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The 10 Best Battlefields in United States, United States
Spanning 2,800 miles (4,506 kilometers) from east to west, the US is a vast patchwork of landscapes and metropolises. From Arizona’s red-rocked canyons and California’s coastal beaches to New York’s big city and Virginia’s storied past, it covers any topic any traveler could want or need.
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1. Gettysburg National Military Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8,230 reviews
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."
Reviewed By AnnaTheTraveling5 - Marietta, United States
The National Military Park is very well-done with a thoughtful, informative & enlightening movie (narrated by my favorite Morgan Freeman), a cyclorama, and a comprehensive museum. We visited with our 4 yr, 6 yr, and 14 yr, and all thoroughly enjoyed our visit AND learned a ton (so did I!!!)! The museum had something for everyone, including interactive electronic exhibit games for the kids (bugle playing song trivia), plenty of life-like models of war camps and such, and interesting trivia (how to load a musket in 7 steps). This was a well-spent fun day of learning. Bring your lunch and eat at the shaded picnic tables outside! Want to see where else we've been? Instagram & Facebook - TheTraveling5
2. Antietam National Battlefield
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,373 reviews
The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History: 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led to Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is located in western Maryland, 10 miles south of Hagerstown in Washington County. The best place to start your visit is at the park visitor center. The GPS address for the visitor center is 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, Maryland, 21782. We have brochures, museum exhibits, a film, a museum store, and park rangers and volunteers on duty to help you get oriented. The battlefield is approximately 3,000 acres that you can explore in your car or by walking. Operating Hours & Seasons: Open All Year, The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Park Grounds are open daylight hours. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day The park has an entrance fee of $5.00 Per Person (age 16 or older; 15 and under FREE) or $10.00 Per Vehicle.
Reviewed By TrojanSkyCop1 - Reston, United States
After first reading about the Battle of Antietam way back in 1985 as a mere 10 y/o lad, it was so great to finally see it up close and personal. Sorry I’m 3 weeks late with posting these, but anyway, here are the pics from my trip to Antietam Battlefield on the last weekend of August. I had an amazing tour guide by the name of Justin Mayhue, a retired Fire Chief who personally knows/knew American Civil War authors such as Perry Jamieson (author of “Attack and Die”) and the late Joseph L. Harsh (“Taken at the Flood”). Justin has an incredible wealth of knowledge!
3. Lotz House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,146 reviews
The compelling story of the times, the family, and the fine antiques of the Civil War era. The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee, at “the epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin, which was a pivotal battle of the Civil War on November 30, 1864. The House was the most heavily damaged structure on the Franklin battlefield. Walk in to witness the damage from the cannon balls that crash through the house and numerous bloodstains on all the floors. Plus on this tour, your will learn about the family, the Master Wood Worker who built the home by himself, how the family survived and how the bloody battle affected them for the balance of their lives! Reservation are not required for Guided tours of the historic home. In addition, walking battlefield tours and an archeological tours are also available, but please call for reservations. Please join us as we step back into Civil War history.
Reviewed By jimrF2631PS - Hartselle, United States
My wife and I were in Franklin and had some time to kill so we decided to take in this attraction. This is a very awesome place to go to get some great details about the history of our great nation Our tour guide Seth did a great job and we highly recommend this to anyone with kids that are over the age of 13
4. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,610 reviews
"A New Birth of Freedom," narrated by Morgan Freeman, orients you to the battle; then see the sights and hear the sounds of the battle in the historic Cyclorama Painting Experience. Finally, tour the museum, packed with original artifacts and interactive exhibits. Tickets and shuttle bus to Eisenhower National Historic Site and seasonal programs at Spangler Farm Civil War Field Hospital from Visitor Center. Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, USA Today Top 10 Places to Visit, AAA Gem. Purchase tickets prior to your arrival online and reserve a Battlefield Guide (licensed through the National Park Service) through the Gettysburg Foundation, non-profit partner to the National Park Service at Gettysburg. Admission fee for Cyclorama, Film and Museum. Entry to Visitor Center, Museum Bookstore and Refreshment Saloon is free.
Reviewed By conimaries - Pennsylvania, United States
I strongly recommend starting your Gettysburg experience by visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor’s Center. If you choose to do anything, I strongly recommend the Film, Cyclorama and Museum combination. The film, narrated by Morgan Freeman, paints a wonderful picture of what led up to the Civil War, the Battle at Gettysburg, and how our country has evolved (although it’s clear to see the parallel between what was going on in 1863 and what is going on in 2019). And Morgan Freeman has way of narrating that just pulls you in. After the film, you are invited to view the Cyclorama which is the most beautiful, yet saddening, image of the Battle at Gettysburg. I won’t tell you all about the image because they’ll tell you about it when you get there, but suffice to say, it’s a must-see! The museum was full of historical information, photographs, and memorabilia. If you like museums, you could spend hours there. I, am not a museum person. I like to walk through them, look at the displays and take photos, but I don’t typically read the placards or take a lot of time in them. The statute of Abraham Lincoln is just outside the main entrance and you can obtain tour information at this location. They also have a Gift Shop/Book Store which is a great place for souvenirs and historical materials.
