Location: Gettysburg
Top Things to do in Gettysburg
What to do and see in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Specialty Museums
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 Museum of History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,300 reviews
The Museum that was featured on History's "American Picker's" The Gettysburg Museum Of History has over 4,000 artifacts on display. The Museum is FREE TO THE PUBLIC! The Museum covers all areas of American History. Military and Political History are the focus with some pop culture covered. Some highlights include: A lock of George and Martha Washington's hair, Abraham Lincoln's wallet and opera glasses,John Wilkes Booth's splint relic, the largest collection of Gettysburg battlefield relics on display in Gettysburg, an autograph or manuscript from each president, Harry Truman's hat, Dwight D. Eisenhower's golf clubs, JFK's rocking chair, suit, and bloodstained limousine upholstery from the assassination, the flag that flew during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Shell casing from Ruby's gun that Killed Oswald, Hitler's silver that was captured by U.S. forces at his home. The Fredrick G. Pfeffer collection of relics from Pickett's Charge. The Robert L. White collection of JFK, The Captain Good collection (wounded in action at Gettysburg) includes the items he used during the battle and the bullet that wounded him! Uniforms,flags, accoutrements, weapons, documents, photos, much much more!The Gettysburg Museum Of History also buys artifacts as well as sells them. Please stop by and see the most amazing collection in Gettysburg at no charge!
Reviewed By Ricky216 - Luling, United States
This museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods of American history... The Gettysburg collection is amazing and obviously took a long time to acquire. The museum is a private collection and charges no admission...
2. Gettysburg Dime Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
The Gettysburg Dime Museum is a recreation of a 19th century dime museum. Dedicated to the strange and unusual, the GDM exhibits both genuine and not-so-genuine artifacts, leaving it to the visitor to distinguish between the two. Exhibits include freaks of nature, true crime & serial killer memorabilia, historic enigmas, legendary creatures, medical quackery, and other wonders of the world.
3. 1863 Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 141 reviews
1863 Escape Room offers an "escape room" experience that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Our escape rooms are perfect for families looking for a bonding activity; couples looking for an unique date night; or businesses or co-workers interested in creative team building. You can be a history buff, or a novice; a bachelor party; or a group of friends looking for a challenge.
Reviewed By pwdoty - Norfolk, United States
My husband and I did the Rebel Recon room and we escaped with just minutes to spare. Lots of great puzzles with good clues and it was fun to tie in the town's history into the room. Would definitely recommend!
4. Museum Of Haunted Objects
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 554brandaa - Philadelphia, United States
Our tour guide, John, took us through a journey of the paranormal. He wove tales of the macabre with interjections of humor keeping you on your toes but at the same time kept us feeling protected by his knowledge and experience with the arcane. John explained the vast histories of the objects that literally bled the energy of the battlefield. Some artifacts possessed a dark aura. John was very selfless in shielding us from their malignant forces. No adventure through Gettysburg would be complete without a spine tingling layover in the dark realm of the Museum of Haunted Objects. .....Once a skeptic.....
5. Gettysburg Diorama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 744 reviews
See the ENTIRE battlefield at one time and watch the troop movements for ALL three days of battle. The battlefield covers 6,000 acres, an area large enough to be difficult to visualize. The Gettysburg Diorama will put the battle into perspective when you see the ENTIRE battlefield as it appeared in 1863. Carefully researched and meticulously assembled, the Diorama contains over 20,000 hand-painted soldiers, horses, cannons and buildings. Picture the battle through the eyes of Generals Meade and Lee as a narrative unfolds in miniature with a light and sound effects experience you won't forget.
Reviewed By 601eddies - Bronx, United States
I’ll say the whole experience visiting the Diorama and Gift Shop was excellent. Stopped in the store looking for a certain gift for a family member and received more than I expected. The store employee was a pleasure and very helpful. She even got me to check out the diorama. It was great to see history in a condensed version. The detail was awesome. The price was right and the show was not too long. I would recommend it just for the experience. Thanks.
