Gettysburg Attractions and Experiences
Our Top Picks
Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center: Visitor Center Museum
A premier destination that offers a comprehensive introduction to the historic Battle of Gettysburg. With its film, cyclorama, and museum experience, it sets the stage for your battlefield exploration. Visitors can also embark on car and bus tours led by licensed battlefield guides. This top-rated attraction is among the top 10% of destinations globally!
Jennie Wade House: Visit the Jennie Wade Museum
The Jennie Wade Museum in Gettysburg, PA, is a tribute to the memory of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. Explore her life and the harrowing events of the battle through exhibits and artifacts. Gain insight into the civilian experience during the Civil War and the impact of the conflict on ordinary citizens.
Gettysburg Beyond the Battle: Visit the Museum
Explore the extraordinary experiences of ordinary eyewitnesses to the Civil War, before, during, and after the conflict. Discover rare artifacts, some from the Culp family, including Jeremiah's saw from the house on York. There are twelve interactive exhibit galleries, and you don't want to miss "Caught in the Crossfire," an immersive experience that transports you inside a reconstructed farmhouse during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Dining
Dobbin House Tavern: Dobbin House
Step back in time at the Dobbin House Restaurant and Tavern in Gettysburg, PA. Built in 1776, it offers period dining in the upstairs dining room and old-fashioned tavern fare in the basement, where the wait staff dons period clothing. Enjoy delightful drinks and a pleasurable dining experience, all in a historic setting.
Farnsworth House: Farnsworth Dining
Open daily for lunch and dinner in their tavern, adorned with decor and memorabilia from the movie "Gettysburg." For an authentic experience, the dining room is open for dinner, where period fare is served in this historic home. As you dine, you'll notice the bullet holes along the exterior brick, a reminder of the home's wartime past. And don't miss the lovely beer garden, beautifully lit with edison lights at night, providing a perfect spot to enjoy drinks and watch the bustling activity of downtown Gettysburg.
Borough BBQ and Upper Crust: Upper Crust and Borough BBQ
Borough BBQ is attached to its sister restaurant, Upper Crust, allowing you to choose from either menu regardless of which restaurant you are actually seated in. Delight in various options, featuring homemade and unique sauces, mouthwatering sides, inventive pizza creations, and an array of great drinks. But the fun doesn't stop there – at Upper Crust, the entire back space is a haven for games like pool, skeeball, and more, creating a delightful and entertaining dining experience for the whole family.
Area Attractions
Gettysburg National Park Museum & Vistor Center: Gettysburg Museum
Step into the heart of history with a journey from the war's earliest moments to Lincoln's immortal address. Start with "A New Birth of Freedom," a captivating film narrated by Morgan Freeman, setting the stage for the Battle. Immerse yourself in the intensity of Pickett's Charge through the iconic Gettysburg Cyclorama, a vivid 360-degree painting that places you at the heart of the battle. Explore the Museum, where authentic artifacts and interactive exhibits share the stories and struggles of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.
Ticket to the Past Museum: Ticket to the Past Railway Museum
Step into history at the Ticket to the Past Museum in the Gettysburg Railway Station, where Lincoln arrived for the Gettysburg Address. Experience an immersive virtual reality journey and travel back to 1863 to witness the station's bustling roles as a hospital, supply lifeline, and platform for presidential arrivals. You might even catch a glimpse of the 16th President himself.
Battlefield Tours: Battlefield Tour Info
Explore historic battlefields, where the pivotal turning point of the war took place in 1863. With over 1,300 monuments and an authentic 1863 landscape, it's a symbol of courage and remembrance. Tour the iconic sites like Little Round Top and Culp's Hill, connecting with the past's lessons. Guided tours by Licensed Battlefield Guides in your car, on a motor coach, or by bicycle, offer an engaging perspective for all interests and knowledge levels.
Children of Gettysburg of 1863: Childen's History Museum
Step into the world of Gettysburg's young residents in 1863. This unique museum in the historic Rupp House offers an engaging journey back in time. Meet the children who lived through the battle and enjoy interactive activities, living historians, and immersive galleries that make history come alive. It's a fun, hands-on experience for all ages, supporting the next generation of learners.
Events
Holiday Celebrations: Celebrations Throughout the Year
Experience the holiday season in Gettysburg with a touch of history and festive charm. Immerse yourself in events that seamlessly blend the spirit of the season with the town's rich historical backdrop. From period-inspired celebrations to reenactments of holiday traditions from bygone eras, Gettysburg offers a unique and enchanting way to celebrate the holidays, inviting locals and visitors alike to step back in time and embrace the magic of yesteryear.
Reenactments: Calendar of Events
Step into the past with riveting reenactments in Gettysburg, held at various times throughout the year both in the town and on the hallowed battlefield. These immersive experiences offer visitors a poignant glimpse into the reality of the historic events, providing insights into the life of a soldier and the profound experiences of both military personnel and townspeople during the pivotal battle. Through authentic portrayals and carefully crafted scenarios, these reenactments bring history to life, allowing participants to connect with the profound stories that unfolded on this sacred ground.
Historic Theater in Downtown Gettysburg: Upcoming Events and Showings
Experience the rich tapestry of storytelling at Gettysburg's historic theater. From gripping historical dramas to classic movies, the venue hosts a diverse array of plays and films throughout the year, providing a unique cultural experience against the backdrop of this storied town.
Nearby Things to Do
Gettysburg National Cemetary: National Cemetary
Visit this hallowed ground where thousands of Union soldiers who perished in the Battle of Gettysburg rest in eternal peace. Established as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice, this solemn and historic site serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom. President Abraham Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address was delivered here, further solidifying its significance in American history. Visitors can pay their respects, reflect on the past, and honor the memory of those who gave their lives for a united nation.
Evergreen Cemetary: Civilan Cemetary
A place of both tranquility and historical significance. It is the final resting place of notable figures like Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, and other names you will come to recognize as you tour the area.The Culp family, who once resided in the house at 141 York Street, is also buried here, adding a layer of historical connection to the cemetery.
Eisenhower National Historic Site: President Eisenhower's House
Experience a glimpse into the life of President Eisenhower at his weekend retreat and retirement property. Explore his charming home, complete with original furnishings and décor, as well as the putting green, garden, tea house, cattle barns, and skeet range. It's an intimate look at the Eisenhower's 1950s lifestyle.
Wineries and Breweries:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirits of Gettysburg beyond its historical sites and museums. The area is dotted with numerous wineries and popular breweries, each offering a lively atmosphere where you can kick back, relax, and savor local drinks. Enjoy the perfect blend of music, fun, and a variety of flavorful beverages, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a different, more laid-back side of Gettysburg.