Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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."
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
102 within 3 miles

Refreshment Saloon
35
0.2 mi$ • American • Fast Food

The Pike Restaurant & Tap House
635
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar

Appalachian Brewing Company - Gettysburg Battlefield
887
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Gettysburg Eddie's
1,563
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

General Pickett's Buffet
850
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Dobbin House Tavern
5,360
0.9 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Hunt's Battlefield Fries & Cafe'
1,213
0.9 mi$ • American

Tommy's Pizza
1,404
0.9 mi$ • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Sunset Ice Cream Parlor
423
1 mi$ • Dessert • American

Friendly's
475
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American • Gluten Free Options
Attractions
78 within 6 miles

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
5,731
322 ftVisitor Centers • Battlefields

State of Pennsylvania Monument
222
0.6 miMonuments & Statues

Gettysburg National Cemetery
1,958
0.7 miCemeteries

Evergreen Cemetery
231
0.7 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Cemeteries

Gettysburg Heritage Center
529
0.8 miHistory Museums

Jennie Wade House
1,544
0.9 miHistoric Sites • History Museums

High Water Mark of the Rebellion Monument
91
0.6 miHistoric Sites • Monuments & Statues

Shriver House Museum
882
1.2 miHistoric Sites • History Museums

Equestrian Monument to Major General Winfield Scott Hancock
4
0.3 miMonuments & Statues

