Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park

Parks › Pennsylvania › Gettysburg

Quick Facts

Gettysburg National Military Park

Pennsylvania

(717) 334-1124

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Located 50 miles northwest of Baltimore, the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of the largest battle ever waged during the American Civil War. Fought in the first three days of July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg resulted in a hallmark victory for the Union "Army of the Potomac" and successfully ended the second invasion of the North by General Robert E. Lee's "Army of Northern Virginia". The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory in the summer of 1863. Historians have referred to the battle as a major turning point in the war, the "High Water Mark of the Confederacy". It was also the bloodiest single battle of the war, resulting in over 51,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or missing. The Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg was dedicated on November 19, 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address. The cemetery contains more than 7,000 interments including over 3,500 from the Civil War. Post-battle efforts preserved small portions of the battlefield as a memorial to the Union victory. On February 11, 1895, congressional legislation was signed to establish Gettysburg National Military Park as a memorial dedicated to the armies that fought this great battle. Gettysburg National Military Park incorporates nearly 6,000 acres, with 26 miles of park roads and over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials. Touring the battlefield, museum, and grounds are popular activities for visitors.

Map of Gettysburg

Latitude, Longitude: 39.817800, -77.233426

READ MORE

Activities

  • Bicycling

    For visitors who wish to hike the battlefield or bicycle during their visit, there are designated trails and pathways near the Museum and Visitor Center and elsewhere in the park. Look for designated trails on the park brochure or inquire for further information at the park information desk during your visit. (Be aware that bicycles are not allowed on earthen trails or walkways and must remain on paved surfaces.)

  • Auto/Motorcycle

    Take a tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide who will go with you in your personal vehicle and show you the highlights of the battlefield as well as answer any questions you may have. (There is a fee for this service.) There is also a bus tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide, the Self-guiding Auto Tour, and taped tours that can be purchased at the museum and visitor center.

    For visitors wishing a personalized tour, the Licensed Battlefield Guide service is the best way to see and understand the battlefield. An individual guide will drive your personal vehicle around the park for a two hour long visit. Guided tours are very informative and the historical knowledge of the guides is superb. Guides are assigned to personal vehicles from the Visitor Center desk on a first come, first served basis

  • Hiking

    For visitors who wish to hike the battlefield or bicycle during their visit, there are designated trails and pathways near the Museum and Visitor Center and elsewhere in the park. Look for designated trails on the park brochure or inquire for further information at the park information desk during your visit.

  • Historic Sites

    The historic David Wills House in Gettysburg, the 1863 home of the Gettysburg attorney where President Lincoln stayed on the eve of delivering his Gettysburg Address, is now open to the public. The life of the Civil War soldier is also a main feature of the new museum and visitor center. Many of the objects on display are directly related to the people and places highlighted in each display case.

  • Picnicking

    Comfort Stations and picnic areas are located throughout the park.

Seasonality/Weather

Summers can be hot and humid, with occasional severe thunderstorms. Fall and spring are pleasant with average temperatures in the upper 40's and brisk winds. Winters can be wet with occasional snow that forces the closure of some park roads and buildings depending on severity.

Park Partners

ARAMARK

ARAMARK Parks and Destinations offers food concessions at Gettysburg National Military Park. The visitor center has a refreshment saloon operated by Aramark and offering a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

(717) 334-1124

Directions

Driving

Gettysburg National Military Park is located in Adams County, Pennsylvania. From North or South, follow US 15 to Gettysburg and watch for signs to direct you to the National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center. The signs are near the exit at Rt. 97. Go north on Route 97 and look for the visitor center entrance, which will be on your left at the stoplight. From East or West, drive into Gettysburg on US Rt. 30, turn South on Baltimore Street (Rt. 97), and follow signs to the entrance of the visitor center, which will be on your right at the stoplight.

Flying

Harrisburg International Airport at Middletown, Pennsylvania, approximately 35 miles north of Gettysburg is the closest air terminal. The second closest is Baltimore-Washington International near Baltimore, Maryland. Gettysburg has a small airfield on Route 30 west of Gettysburg that will accommodate private aircraft.

Public Transportation

Freedom Transit provides public transportation for visitors from the Museum and Visitor Center to points in downtown Gettysburg and all around town via three fixed routes. The transit stop on Carlisle Street is close to the David Wills House, the Majestic Theater, and the Historic Gettysburg Train Station. For further information on routes, schedule, and fares, visit the Freedom Transit web site at www.ridethetrolley.com. Freedom Transit is a division of the Adams County Transit Authority (ACTA).

Phone Numbers

Primary

(717) 334-1124

Links