5. American Revolution Museum at Yorktown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,303 reviews
Museum where you can find all types of displays regarding the momentous events and activities during Revolutionary times.
Reviewed By CatyRay
This is a great museum and living history site that explains the Revolution from the time when Britain imposed taxes on the colonies to make up for the huge cost of the French & Indian War, to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. It isn't just about the Yorktown battle, American victory and British surrender. You walk from room to room in the indoor exhibit area (one-way now), viewing artifact cabinets and large, easily readable text on plaques. Two films available now. The second, about the Siege of Yorktown, has loud noise (canon fire) and smoke. You feel like your in the middle, as the benches seem to shudder with each blast. Outdoors, there is a recreated military encampment and working colonial farm. The guides are very knowledgeable, and with only a dozen visitors wandering around, had time to answer questions and engage in a deeper explanation/discussion. I have been interested in the Revolution since childhood (Dad was active in the Sons of the Revolution and I'm a DAR member) and have degrees in history. This museum was a great refresher . I would not advise brining small children if you want to take your time and read everything in the exhibits. The "hands on" features (push button for short a video, for example), have been turned off. Well worth the $15.25 adult admission. Glad we went and I will go back when the next special exhibit opens about November. I was hesitant, at first, to book, since I've been to historical sites that seem to have been a little too commercial for my taste. This is run by a foundation (including the Jamestown Settlement) that gets some state funding for the educational purposes.
6. Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
This historical site marks the first battlefield of the American French and Indian War.
Reviewed By VAPioneer - Arlington, United States
A great National Park Service location with a modern museum experience that tells the history of George Washington’s involvement at Fort Necessity and the larger world impact of those events. It was also great to learn more about the history of the region and the National Road (now US40) at this location. Great outdoor walks, one note - be sure to wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes. Worth a quick stop if you are in the area and are interested in American history.
7. Lexington Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
Site of the first battle between the Minutemen and the Redcoats during the Revolutionary War.
Reviewed By SneakinDeacon - Christiansburg, United States
Our Bus Tour of New England stopped here and were were able to visit the site where the American Patriots first faced off with the British Red Coats. Our tour group had the service of a local guide who explained just what happened here in 1775, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The guide also pointed out the houses and building that were standing at the time of the skirmish. The actual Lexington Green is an open park that has the Minuteman Statue standing at one end. At the other is a Monument where the remains of those patriots who were killed are buried. Located adjacent to the Green is Buckman Tavern, which dates back to 1709 and is where the Lexington Minutemen assembled on April 19, 1775 before confronting the Red Coats. The Lexington Green and surrounding area is a must stop for anyone who enjoys history.
8. Vicksburg National Military Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,023 reviews
1800 acres of now peaceful countryside, this park was once the scene of a bloody 47-day Civil War battle.
Reviewed By pamgoes
There are several tour options available: self-guided Driving tour using the included brochure and map, cell phone driving tour, an audio tour CD (purchased at the Visitor’s Center for $15), the Civil War Trust Vicksburg app (free), or the licensed park Tour Guides. We were on an excursion with the American Queen and had a licensed park tour guide, Harry McMillin. He was phenomenal! Our tour began with a viewing of a short film which gave a realistic re-enactment and review of the battle at Vicksburg during the Civil War. The tour is mostly a driving tour with stops to view impressive markers erected by the states whose soldiers fought the war and to get an idea of the strategies for the campaigns. Also on sight is the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum where the salvaged ironclad, Cairo, can be viewed. We spent three + hours in the park and learned so much more than I thought possible. Harry is a font of knowledge with many educational and interesting stories to tell. It is clear he loves his job and we are grateful that he shares his knowledge with us so well.
9. Minute Man National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 774 reviews
The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.
Reviewed By djanel2016 - Knoxville, United States
I would recommend starting your tour of the Minute Man National Historical park with a stop by the visitor center and watching their great multimedia presentation. They use a variety of methods to explain the Battles of Lexington and Concord. I have been to several national historical parks and this was, by far, the best multimedia presentation i have seen, both entertaining and educational. Make sure to go to the North Bridge visitors center as well,
10. Fort Stanwix National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Built in 1758 to guard a strategic port along a major transportation route, today this national site maintains an extensive archaeological collection and a nearly complete reconstructed Revolutionary War fort with interpreters.
Reviewed By C0rgiL0ver - Alton, United States
The log fort is a wonderful reconstruction of the Revolutionary War fort. The Vistor's Center has very interesting displays and excellent films providing a good background to the history of the fort and the area. The Park Ranger was very helpful. Even the rain did not diminish the visit.