Gettysburg Diorama
768
0.9 miSpeciality Museums
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
8,380 reviews
Excellent
7,523
Very good
734
Average
97
Poor
21
Terrible
5
cubana1952
Shirley, NY146 contributions
We spent the day here and I would recommend that if you only have a day that you purchase the combination ticket that gives you admission to the museum, the movie and cyclorama and the 2 hour guided bus tour. It was well worth the money and gave you a very good idea of the events of the battle of Gettysburg. The museum was impressive and we actually went back to it later in the day because in the morning when we first went in there were many school groups there and it was very loud and distracting. The 2 hour tour was great, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and were able to make history come alive.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ldjs
Fort Lee, NJ605 contributions
Family
Really amazing experience for everyone interested in American and military history.
We took a 3 hour tour with licensed guide, very informative, gives a detailed perspective of the battle and the war and in particular of battlefield snd monuments.
There are bus tours, horseback tours, self guided tours and more.
We saw two re-enactments on a Saturday tour.
I would recommend visiting Museum prior to the tour to be knowledgeable of basics prior to very detailed overview.
Licensed guides are quite passionate and knowledgeable, and I would suggest to tour with the guide for sure.
They offer an option of driving in the car with you or you can follow their car.
There are really breathtaking views on the tour and the guides can tailor the route to your interests as there is a lot to see.
The park is expansive, well maintained and with good signage.
Highly recommend a visit.
We took a 3 hour tour with licensed guide, very informative, gives a detailed perspective of the battle and the war and in particular of battlefield snd monuments.
There are bus tours, horseback tours, self guided tours and more.
We saw two re-enactments on a Saturday tour.
I would recommend visiting Museum prior to the tour to be knowledgeable of basics prior to very detailed overview.
Licensed guides are quite passionate and knowledgeable, and I would suggest to tour with the guide for sure.
They offer an option of driving in the car with you or you can follow their car.
There are really breathtaking views on the tour and the guides can tailor the route to your interests as there is a lot to see.
The park is expansive, well maintained and with good signage.
Highly recommend a visit.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fssutton1
Charleston, SC814 contributions
I would recommend that the first thing you do is go to the visitor center, pay the fee and see the film, then you will be allowed to enter the cyclometer (sp) and then visit the museum. After that, begin (at some point)the auto/bike tour of the battlefields. This is very extensive and there are over 1000 monuments. If you do not do anything else go to Little Big Top and the Devils Den and get out of the car and take it all in. It will take all of the previous exposures and whatever you learned/did not learn/retain in school to grasp what actually occurred. You can drive the auto route without paying but you will miss all of the data you get by visiting the visitor center
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Allan S
New York City, NY6,265 contributions
Couples
We came. here specifically to view this monumental part of American history and still were spellbound by the physical nature of the land where 51000 American perished in a monumental battle over the future of these United States. The three days of terrible carnage and highs and lows shaped thus country and gave us what the idea of freedom
Was the cost in lives. Should be seen by all Americans as an important learning experience as a rite of passage.
Make sure you take the physical tour which can be done by your car with the add of an app, chauferred by a ranger(exoensive) on a bus tour
Less expensive but crowded, walking around , bike, car with a picnic or through the nirvana or cyclorama in the. Main museum.
We did a bunch of these over two days. Go during the week and not in the summer when there are huge crowds
Was the cost in lives. Should be seen by all Americans as an important learning experience as a rite of passage.
Make sure you take the physical tour which can be done by your car with the add of an app, chauferred by a ranger(exoensive) on a bus tour
Less expensive but crowded, walking around , bike, car with a picnic or through the nirvana or cyclorama in the. Main museum.
We did a bunch of these over two days. Go during the week and not in the summer when there are huge crowds
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Becky H
Odenton, MD55 contributions
Wow. This is an incredible place, where you can really immerse yourself in so many aspects of the Battle of Gettysburg. I opted to buy the ticket ($17.75 for seniors) that allowed me entry to the museum inside the museum, as it were; the film; and the cyclorama. It was well worth the price.
They say to allow two hours and it definitely took me that long to walk around the exhibits, then watch the film and cyclorama.
I'm not at all a Civil War buff, but I do appreciate the opportunity to learn more about our country's history.
Very clean restrooms, lots of free parking.
They say to allow two hours and it definitely took me that long to walk around the exhibits, then watch the film and cyclorama.
I'm not at all a Civil War buff, but I do appreciate the opportunity to learn more about our country's history.
Very clean restrooms, lots of free parking.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI955 contributions
