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."
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- George A20 contributionsIncredibleMy favorite part? The enormous number of massive monuments among the hills and the story of Battlefield Bettie - the fighting mascot of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment. I’ve wanted to go to Gettysburg since childhood since my mom was a Civil War historian. What can anyone say about Gettysburg that hasn’t been said in 150 years? If you enjoy history - spend a day at this sad and melancholy site. Stand on Culps Hill and the place of Picketts Charge and just visualize Amazing place.Visited November 2022Traveled soloWritten January 2, 2023
- sidmackemLondon, United Kingdom1,048 contributionsSobering VisitIt’s huge. Plus is a car tour. Follow the map and it’s a two hour drive minimum depends how many times you stop for the sights. Great place to spend a day. A must see if in the area and it’s free. What more can you ask for a free history lesson, great views and a sobering reminder of what happened hereVisited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 27, 2023
- Bill BBel Air, Maryland8,087 contributionsMajestic statuary spread across the natural fieldsThe park was impressive not just because of the statuary representing many states but also because of the combination of natural, rustic, and memorial scenes. There was a formal cemetery, but also monuments to far flung locations from Maine to Minnesota. I was particularly attracted to the green patina on many of the cannons. The statuary was well spaced, not cluttered, so the majesty of the rolling hills and rocky outcroppings were visible.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 31, 2023
- Ken FHigh Point, North Carolina197 contributionsGreat way to spend a day or two!Took the museum tour, watched the cyclorama display, and took a two hour guided tour (driver in your car). An absolutely great experience and seriously recommend the museum and show before the tour. Do get a personal guide in your vehicle, it is well worth the cost. This is a great trip for all ages! Fascinating to think what our country might look like today if the battle of Gettysburg happened differently!Visited March 2023Written April 1, 2023
- charlDBNGoshen, Indiana100 contributionsJust uterrly outstandingAfter visiting numerous National Militaty battlefield, this one certainly came across as the grendaddy of all parks. It is well organized and easy to follow the various tours though we did particiapte in a bus tour we drove along from site to site. The visitor center museum is very good and time consuming. I really appreciated the segment on the aftermath of the battle. This was well worth the trip..Visited March 2023Written April 7, 2023
- Sheila B6 contributionsWonderful visit with a personal guideBrilliant place to visit if you're interested in American Civil War history. Thanks to the recommendations on this site we hired a personal guide, Bill Thomas, who drove our car round the battlefield and gave us an amazing talk and insight into the battle. I don't think the visit would have been half as good if we'd attempted it ourselves, the area is so huge and there are so many different aspects to the three day battle. We had a three hour tour and that was barely time enough to fit it all in.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 21, 2023
- NJTRAVELER4097Palm Beach, Florida134 contributionsEveryone should seeWe were passing by on the way home from the Shanksville Memorial and decided to stop. We didn’t have much time so we did a couple stops on the auto tour. This is something everyone should see. We will return to see more. Makes you proud to be an American!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 22, 2023
- Maria718Amherst, Massachusetts117 contributionsIt’s an amazing park. Take 2 daysWhat an incredible experience! The park is right there where people drive through to go to school, work, in the store. The visitor center was very helpful and friendly. I bought the guided tour with the CDs so that I can drive through it. and know what I was looking at. That was very informative and it is it definitely a keepsake item. It’s better to take two days for this amazing look back into history. The town is very nice as well and the restaurants are pretty friendly as well.Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 23, 2023
- gibson737Ottawa, Canada366 contributionsInspiringA beautiful tribute to such an important time in American history. The battlefields, visitor's center and graveyard are all must sees. The various monuments throughout the site add to the story of this event. Emotional, sad, and yet inspiring.Visited April 2023Written April 24, 2023
- yazdragonfly421 contributionsLarge and beautifulAs most National parks, this is a self driving tour so you go at your pace. We went on a very cold April morning so it was nice being in a warm car. The park has a very odd layout as it surrounds private homes and businesses. It’s best to go to the visitor center for a map and a few instructions. Most parks are one entrance/exit but this one has you crossing roads and highways, so it can get confusing. You must keep in mind that many young men died here so the trip at times becomes solemn when reading the monument dedications. But it is a beautifully preserved part of our great country’s history.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2023
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8,470 reviews
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cubana1952
Shirley, NY168 contributions
May 2022
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fssutton1
Charleston, SC868 contributions
Oct 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sloomis31
Bristol, WI1,058 contributions
Aug 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred B
109 contributions
Jul 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nature-seer
Pennsylvania101 contributions
Aug 2020
I'm always emotional touring the battlefield. It puts into perspective how many people fought and died, not just here but in all the battles of the Civil War, for causes they believed in. Whether you side more closely with Northern or Southern ideals, one must not forget the sacrifices that these brave men, and women, made in defense of their way of life and freedom as they saw it. We had gotten so divided as a nation that the country literally took up arms against itself and tried to tear itself apart. Brother fought brother and father fought son, and the bloodiest combat took place right here.
Let's be clear that to tour the battlefield and read every marker, monument and memorial would take months. Any tour you choose is going to hit the highlights.