6. General Lee's Headquarters Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The first time my wife and I visited Gettysburg, we stayed at the Quality Inn motel on the Chambersburg Pike on top of Seminary Ridge. And we were surprised to learn that the motel's gift shop was actually an old farmhouse that General Robert E. Lee used as his headquarters during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1-3, 1863. Since then, the motel has been demolished and the Civil War Trust has purchased the four-acre property with in the intent of rehabilitating the house and returning the landscape to its 1863 appearance. Good for them. At the time of the battle, the small stone house was the home of 69-year-old widow Mary Thompson. Today, visitors to the site can enjoy a self-guided interpretative trail with five signs explaining the dramatic events that occurred at the headquarters during the three-day battle. Plans call for the interior of the house to be opened to the public after the Civil War Trust completes restoration efforts. In truth, General Lee didn't spend too much time at the house but chose to sleep in a tent across the road near the Lutheran Seminary.
7. Rupp House
8. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 598 reviews
Start Your Gettysburg Journey at the Heart of the First Day’s Fighting. Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center is located on Seminary Ridge along the National Park Service's auto tour route. Three floors of exhibits connect individuals and groups to the dilemmas which led to the Civil War, provide a powerful and personal view of the battle's first day, and show the work of one of the battlefield's largest field hospitals.
Reviewed By 229eyeg
We wanted to do this on day one but couldn't fit it into our schedule. Ended up doing it last and it was prefect. Take the cupola tour - the view is amazing. It gives a 360 degree view.
9. Civil War Tails At the Homestead Diorama Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By jolthax
Ruth and Rebecca Brown have created the most wonderful and thoughtful dioramas depicting key moments in the American Civil War using their signature cat figures. The Brown sisters have created a unique dialogue that civil war enthusiasts will appreciate, using the accessibility of cute, fuzzy creatures, the dioramas tell a difficult story of political and social turmoil, and the harsh realities of war. The level of detail, accuracy and the sheer scale of work they have put into each diorama is frankly unparalleled. You will be in awe of the dedication these two have shown in their work.
10. Lincoln Train Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 266 reviews
Celebrating the history and the heroes of America with Abraham Lincoln! Experience the spirit of the men and women who achieved our American independence and freedoms as you ride the rails with Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Train museum! Journey with Gettysburg's beloved Jim Getty portraying President Abraham Lincoln as he walks with you through the history of our nation. Experience our operating train layout presenting President Lincoln's funeral journey from Washington DC to Springfield Illinois. Board our simulated funeral train car, The United States, where President Abraham Lincoln's spirit pays tribute to the American heroes and citizens who made our nation what it is and encourages future generations to "Keep the Spirit" of our nation alive. We present displays and historic artifacts of Abraham Lincoln, our native lands and the Wild West with its struggles, heroes and horses. We explore memorabilia of our sports figures and Hollywood stars. We recall the battles and wars our nation has endured and pay tribute to our heroes, the soldiers, veterans, law enforcement and EMS of our country. The museum offers the ideal opportunity to experience our nation's past while fostering an appreciation of our present and a rekindling of hope for our nation's future.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
The Lincoln Train Museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was inspired by President Abraham Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg by train in 1863 to deliver his famous Gettysburg Address at the consecration of the nearby Gettysburg National Cemetery. Located at 425 Steinwehr Avenue, it was built in 1969 and recreated in 2013 as a museum for visitors to enjoy American history presentations and collections, interactive train layouts, Lincoln's funeral journey, a Bicentennial Tribute Golden Boy Henry Rifle, the 1882 Electric Dynamic model train, a Lionel Standard Gauge Locomotive & Pullman Passenger Car set, Casey Jones' "whippoorwill" train whistle, even a collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia. The collections include Americana from politics to sports, Hollywood, the Wild West, Civil War, World Wars, U.S. military, Medal of Honor and a history of railroads. Something for everybody.
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