Top 10 Things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Written and Photographed by Caly Behymer
Visiting Gettysburg is like stepping onto the pages of American history, where rolling fields and quiet ridges still echo with the clash of the Civil War. The Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the pivotal battle that turned the tide of the war, while the town itself adds depth with historic homes, museums, and local charm. Together, they offer a moving blend of remembrance, education, and small-town warmth that lingers long after you leave.
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10. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center – This is the ideal first stop, where you can orient yourself before heading out onto the battlefield. The centerpiece is the breathtaking Cyclorama painting of Pickett’s Charge—12,000 square feet of artistry that completely surrounds you, paired with sound and light effects. Artifacts, uniforms, and weapons make the exhibits deeply immersive, and the short film “A New Birth of Freedom” (narrated by Morgan Freeman) ties the battle to the broader Civil War.
9. Guided Battlefield Tours – Exploring the battlefield is unforgettable when you have an expert guide to explain the strategies, stories, and human moments that unfolded across these rolling fields. You can tour by bus, car caravan with a licensed guide, or even on horseback for a unique perspective. Key stops like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and Seminary Ridge offer not just history lessons but also sweeping views.
8. Gettysburg National Cemetery – Quiet and contemplative, this is where over 3,500 Union soldiers were laid to rest. The cemetery is also where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address, giving his words even more gravity as you stand where he once spoke. The site’s design by famed landscape architect William Saunders creates a sense of solemn symmetry.
7. Historic Homes & Museums in Town – Gettysburg isn’t just about soldiers—it’s also about the civilians caught in the crossfire. The Jennie Wade House preserves the story of the only civilian killed during the battle, while the David Wills House showcases the room where Lincoln finalized his Gettysburg Address. The Shriver House Museum provides an intimate look at how one local family endured the invasion.
6. Monuments & Memorials – There are more than 1,300 monuments and markers scattered across Gettysburg National Military Park, making it the largest collection of outdoor sculpture in the world. Highlights include the massive Pennsylvania State Memorial and the Virginia Monument, both deeply symbolic. Each monument offers insight into the regiments and states that fought here, giving personal meaning to the broader conflict.
5. Seminary Ridge Museum & Education Center – This museum is housed in the 1832 Lutheran Seminary building, which served as both a Union lookout and a field hospital during the battle. Inside, exhibits cover the causes of the war, the first day of battle, and the role of faith during wartime. Don’t miss the climb to the cupola, where Union General John Buford spotted Confederate forces advancing—the view is stunning.
4. Ghost Tours & Night Walks – Gettysburg is often called one of the most haunted towns in America, and ghost tours lean into that eerie reputation. You’ll hear tales of restless soldiers, mysterious shadows, and unexplained sounds in places like Sachs Covered Bridge and old inns. Whether you’re a believer or just in it for the history and atmosphere, it’s a memorable way to experience the town after dark.
3. Savor Gettysburg Food & Downtown Shopping – Beyond the battlefield, downtown Gettysburg is vibrant and walkable with brick sidewalks, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants. Food tours are especially popular, letting you sample everything from local cider to farm-fresh dishes while learning tidbits about the town. Don’t miss the chance to relax in one of the historic taverns—some dating back to the 18th century—for a pint with atmosphere.
2. Eisenhower National Historic Site – Just outside of town, this peaceful farm was President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s only home. Tour the house, barns, and grounds to see how the former general and president lived in his retirement years. The site offers a refreshing shift from battlefield intensity, giving visitors a glimpse into the calm, pastoral life Eisenhower cherished.
1. High Water Mark & The Angle – This dramatic spot on Cemetery Ridge is often referred to as the “high water mark of the Confederacy,” marking where Pickett’s Charge was finally repelled. The stone wall known as “The Angle” shows exactly where Union and Confederate forces clashed in brutal close combat. Standing here, you can almost feel the weight of history pressing in—it’s both somber and awe-inspiring.
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