If you have ever visited a Civil War battlefield you have probably seen park service signs, a few open fields, and a monument or two. Then you try to place yourself in the moment over 150 years ago. A trip to Gettysburg is similar except you have upwards of 10 different areas (Devils Den, Culps Hill, Little Round Top, etc.), over 1,400 monuments, and an entire town that was literally in the middle of the fighting. Even the most amateur Civil War historian needs 3 days here to see everything. Tip - Believe what they say and start your tour at the Visitors Center. The museum is incredible with all sorts of artifacts and movies that describe the three days of the battle. The movie tells the history of the Civil War and explains how crucial Gettysburg was to deciding the conflict. Then go to the cyclorama, but be sure to move to the 12 o'clock position as you enter. That gives you the best view of Picket's charge. The gift shop has a huge selection of books to choose from.
TIP - We did our own self-driving car tour using the HereStory App narrated by Stephen Lang. Downloading it from the app store is cheaper than buying it in the bookstore, but you don't get the maps and accompanying book. It worked well, but you should really listen to it first so you know what to expect and where to turn once you get out on these hallowed grounds.
TIP - We did our own self-driving car tour using the HereStory App narrated by Stephen Lang. Downloading it from the app store is cheaper than buying it in the bookstore, but you don't get the maps and accompanying book. It worked well, but you should really listen to it first so you know what to expect and where to turn once you get out on these hallowed grounds.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fred B
109 contributions
Couples
Wife and I drove an hour from our hotel to Gettysburg to see this park.
The visitor center is spacious and cool and had some of the cleanest restrooms we have seen.
After getting the maps for the tour we walked through the exhibits which are free to see. If you want access to the Civil War Museum or the Cyclorama or any thing else, you have to pay for it. We found that disappointing.
The auto tour is fairly easy to follow as it is marked with auto tour stars along the route.
It took us a little over two hours to drive the route we did. Because of the heat, we were not able to get out and walk the trails.
NOTE- there are over a thousand monuments and markers in the park dedicated to every unit involved in the battle. If you want the immersive experience, plan on being there all day.
The visitor center is spacious and cool and had some of the cleanest restrooms we have seen.
After getting the maps for the tour we walked through the exhibits which are free to see. If you want access to the Civil War Museum or the Cyclorama or any thing else, you have to pay for it. We found that disappointing.
The auto tour is fairly easy to follow as it is marked with auto tour stars along the route.
It took us a little over two hours to drive the route we did. Because of the heat, we were not able to get out and walk the trails.
NOTE- there are over a thousand monuments and markers in the park dedicated to every unit involved in the battle. If you want the immersive experience, plan on being there all day.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kerri R
Rockwood, TN21 contributions
We went when the weather was not too hot, not too cold and it was AMAZING! I strongly recommend stopping in the visitor's center first to tour the museum, see the film and the cyclorama is a must do. The auto tour is highly recommended! Being able to tour the battlefields in your own vehicle at your own pace, stopping and getting out at the monuments and standing on the battlefields while hearing the stories and the explanations of areas of the areas makes it much more vivid. The cost for the auto tour CDs/book was $29.99 and worth EVERY PENNY!
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark K
Stamford, CT75 contributions
This was our history travel trip for 2021, our 8th Gettysburg 4 day weekend in 28 years. We spend one day with a guide, all of whom have been fabulous and well worth the relatively low cost. We always stay at the Quality Inn at the gate. At 5:30 am, the younger members (under 80) walk to Little Round Top, over to Seminary Ridge, to Rob't E. Lee, and then Pickett's Charge to Geo. Meade. We visit surrounding areas such as Lancaster. We eat at the Dobbin House, Farnsworth House, Hickory Farm, and all the diners in between. Never disappointed.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pawleyspair741
Pawleys Island, SC31 contributions
Couples
We went on morning tour of downtown Gettysburg with Ken Rich and afternoon car private tour of military park with Truman Eyler.
Do not think we could have had any better tour guides. Both gentlemen was extremely knowledgeable and quite personable.
We especially recommend taking the private tour of the battlefields rather than doing the self-guided audio tour. Yes, it does cost more, but it is well worth the cost to get the perspective, guidance, comments, and personal questions answered.
Do not think we could have had any better tour guides. Both gentlemen was extremely knowledgeable and quite personable.
We especially recommend taking the private tour of the battlefields rather than doing the self-guided audio tour. Yes, it does cost more, but it is well worth the cost to get the perspective, guidance, comments, and personal questions answered.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can you walk the fields and sit and enjoy the views and history or are you required to stay on the sidewalks and trails?
Blue-Eyes-Fam
Bonaire, GA351 contributions
There are dozens of miles of trails all through the battlefield. Some few areas are roped off as they protect against erosion, but most of the battlefield is open to walking. It is more than you can walk in a day.
