Gettysburg is a historic town in Pennsylvania that is most well-known for being the site of one of the most pivotal battles during the Civil War. Today, Gettysburg is a popular tourist destination for those interested in American history and not only. Gettysburg offers a wide range of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. Read on and find the most interesting places and things to do in Gettysburg.
History Of The Famous Battlefield Town
Gettysburg was the site of a major battle during the American Civil War. The battle, which took place in 1863, was one of the bloodiest in American history. More than 50,000 men were killed or wounded in the fighting. The Union Army eventually emerged victorious, and the battle is considered a turning point in the war.
Things To Do In Gettysburg
The town offers a lot of interesting places to visit and historic landmarks related to the Civil War. There are a lot of things to do in Gettysburg, and the following is a list of just a few top attractions that tourists can enjoy while in town.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Your visit to Gettysburg isn’t complete without a stop at the Gettysburg National Military Park. This is where the famous battle was fought, and today the park is home to numerous monuments and memorials. You can also take a guided tour of the battlefield, which is a great way to learn more about what happened during the battle.
Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield Historic District
Of course, the most popular things to do in Gettysburg center on the battlefields. The historic district includes over 11,000 acres and more than 1,000 historic structures related to the battle. You can take a self-guided or guided tour of the battlefields by car, bike, or on foot. There are also several monuments and memorials located throughout the district.
Visit the Gettysburg National Cemetery
The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers who died during the Battle of Gettysburg. The cemetery is open to the public year-round and offers several ranger-led programs.
Gettysburg Museum Of History
Whether you’re a history lover or not, a visit to the Gettysburg Museum Of History is a must. The museum offers a great introduction to the Battle of Gettysburg. You can also learn about the town’s history and see some amazing artifacts from the battle.
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Monument
This monument commemorates Abraham Lincoln ‘s famous speech. The monument is located on the site where Lincoln delivered the address. It was one of the most important speech delivered by a politician ever. If you’re looking for best things to do in Gettysburg, this famous place is a must-visit.
Take a Ghost Tour
Gettysburg is known for its ghosts, and there are several ghost tours you can take to learn more about the town’s spooky history. The tours typically last around two hours where you can visit some of the most haunted locations in Gettysburg.
Visit the Jennie Wade House
Jennie Wade was a civillian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. The house is now a museum where you can learn about her life and the battle. On the ground floor, there are relics from that fateful day in 1863, including the artillery shell that pierced the roof of the house and a floorboard stained with Jennie’s blood. If you’re looking for the most interesting sites in the area, this house will definitely take you back in time.
Cyclorama at the Gettysburg Museum
The Cyclorama is a 360-degree painting of the Battle of Gettysburg. The painting is over 42 feet tall and 377 feet in circumference. It is located at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center and is one of the best places in the area for a visit.
Shriver House Museum
Take a step back in time and explore one of the most historic homes in Gettysburg. The Shriver House Museum was used as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg and provides visitors with a unique perspective on the Civil War.
David Wills House
This house is known as a place where Lincoln stayed prior to delivering his famous speech. It is now a museum that is open to the public for tours. It was a home of the attorney David Wills and nowadays it exhibits several gallery-interactive museum related to the events. The bedroom where the president slept was fully restored. Visiting the house is one of the most interesting things to do in Gettysburg, not only for those who are interested in the American Civil War.
Sachs Covered Bridge
The Sachs Covered Bridge was built around 1854 and spans 100 feet across Marsh Creek. The two brigades of the I Corps of the Union Army, which were heading towards Gettysburg on July 1, 1863, crossed over it. If you’re in the area, make sure to check out this historic bridge which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Seminary Ridge Museum
The Seminary Ridge Museum is located in the historic Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary building. There are three floors of exhibits about the Battle of Gettysburg, the Civil War, and the town of Gettysburg. If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Gettysburg, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Gettysburg Diorama
If you’re looking for interesting things to do in Gettysburg, you can’t go wrong with the Gettysburg Diorama. The diorama is a large, three-dimensional model of the Battle of Gettysburg. It is a perfect place to learn about the battle. It is a truly unique experience of the events that took place. The admission is $9 for adults, $6 for seniors and children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
If you’re looking to explore more of Gettysburg’s history, Eisenhower National Historic Site is a great place to start. This site includes the home and farm of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the home, as well as see the restored farm buildings and grounds.
Gettysburg Heritage Center
This museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Gettysburg area. The center offers exhibits on the history of the town, the battle, and the people who lived here. There are also interactive activities for kids, making it a great place for families.
Mason Dixon Distillery
If you’re looking for something a little different, head to the Mason Dixon Distillery. They offer tours and tastings of their handcrafted spirits. The distillery offers high quality spirits distilled within a century-old factory, but also serves meals. You can take a tour and see how the process works or just enjoy a drink or dinner in the restaurant.
Best Time To Visit Gettysburg
The best time for a visit in this historic site is between September and October and March and May. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and there are comfortable temperatures for touring around town. Gettysburg can be quite crowded during the peak summer months, so if you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip for a different season. No matter what time you will choose however, Gettysburg will surely give you an unforgettable experience and a very emotional journey through time.
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