Park Regulations & Safety

Permits

Film Permit
Film Permits are provided on an individual basis. A Film Permit is not required if you only wish to film B-Roll or scenic shots, special access to buildings and sites is not required, you only want to film in areas open to the general public, you are only in the park during the hours the park is open, and you are not using props or special effects. For commercial filming in the park, there is a $50.00 fee per permit.

Special Use Permit
If you wish to conduct a formal event on the battlefield you are required to apply for a Special Use Permit. Certain areas of the park may be used by organized groups upon prior arrangement and with the permission of the park superintendent. For formal events to be held on the park, there is a $50.00 fee per permit. Contact Grace Reese in the park's Division of Visitor Services at (717) 334-1124, extension 464 for additional information.

Accessibility

The park has more than 26 miles of paved roads open for touring by private vehicle. Visitors with special needs may tour the park on their own with the use of a self-guiding park tour folder or may hire a licensed battlefield guide. Visitors should begin their tour at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.

For Those With Mobility Impairments: Touring may be done in your own vehicle. Private companies in Gettysburg offer bus tours. Wayside plaques and exhibits along the route are partially accessible, on paths and in flat, grass covered areas. Restrooms along the tour route are not handicapped accessible except for the restrooms at the West End Guide Station on US Rt. 30.

For Those With Hearing Impairments:
A free park folder available at the Visitor Center is keyed to the self-guiding tour signs along the park roads. Wayside exhibits are also located throughout the park.

For Those With Sight Impairments:
Visitors may wish to hire a licensed battlefield guide at the Visitor Center. The guide will present a two-hour tour in your own vehicle. Audio stations are located at various points in the park. All monuments and cannon are touchable, and may tell interesting stories.

PARK BUILDINGS

Visitor Centers
For Those With Mobility Impairments: The Visitor Center is fully accessible. Restrooms are located just inside the lobby. The film auditorium and Cyclorama auditorium (to open in September 2008) are fully accessible.

For Those With Hearing Impairments: A variety of written information is available in the Visitor Center. The film auditorium is equipped with sound amplification devices for those with a partial hearing loss. Ask at the ticket counter for assistance.

For Those With Sight Impairments: A taped narration of the park folder is available for loan at the information desk. A player is included.

Walking Trails
The two major self-guided walking tours are the High Water Mark and the National Cemetery. Folders for these areas are available at the park information desk.

For Those With Mobility Impairments: The two Round Top trails are over uneven earthen terrain with very limited paved areas. Approximately 50% of the High Water Mark Trail is accessible over level paved ground. The National Cemetery has paved roads and may be toured by vehicle. Notify the park ranger at the Visitor Center information desk for approval to enter the cemetery by vehicle. The burial areas are mown grass.

For Those With Hearing Impairments: All three trails have printed guides available. Ask at the Visitor Center information desk.

Eisenhower National Historic Site
The home and farm of the 34th President of the United States is located adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park. The site is open to visitors through the use of a shuttle bus system. All tours begin at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. The three mile bus ride to and from the site takes about seven minutes. Visitors may spend as much time as they like at the Eisenhower farm. For Those With Mobility Impairments: For those unable to board the shuttle bus, arrangements can be made to drive to the site. Ask at the Visitor Center information desk. The first floor of the house is accessible with staff assistance. The second floor requires a climb up a flight of stairs. A photo book of the second floor is available. The grounds around the house are gently rolling paved paths. Restrooms are not accessible. A wheelchair loan is available and free of charge.

For Those With Hearing Impairments: The grounds and house tours are in printed form.

For Those With Sight Impairments: Rangers are available throughout the site to provide information and assistance. A large print guide to the house is available for those with reduced vision.

Things To Know Before You Come

Summer months can be extremely hot and humid, with occasional severe thunderstorms. Fall and spring are pleasant with cool temperatures and brisk winds. Winter weather occasionally forces the closure of some park roads and buildings depending on severity. Sensible seasonal dress is recommended for your visit and depending on your planned activities, should include accessories such as sunscreen, hiking boots, and extra water.

The Visitor Center and Cyclorama Center at Gettysburg National Military Park are Federal facilities. For the purpose of public safety, back packs, day packs, large handbags, packages, large containers and large parcels are not permitted in these park buildings. All persons entering are subject to search. All purses are subject to inspection by Park Rangers on duty at all sites, including Eisenhower National Historic Site. It is to the visitor's benefit to leave such items locked in the trunk of their vehicle while visiting park buildings and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The possession of weapons is prohibited throughout the park.

Caution should be maintained while walking through tall grass and brush in natural and agricultural areas of the park. Lyme Disease can be transmitted to humans after contact with an infected deer tick, a smaller species of tick common in Pennsylvania. Visitors who prefer to walk in such areas should be aware of this danger and be certain to examine their clothing for these parasites. Poisonous plants and encounters with wildlife are not uncommon on the battlefield, and visitors should be aware of possible hazards while exploring the park on foot or by vehicle.

Bicycling Information

Bicycles are welcome at Gettysburg National Military Park. Bicycle riding is restricted to paved park roads and avenues and not allowed on park walks or trails. Off-road cycling is prohibited. The park urges bicyclists wear proper safety equipment and be aware of traffic on park roads, which can be very busy during summer months and weekends in the spring and fall. Park avenues intersect with public roads and traffic can be heavy at those intersections.

Pets

Pets are welcome at Gettysburg National Military Park though there are some general rules that pet owners should follow during their visit. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or in the Soldiers' National Cemetery at any time. Only seeing-eye dogs may enter the park Visitor Center and Cyclorama Center with their owners. Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times while in the park and owners are requested to be considerate by cleaning up after their pets. If pets are to be left in personal vehicles, owners should be aware that temperatures in an enclosed vehicle can rapidly reach over 100 degrees on a warm day. The vehicle should have proper ventilation with adequate water.