There are of course numerous tours to take you around the battlefield, but I think this last trip has been the most rewarding in recent history. I normally follow the Auto Tour, but this time I wanted to do with an updated guide. There are two CD's/DVDs for sale in the Visitors Center gift shop, each one costing $30.00, and only one of which is available for Android. However, I was able to find one on Google Play, simply called the Gettysburg Battlefield (and found by searching for Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Tour) for $7.00. It guides you through all the tour stops, plus provides background information between stops on lesser known aspects of the battle. Additionally, each stop has a Learn More button for even deeper information. Unlike earlier versions of the "official" tour I have used, this one also includes Devil's Den, which was also the site of fierce fighting throughout the battle. I was able to find sections of the field I had not visited in years, and are very key places of the fighting.
Also be aware that you will start at the Visitors Center, then go back through the Visitors Center to get to stops 13 and 14, and pass it again to get to stops 15 and 16 to end the tour. This is the first time in a long time I was able to follow the entire route, and it was confusing for a while.
Let's be clear that to tour the battlefield and read every marker, monument and memorial would take months. Any tour you choose is going to hit the highlights.
There are of course numerous tours to take you around the battlefield, but I think this last trip has been the most rewarding in recent history. I normally follow the Auto Tour, but this time I wanted to do with an updated guide. There are two CD's/DVDs for sale in the Visitors Center gift shop, each one costing $30.00, and only one of which is available for Android. However, I was able to find one on Google Play, simply called the Gettysburg Battlefield (and found by searching for Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Tour) for $7.00. It guides you through all the tour stops, plus provides background information between stops on lesser known aspects of the battle. Additionally, each stop has a Learn More button for even deeper information. Unlike earlier versions of the "official" tour I have used, this one also includes Devil's Den, which was also the site of fierce fighting throughout the battle. I was able to find sections of the field I had not visited in years, and are very key places of the fighting.
Also be aware that you will start at the Visitors Center, then go back through the Visitors Center to get to stops 13 and 14, and pass it again to get to stops 15 and 16 to end the tour. This is the first time in a long time I was able to follow the entire route, and it was confusing for a while.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HayTravels16
Belle Vernon, PA52 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We toured the museum, which includes an amazing introductory video about The Civil War and The Battle of Gettysburg. The cyclorama is also a must-see. The rest of the museum is extremely detailed and touching. We downloaded the app to do the auto tour of the battlefields, and it was a great experience. The “medium” tour was very long, and I would recommend dedicating at least 4-5 hours for it. Great monuments, great upkeep of the park, and wonderful information provided by the auto tour and the historical signs at the park.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R7853FWsusanr
Amherst, VA110 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
My husband and I came to Gettysburg for my daughter’s birthday. We also brought her young children. We were very impressed with Pennsylvania’s COVID regulations and the security at the park enforced them quite well so we felt very safe. The movie and Cyclerama was a perfect way to start. We then proceeded into the battlefield. We purchased the guide from the gift shop and were able to download an app and had a tour guide in the car as we went following the Auto Tour. The battlefield is amazing. The monuments are beautiful and I came away having learned a lot I did not know about the battle and the impact of Gettysburg on the Civil War. I highly recommend it, especially for history buffs out there and families with children.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
McKinney, TX11 contributions
Sep 2020
The Battle for Gettysburg is well remembered here. The museum is full of artifacts and information, although the video exhibits were out of service for COVID precautions. The movie was a good summary of the battle. After the movie, an escalator takes you upstairs to the cyclorama, which is a stunning 360 degree oil painting of Pickett's charge. The story is effectively told through narration, sound and lights. It us 377 feet long, 42 feet high, and weighs12.5 tons. It is a sight to behold.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ldjs
Fort Lee, NJ681 contributions
Jul 2022 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobH22
Fishersville, VA264 contributions
Sep 2020
We purchased the car app/tour for $30. You can drive on your own at your own pace. Enjoyed the excellent audio that came with the app, the postings along the way, and the well maintained Battlefield exhibits and facilities. Very impressive! We spent over three hours on the car tour. You could spend more or less depending on your pace, if you stop to read exhibits, etc. The information presented was very informative and insightful relative to what actual happened and the sequence of events that took place during the three day battle. Several stories of human interest are also provided which further adds to an excellent presentation.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can I get a Senior Pass at visitor center
NJTRAVELER4097
Palm Beach, FL134 contributions
Don’t know
Can you walk the fields and sit and enjoy the views and history or are you required to stay on the sidewalks and trails?
cubana1952
Shirley, NY168 contributions
There are a few places that are not accessible but for the most part you can walk the battlefields. Because there are many people touring the battlefields there are not many quiet places to sit and enjoy the views but you are not required to stick to certain paths or trails. We enjoyed taking the bus tour and then deciding which places to go back and revisit.
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, IN219 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, TN256 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, DC6,407 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
4 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gettysburg National Military Park
- Hotels near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.97 mi) Baladerry Inn
- (0.79 mi) Best Western Gettysburg
- (0.52 mi) Comfort Suites Gettysburg
- (0.62 mi) Artillery Ridge Campground
- (1.02 mi) Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.20 mi) Refreshment Saloon
- (1.08 mi) Mr. G's Ice Cream
- (0.96 mi) Sunset Ice Cream Parlor
- (0.94 mi) Hunt's Battlefield Fries & Cafe'
- (0.82 mi) Appalachian Brewing Company - Gettysburg Battlefield
- Attractions near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.08 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
Gettysburg National Military Park Information
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