Gettysburg National Military Park

The basics

Entry to the Gettysburg National Military Park and Visitor Center is free, but an admission fee gains access to a short film, Gettysburg Museum exhibits, and the Visitor Center’s Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama, an immersive 360-degree oil painting. The park features more than 26 miles (42 kilometers) of paved roads connecting key Gettysburg battlefield sites.

Take a self-drive battlefield tour using an audio guide or a self-guided map, or opt for a walking tour with a licensed battlefield guide. Bus tours are available from the visitor center, and Gettysburg day trip group tours from Washington DC are another option.

Things to know before you go

• Climbing on any monuments or cannons on the Gettysburg battlefield is prohibited.

• Be prepared for variable weather. Summer heat and humidity can be intense, and snow or ice may temporarily close some roads in winter.

• Ranger-led hikes, walking tours, and talks are available in the summer. Get info at the visitor center.

• Living history programs demonstrating Civil War tools and tactics take place on weekends from Apr. to Oct.

• Beware of ticks when walking through tall grass and brush in Gettysburg National Military Park.

How to get to there

Gettysburg National Military Park is located about 80 miles (135 kilometers) north of Washington DC, near the town of Gettysburg in central Pennsylvania. From DC, the best way to reach Gettysburg is by car or bus tour. Or, take a train to Harrisburg and a bus to Gettysburg, where public transit runs regularly between the town, the park, and nearby Civil War sites such as David Wills House, Majestic Theater, and Historic Gettysburg Train Station.

When to get there

Gettysburg is open year-round, but spring and fall are ideal times to visit due to milder weather. Expect longer hours, with more activities, in spring, summer, and fall at the National Military Park. The museum and visitor center are open daily. Every July 1–3, epic battle reenactments—with participants in period garb—recreate fateful battles and hold lectures, kids’ activities, and educational workshops for visitors. Come fall, after-hours Gettysburg ghost tours are held by candlelight.

Gettysburg sights to see

Highlights within Gettysburg National Military Park include the Soldiers' National Cemetery, Cemetery Ridge, and Seminary Ridge. Adjacent to the park is the Eisenhower National Historic Site, accessible by free shuttle from the Gettysburg Visitor Center. In the town of Gettysburg, you'll find the Shriver House Museum and the David Wills House, where President Abraham Lincoln finished writing the Gettysburg Address. Explore the sites around town on a Segway tour or horseback tour.

Ways to explore

Entry to the Gettysburg National Military Park and its visitor center is free, but an admission fee provides access to a short film, museum exhibits, and the visitor center’s Gettysburg Cyclorama, an immersive 360-degree oil painting. The park features more than 26 miles (42 kilometers) of paved roads connecting key Gettysburg battlefield sites.

Take a self-driven battlefield tour using an audio guide or a self-guided map, or opt for a walking tour with a licensed battlefield guide. Bus tours are available from the visitor center, and Gettysburg day-trip group tours from Washington DC are another option.

Accessibility

Some routes and facilities in the park are accessible to wheelchair users, and touring can be done in your own vehicle.

Age limits

While there are no age restrictions, some material may not be appropriate for or of interest to very young children.

What to pack

Insect repellent, sun or rain protection, camera, picnic supplies

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes (wear long pants and sleeves if visiting at times when ticks are active).

Not allowed

Firearms, disturbing or damaging any park facilities, unleashed pets

Amenities

Visitor center, picnic facilities, restroom facilities

Address 

Gettysburg National Military Park is just south of the town of Gettysburg in Central Pennsylvania. The park itself is best explored by vehicle, though walking and cycling routes offer additional ways to see the sights.

Driving

To get to the museum and visitor center from downtown Gettysburg, follow Pennsylvania Route 134 (Taneytown Road) south and turn left on Gettysburg National Military Park. Most driving routes depart from there, and parking is provided.

Public transportation

There are limited public transit options for getting to or exploring Gettysburg National Military Park; as an alternative, book a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation to and from the park.

Best times to visit

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Arrive early in the day to beat the heat and crowds, and make the most of your time.

Best days to visit

There’s rarely a bad day to visit, though expect Gettysburg National Military Park to be more in demand on weekends and holidays.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid summer, which can be very hot and humid, and winter, which sometimes sees park closures. Aim for spring or autumn instead.

Special events

Special commemorative events are held each year during the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, in early July.