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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- yazdragonfly426 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
- 🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania94,160 contributionsFantasticThe Gettysburg battlefield is fantastic for everyone. What's nice is you can drive through it with monuments and plaques explaining what happens. You can also purchase a tour for your phone or take a tour bus. It's your choice pay or free . You can stop almost everywhere along the route.I enjoyed doing it at my pace. Give yourself time and don't be on a schedule to enjoy.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2023
- Arlene HNorthport, New York151 contributionsA must see if you are in the areaWe were guests at a wedding in the area and decided on our free day to stop in the visitor center… WOW. The Film Cyclorama & Museum was a true treat. An inter generational experience. History and art surrounded us . Impressive and educational exhibit. A true American gemVisited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 11, 2023
- maldenmusicMalden, Missouri1,955 contributionsExcellent Civil War parkWe thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It was very busy the day we went and we didn't have enough time to see everything we'd hoped. Start in the Visitor Center for a map and then do the driving tour. Little Round Top was closed to vehicles due to work being done but you could still get a sense of what it must have been like during the battle. The Pickett's Charge battlefield was laid out well with a High Water Mark monument. This park is a must see for anyone interested in CW history. Be sure and visit the monument where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
- Chris WMoundville, Alabama9 contributionsGreat place to visitBeautiful park. Great museum and visitor center and well worth a visit. This park ranger did two of our battle walks. I forget his name (I wish I could remember it) but he is outstanding!! Along with Antietam this is my favorite civil war park to visitVisited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 28, 2023
- Lee LValhalla, New York1,921 contributionsCivil War BattlefieldThe reason most people come to Gettysburg. One of the turning points of the Civil War. They have a nice visitor's center with a museum, movie and Cyclorama. The auto tour takes you around the battlefield visiting the sights of the battle and the monuments. Don't forget to drive to the other part of town and visit the East Cavalry Battlefield.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten July 4, 2023
- JeffBreedloveAtlanta, Georgia4,347 contributionsA Very Special Place - True HistoryThis is a reverent place which transcends history. Gettysburg reminds one of what livery and freedom really mean. Allow plenty of time because you will want to get out of the car, often, and just experience this special place. I do suggest you star early and try and gear ahead of the crowd, try and avoid the trams - they unload dozens of tourist (not travelers), and pay attention for signs as you drive it’s easy to miss a sign. As special as the battlefield is, be warned the prices in the official gift shop are much higher than any other NPS gift shop I have seen - magnets and patches (for example) are outrageously priced. You must visit the site Lincoln have his address - it is not yo be missed.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2023
- Jaden P8 contributionsGettysburgWhat could be the best preserved battlefield in history is at Gettysburg. The plethora of markers and statues help to tell the story of the battle that took place there and the effects it had on the outcome of the war. Anyone interested in the Civil War simply must take a trip to this beautiful battlefield.Visited October 2022Traveled with familyWritten August 19, 2023
- steelersgal78Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania329 contributionsReality check when you take into account the entire 3 day battleWe have been to Gettysburg many times and know a lot about the battle. We made the trip with my 13 year old son in August. I highly recommend doing the auto tour, which helps guide you thru the battle and various points. We did the auto tour Friday and then Saturday had a tour with a licensed battlefield guide. It really nailed home everything about the battle and answered a lot of questions we still had. The battlefield is hollow ground and should be respected by all.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 26, 2023
- 2seniorcitizens579 contributionsSo informative!We had a full day traveling through the Park and listening to the audio tour info from the National Park Service ap we had downloaded. We didn’t feel the need to pay for a tour and had plenty of information from the free audio tour as we drove through the Park. So many monuments and so much to see- we feel we learned so much more about the Civil War after visiting the Park. It should be on everyone’s bucket listVisited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 26, 2023
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cubana1952
Shirley, NY172 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, SC871 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, VA112 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, NJ695 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.
LoveTravel812513
North Las Vegas, NV15 contributions
How long would you allow for touring the museum?
Lorin G
Saint Louis, MO2,033 contributions
If it is just the museum building allow and hour, but to tour the park would be an additional 3 to 4 hours.
Do you issue military passes?
NJTRAVELER4097
Budapest, Hungary140 contributions
Free
can I get a Senior Pass at visitor center
NJTRAVELER4097
Budapest, Hungary140 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?
Lorin G
Saint Louis, MO2,033 contributions
You can walk the entire park and visit the monuments on foot. However, we hired a National Park Service Historian and Guide to show us the park. It was money well spent. The service is available at the museum and bookstore building.
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!
Lorin G
Saint Louis, MO2,033 contributions
Give yourselves 3 hours minimum with the guide. Our guide's name was John, and he was excellent. I drove our vehicle to he could do all of the talking and directing. He had offered to drive, but we wanted to let him be at his best and not be distracted by driving.
Mrs.Bacon
Morristown, TN259 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.
Mrs.Bacon
Morristown, TN259 contributions
Answering this in case anyone else needs to know. We did do a private tour. My in laws were with us and my husband and they wanted to hear the history. I watched the kids while the others listened to the tour. My kids did fine running around on the grass outside during the tour.
can i unhitch my travel trailer and leave it in rv parking lot while i drive through battlefield
Lorin G
Saint Louis, MO2,033 contributions
Why not call the park office and ask if this is allowed?
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 Ă un guide qui maximisera votre 1h30.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gettysburg National Military Park
- Hotels near Gettysburg National Military Park:
- (0.79 mi) Best Western Gettysburg
- (0.97 mi) Baladerry Inn
- (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