Shanie
5 contributions
Hi! We will be going in late June with a 13 & 16 year old, and we'd like to hire a licensed Battlefield guide to give us a private tour. How long would you recommend for a private tour? Any recommendations on guides who would be great with teens (who love history)? And is it possible to get enough time at the national park and visit Seminary Ridge Museum in the same day? Thank you!
ret1sg82abn
Indianapolis, IN217 contributions
We went with a 3 hour tour for my wife and I. I'm glad I didn't go shorter. It was fantastic and very educational. I'm sure you could also do the museum in the same day.
Mrs.Bacon
Morristown, TN204 contributions
We are wanting to do the private tour of the battlefield in 2 weeks. I have a 14 month old and 3 year old. What length of your would you suggest for these ages? I think as long as they can get out of the car they will be ok. I saw the tours range from 2 hours to 8 hours in length.
LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC5,690 contributions
I suggest that you get a FREE map from the Visitors Center and do the tour yourself. There are signs along the way for Auto Tours, just follow them. The Visitors Center also has an interesting short movie about the battles fought in Gettysburg. You might want to watch it before your FREE tour.
The Park is big, take your time, get out of the car and let your children play outside. Have fun!
can i unhitch my travel trailer and leave it in rv parking lot while i drive through battlefield
Mark M
Aurora, IL67 contributions
Yes I believe you can. At the visitors center there is a separate RV/Bus lot
bonjour j'ai 1h30 devant moi demain. je suis le seul passionné d'histoire de la famille. Que dois-je prioriser? Cyclorama et musée OU visite du champ de bataille? Merci!
Martin
formabel
Saint-Nicolas - Québec25 contributions
Si vous pouvez vous le permettre. Ayez recours à un guide qui maximisera votre 1h30.
Christina B
26 contributions
I was wondering how much it cost to do the audio tour in your own car on your own? Where do you buy the audio tour?
skywarn6118
Michigan97 contributions
The audio tour on cd cost $29.99 at the national park visitor center. It includes a guide booklet. If you have the capability of GPS on your cellphone, you can download a Gettysburg Auto Tour app for $9.99 that activates automatically at certain locations with both audio and visual files. Just make sure you download it via WiFi before using. The app explains this well in the instructions at the App Store! Very easy to use!
Lisa P
2 contributions
Hello! How can I request to have a specific tour guide when I come to Gettysburg? I'd like to have Matt Atkinson. Thanks!
VeteranTravelers
Harrisburg, PA29 contributions
You absolutely can request a specific guide. I used to do that all the time when I took school groups there. Just request the person when you make your reservation.
Lou L
Long Island, NY144 contributions
Hello all,
Was planning a trip to Gettysburg while in Pennsylvania next month. With the government shutdown right now, the NPS website for the park says it is closed but recent reviews and photos on other social networks indicate differently. Was just wondering to anyone whose visited recently if the shutdown has impacted the park and if so, to what effect? Thanks!
Edward M
Luzerne, PA14 contributions
Hi, Was in Gettysburg last week . Only park in the US that is a partnership with private interests 50-50. Was still open but no brown shirts,meaning rangers,park police,guides, Was still a wonderful visit,and lots of people to prove it. The Visitor Center was spotless and no sign of trash as usual. Handouts,Maps,info is self serve.
seanmyles
Seattle, WA13 contributions
Antietam and Gettysburg - one day? Will be in DC area April 2019 east coast trip. Staying 15 miles N-NW of DC to make for shorter day trip to Antietam & Gettysburg. I want to do both but only have 1 day because spending two others going in DC via metro. Car ride Antietam is about 45 miles from hotel and Antietam to Gettysburg is about 46 miles. How to best allocate hours to each? Antietam grounds are open daylight hours / visitor center is 9 to 5 and Gettysburg is 6 to 10 (visitor center 8-6). Want to do licensed guide tour when at Gettysburg. Thinking either A: 3 hours at Antietam (arrive at 9am) and rest of day at Gettysburg or B: arrive at Gettysburg at 8am, leave at 1pm and get 1.5 - 2 hours at Antietam. Want to do both because don't anticipate being back to east coast any time soon. Opinions/ideas? Thanks, Myles
williamhriley
Tierra Verde, FL34 contributions
Would not try to do Gettysburg - Antietam in one day. Too many great visuals to see and explore.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gettysburg National Military Park
- Gettysburg National Military Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Gettysburg National Military Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Gettysburg National Military Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.79 mi) Best Western Gettysburg
- (0.97 mi) Baladerry Inn
- (1.02 mi) Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (0.52 mi) Comfort Suites Gettysburg
- (0.62 mi) Artillery Ridge Campground
- Restaurants near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.20 mi) Refreshment Saloon
- (0.48 mi) The Pike Restaurant & Tap House
- (0.94 mi) Hunt's Battlefield Fries & Cafe'
- (1.08 mi) Mr. G's Ice Cream
- (0.96 mi) Sunset Ice Cream Parlor
- Attractions near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.06 mi) Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
- (0.11 mi) GettysBike Tours
- (0.23 mi) Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides
- (0.59 mi) State of Pennsylvania Monument
- (0.67 mi) National Riding Stables