78 miles from Gettysburg. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA) is 148 miles from Gettysburg.

By car Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.

By train Amtrak operates service to Harrisburg and Lancaster. Taxi service and car rentals are available to Gettysburg from there.

By bus Rabbit Express runs buses to/from the Harrisburg Amtrak station and airport.

Getting around

By car By far the best way to see the park is with your own vehicle. Roads wind extensively throughout the battlefields, and include many places to pull off and allow visitors to walk around. Use caution when using these roads, as there may be many people walking or bicycling on these roads. The speed limit throughout the park is 15 mph. When in your car, you may navigate by map or purchase a CD at several locations throughout Gettysburg that will orientate you to the battlefield.

By bus Guided tours on buses are available. There are several different types of bus tours: one is with licensed battlefield guides (adult $30, child $19) and one is with headphone narration (adult $26, child $15).

By bike If you have the time and have an average level of fitness, bikes can be rented and can provide an enhanced experience in the park. Cycling the major sites of the July 1-3 campaign can be completed in one day and allow you to experience battle lines and topography in a much more realistic fashion than car or bus.

By horse or carriage The battlefield features NPS horse trails where you can either bring your own horse or book a battlefield tour on horseback with Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours https://confederatetrails.com . 2 hour guided battlefield tours and town history tours by Horse-drawn carriage or on foot are also a must do when visiting Gettysburg; walking and carriage tours can be booked with Horse Tours of Gettysburg's Victorian Carriage Company Authorized by GNMP and use only Licensed Battlefield Guides.

By foot One of the best ways to tour the battlefield is by foot — either running, walking or hiking. There are 26 miles (40 km) of roadway and several hiking trails, both flat and rugged.

See

1 Gettysburg National Military Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, ☏ +1 717 334-1124. Battlefield/park roadsː 30 min before sunset-30 min after sunset. Museum and Visitor Centerː 8AM-5PM (March 1-Nov 30); 9AM-4PM (Dec 1-Feb 28). Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War, and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This National Park Service controls most of the area surrounding the small town and preserves the historic battle field. The museum and visitor center are run by the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service at Gettysburg. The visitor center houses the museum collection as well as special exhibits from across the country and the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama, a must-see for any visit. You can also hire a very knowledgeable licensed battlefield guide here. You can also purchase tour tickets for the Eisenhower Farm. The surrounding military park is free and open to the public. Film, Cyclorama & Museumː Adults $20.75; Seniors, Veterans, and AAA members $19.75; Youth (6-12) $15.75; Child (under 5) and Active Military free. (updated Nov 2025) 2 Jennie Wade House, 548 Baltimore St, ☏ +1 717-334-4100. 9AM-5PM. The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes and repairs, remains much as Jennie Wade must have known it more than 100 years ago. The walls of the old house, which lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Jennie Wade, tell the story of the building and of those in it during the Great Battle. 3 The Gettysburg Heritage Center, 297 Steinwehr Ave, ☏ +1 717-334-6245. Daily March—December 9AM—5PM. Extended Spring & Summer hours 9AM—7PM. Last tour begins 45 minutes before closing. Presents the entire story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable rea

Do

1 Victorian Photography Studio, 76 Steinwher Ave, ☏ +1 717-318-1515. 10AM-8PM. As seen on the Real World on MTV! Get a family photograph in period dress! Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours (Horse Tours of Gettysburg), McMillan Woods Youth Campground (Off West Confederate Avenue, tours depart from NPS McMillan Woods Youth Campground), ☏ +1 717 4767428, [email protected]. 6am to 11pm Daily. Ride the Battlefield with Confederate Trails and learn important details and insights into some of the soldiers' lives.Learn the intricacies of the greatest Civil War Battle as you ride across the field of history. 2-hour horseback tour through the Gettysburg battlefield with a live licensed battlefield guide. Headsets provided. You will have an out-rider with you at all times to ensure your safety. All participants must weigh 250 pounds or less and everyone must be age 8 and up. $88. (updated Apr 2019) 2 Land of Little Horses Farm Park, 125 Glennwood Dr, ☏