Location: Gettysburg
Top Things to do in Gettysburg
The 8 Best Battlefields 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. Artworks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Artworks has "Unique Finds for Your Home and Life". We are located in an historic building just off the Square in downtown Gettysburg, PA. We are proud to carry Donna Sharp quilts and handbags known for their beauty, quality and traditional design, Nora Fleming dishware and interchangeable minis that are great for any occassion, Wendell August metal serving trays, plates and our own exclusive Christmas ornament depicting Christmas in Gettysburg. We also carry Duke Cannon mens hair and skin care products and Indigo Bath & Body womens skin care products. We also feature works from local artists and so much more.
3. 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.
4. East Cavalry Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
More than a million people visit the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, each year. But less than 1 percent bother to travel three miles east of town to East Cavalry Field, which was the site of a cavalry skirmish on the third day of the battle that arguably was every bit if not more decisive to the outcome as Pickett's Charge, which ironically was occurring at the very same time. As part of General Robert E. Lee's grand plan to defeat the Union Army, he sent General Jeb Stuart's cavalry east of Culp's Hill to attack from the rear while General George Pickett's division was attacking on Cemetery Ridge. But Union cavalrymen under George Custer and David Gregg prevented Stuart from riding around the back of the Union line. See bullet holes in the barn at the Rummel Farm. The fields remain as pristine as they were on July 3, 1863. Historians still debate what might have happened had Stuart's strategy been successful.
5. Big Round Top
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By kermitvb
We decided to climb Big Round Top to see what the soldiers experienced. This is a relatively steep uphill hike of approximately 3/4 mile. But, you will appreciate just how much effort the soldiers expended...and they carried all of their gear and a 12 pound musket as well. I WOUL D NOT RECOMMEND THIS STEEP HIKE FOR THOSE WITH HEATH CONDITIONS.
6. Gettysburg Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By stephaniehH3724PS - Kane, United States
We visit in mid-December. There were only a few others at any of the monuments while we were there. We don't like crowds, so we always travel on the off season. The weather was perfect for December, no snow on the ground and the sun was shining. We toured the battlefield in our own vehicle using the map and following the Auto Tour signs. There are 16 stops and will probably take 2-3 hours if you stop at each one and explore. We hiked a section of the Heritage Trail also, so we spent an entire day here. Be sure to get out and walk around. So many people just drive up to a site, look at it and drive off. Never even realizing there is a spiral stair case inside the Pennsylvania Monument that takes you to the open top! There are a lot of corn fields in and around the battlefield, and this time of year they are all cut. Not sure what the views would be like during the summer months, but we enjoyed the open scenery. I suggest starting the tour at #1 rather than the Visitor Center, which is the end of the tour, #16. We found it to be easier to follow this way. And when we were done, we visited the center again and enjoyed the movie, museum and Cyclorama, which in itself was just amazing. (you get all 3 for $15/person). I never even knew there was such a thing as Cycloramas back in the day, or today, for that matter. Very cool! We stayed at the Super 8 just outside of town. We like to save money on our room so we can enjoy more of our adventure. You not only save a ton of money here, but the place is really nice too.
7. Pickett's Charge
8. Annual Gettysburg Reenactment
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 135 reviews
