Things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg was originally founded in 1786 by James Gettys and was primarily known as a tavern stop before the Civil War.
- During the 1863 battle, the local population of approximately 2,400 people suddenly swelled to accommodate over 150,000 soldiers.
- The town contains one of the oldest active railroad stations in the United States, which served as a makeshift hospital following the fighting.
- The Gettysburg Address was delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, marking the site as a national shrine.
- Gettysburg is situated on a geologically significant region known as the Gettysburg Plain, characterized by extensive deposits of diabase rock.
About Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is a historic borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, internationally recognized as the site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the American Civil War. The landscape remains defined by the sprawling Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can explore landmarks like the Devil's Den and the State of Pennsylvania Monument. Beyond the battlefield, the town offers deep dives into 19th-century life at sites like the Shriver House Museum at Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Heritage Center. The area also preserves presidential history through the Eisenhower National Historic Site. It serves as a primary hub for studying the strategic maneuvers of both Union and Confederate forces.
Highlights of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Traverse the jagged rock formations that served as a critical tactical point during the battle's second day.
Historical places
View the massive bronze plaques listing every Pennsylvania soldier who fought in the conflict.
Historical places
See the monument dedicated to national unity, which features an eternal flame lit in honor of veterans.
Museums
Learn the poignant story of the only civilian casualty of the battle within a preserved historic home.
Museums
Tour the private retirement farm of the 34th U.S. President, reflecting his life and international diplomacy.
Historical places
Walk the high ground where crucial Union defensive actions prevented the collapse of the federal flank.
Historical places
Visit the site used by General Robert E. Lee as his operational base during the three-day engagement.
Historical places
Stand before the center-piece memorial at the Gettysburg National Cemetery where Lincoln delivered his famous address.
Top things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The 59 highest-rated places in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Devil's Den is a prominent boulder-strewn hill within the Gettysburg National Military Park that served as a critical Co...
2
Historical places
The State of Pennsylvania Monument is the largest memorial in the Gettysburg National Military Park, standing 110 feet t...
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Parks
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located in the Michaux State Forest and serves as the midway point of the 2,190-mile Ap...
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Parks
Caledonia State Park is located in the South Mountain region of Pennsylvania along the boundary of Adams and Franklin co...
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Historical places
Sachs Covered Bridge is a 100-foot Town lattice truss bridge spanning Marsh Creek in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Built i...
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Historical places
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial is a 47-foot-tall limestone and granite monument located on Oak Ridge within the Gettys...
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Museums
The Jennie Wade House Museum is the preserved brick home where 20-year-old Ginnie Wade, the only civilian killed during...
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Museums
The Eisenhower National Historic Site preserves the 690-acre farm and home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. Presid...
9
Parks
Michaux State Forest encompasses 85,500 acres of the South Mountain region in south-central Pennsylvania. The forest ser...
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Museums
The Gettysburg Museum of History is a privately-owned collection located in downtown Gettysburg featuring thousands of a...
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Museums
The Gettysburg Heritage Center utilizes life-size dioramas and realistic figures to depict the civilian experience durin...
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Museums
The Shriver House Museum focuses exclusively on the civilian experience during the Battle of Gettysburg, differing from...
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Temples
The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a historic Catholic shrine located on the grounds of Mount St. Mary...
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Historical places
Culp's Hill is a pivotal, heavily forested battlefield site within Gettysburg National Military Park that served as the...
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Temples
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Venues
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Museums
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Historical places
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Around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on the map
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Plan your visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Late spring or early autumn, when temperate weather makes walking the extensive battlefield terrain comfortable and avoids the peak summer humidity.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to tour the sprawling battlefield park, visit the town museums, and explore the historic downtown district.
A personal vehicle is necessary to navigate the large, dispersed sections of the battlefield; the town center itself is compact and pedestrian-friendly.
Stay in the downtown historic district for proximity to local museums and dining, or choose a bed-and-breakfast near the battlefield perimeter for a quieter, immersive experience.
Mid-range; while many outdoor battlefield sites are free to access, extensive museum tours and guided bus or horseback excursions incur standard tourist fees.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 59 curated attractions in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, ranked by traveller ratings.
Devil's Den is the highest-rated place to visit in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 27 places to explore.
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