Location: Gettysburg
Top Things to do in Gettysburg
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (PA)
Gettysburg is steeped in the history of the Civil War. In 1863, it was the site of the epic Battle of Gettysburg, in which some 50,000 soldiers were killed. It is also, of course, the place where Abraham Lincoln delivered the immortal Gettysburg Address. The town itself is made up of houses, hotels and taverns dating back several centuries, but Gettysburg offers more modern travel and leisure activities, as well, like wine tastings, orchard tours, shopping and golfing.
Restaurants in Gettysburg
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. Gettysburg National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,925 reviews
Reviewed By egp522 - Ipswich, United States
I attended the 6:00pm Ranger Program, which reviewed the history of the cemetery, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the monument at the center, and a few stories about individual soldiers buried in the plots. Our LBG (Jon F., I believe) did an incredible job! He clearly knew his stuff and has taken the time to research and memorize writings of note. He was very attentive to the need to be respectful of the property. The tour lasted about an hour, and was well worth standing in the heat for. It was a great way to get as much information as possible and feel a personal connection by hearing the stories of those buried on the property. If you visit the cemetery, I highly recommend hopping on one of these tours.
3. Hickory Hollow Horse Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,163 reviews
Reviewed By nnaattyy1977
Wow! DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE! These horses are amazing! We had a blast for a Mommy & Me weekend. We’ve ridden before as my daughter takes lessons. I haven’t ridden in 25 years, but it was just like riding a bike. The horses follow the leader and are super easy. Teddy Bear and Honzi were fan favorites. We did the 1.5 hour ride one day and the 2 hour ride the next. The 1.5 hour ride consisted of a perimeter ride of the battle field. Super fun and very serene. The wranglers are awesome! Sara was so nice and Pam was so knowledgeable. Gracie’s dad was so sweet! Our 2 hour ride was full of history told by an amazing storyteller and historian. Well worth the money. The horses are big working horses instead of the usual quarter horses . I have to say that we preferred the bigger horses! We will be back!!
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. Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides (ALBG) is a business association representing the interests of our member guides in particular and licensed guides in general. Our guides are tested and licensed by the National Park Service and are the ONLY individuals legally permitted to conduct a tour of the National Park. They are used by a number of private businesses: commercial bus companies, groups offering tours of the battlefield by a number of conveyances including, but not limited to, Bicycles, Scooters, Horseback or Segway. Walking tours and special interest tours are especially popular. Or, you can hire your own personal guide to go with you in your car!
6. Devils Den
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 535 reviews
Devils Den is a rock formation that can be explored by the whole family. Located in the middle of Gettysburg National Military Park below Little Round Top. The rock formation is interesting enough to warrant a 2 hour excursion and is a great place for children to get some energy out.
Reviewed By M7632CPdavidw - Gladewater, United States
This pile of boulders and rocks saw such horrific fighting on the second day of the battle. The rocks you walk among are original to the day and one can only imagine the great loss of life that occurred on these very stones. This place is hallowed ground where brave men bled and died. I was filled with awe and respect. A somber experience.
7. State of Pennsylvania Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By CSTMaryland - Maryland, United States
Hi highly recommend seeing this memorial, and all others in the W. Battlefield. They are truly breath taking.
8. Virginia Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By peteroK6518GN - Buffalo, United States
Whether you're from the north or from the south, this is of such significance of 2 Generals on opposite sides of the battlefield leading the most historic battle of our country. If you don't get a chill down your back when looking at this brilliant General Lee, you missed it. When standing next to this, you understand that you are just a tiny figure in the world that time has passed by you and left you in the dust.
9. Little Round Top
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 650 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
If you saw the movie "Gettysburg," you will recall that the most decisive moment came when Joshua Chamberlain's Union regiment, the 20th Maine, rallied with a dramatic downhill bayonet charge that prevented Confederate troops from capturing Little Round Top and flanking the Union Army. Civil War historians generally agree that Little Round Top was the most decisive terrain in the battle. Little Round Top is the smaller of two rocky hills south of Gettysburg--the adjacent, taller hill is appropriately named Big Round Top, which played an insignificant role in the battle. The view from the summit is awe-inspiring and offers a panoramic view of the battlefield, including Devil's Den, Plum Run, even Cemetery Ridge. During Pickett's Charge on the final day of the battle, cannon from Little Round Top helped to support the Union defense. From the summit, it is easy to see how difficult it was for attacking Confederate troops to scale the heights. Note the life-size statue of General Gouverneur Warren, who realized Little Round Top was undefended and quickly dispatched troops to fill the breech in the Union's defense, only minutes before the Confederates attacked. See the site where Chamberlain's regiment made its dramatic stand that arguably saved the Union. His brave effort wasn't forgotten. At Appomattox two years later, Chamberlain was chosen to accept the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
10. High Water Mark of the Rebellion Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By kermitvb
You have to stand near the Copse Trees where the CSA focused Picket and Pettigrew's charges to understand the futility of their efforts. Very impressive and you can experience it on foot.
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