The Best Things to Do in Gettysburg, PA, this Year
Things to Do in Gettysburg That Bring History to Life
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, packs more of the American story into ten square miles than almost anywhere else in the country. Three days in July of 1863 decided the direction of a nation on these fields, and today those same ridges, orchards, and stone walls draw visitors who want more than a quick photo stop. Whether you have a full weekend or just an afternoon, there are enough things to do in Gettysburg to fill an itinerary with real substance.
Start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. The exhibits give you the context you need before you head out onto the actual battlefield, where a Licensed Battlefield Guide can turn a self-guided drive into something far richer, walking you through individual regiments, decisive turns, and the ground each side fought to hold. Make time to cross Sachs Covered Bridge, a wooden span that carried both Union and Confederate troops during the fighting and still stands today.
The history continues at Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address and thousands of Union soldiers are buried. Next door, Evergreen Cemetery holds the graves of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, and John Burns, the 69-year-old local who picked up a musket to fight alongside Union troops. Both sites offer a quieter, less crowded counterpoint to the main battlefield tour.
For a more immersive angle, catch one of the seasonal battle reenactments, where costumed historians stage camp life and artillery demonstrations, or book a Gettysburg ghost tour that blends Civil War history with local legend. The Beyond the Battle Museum fills in what daily life looked like for residents before, during, and after the war, and the Jennie Wade House and Shriver House Museum let you walk through homes that were directly caught in the crossfire.
Gettysburg rewards a slower pace too. Ride the Gettysburg Railway through the rolling farmland of Adams County, known as Pennsylvania’s Fruit Belt for its apple orchards. Stop at Ploughman Cider Taproom on Lincoln Square for cider and live music, or work your way through Fourscore Beer Co., Michaux Brewing, Adams County Winery, and Mason Dixon Distillery for a full taste of the region. Downtown shopping rounds things out, with independent shops like Lark, Gettysburg Goods, and Gallery 30 alongside a new antique shop on Chambersburg Street.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Gettysburg Worth Booking Direct
Among hotels in Gettysburg, the Union Hotel puts you a half block from Lincoln Square, within easy walking distance of the battlefield, the cemeteries, and downtown dining. Our twelve suites, built into a property with roots dating to 1804, feel more like private apartments than hotel rooms, with cozy seating areas and kitchenettes. Free parking and a continental breakfast round out the stay, and our own restaurant, Sign of the Buck, was recently voted Gettysburg’s best by readers of Celebrate Gettysburg magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to tour Gettysburg battlefield?
Most visitors start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center for context, then book a Licensed Battlefield Guide, who can ride along in your vehicle or walk the grounds with you and explain what happened at each stop.
How long does it take to tour Gettysburg battlefield?
A guided battlefield tour typically runs two to three hours, though many visitors spend a full day pairing the battlefield with the cemeteries and museums nearby.
Is Gettysburg haunted?
Gettysburg has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity tied to its Civil War history, and several local companies run ghost tours through downtown and near the battlefield that explore this folklore alongside the historical record.
What to do in Gettysburg beyond the battlefield?
Beyond the battlefield, popular options include the Gettysburg Railway, downtown shopping, and Adams County’s cideries, breweries, and wineries, several of which are within walking distance of Lincoln Square.
Can you drive through Gettysburg battlefield?
Yes, the National Military Park includes roads that allow visitors to drive the battlefield at their own pace, though a guided tour adds context you won’t get on a self-directed drive.