Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg lacks major highways, so driving through town can be challenging, especially during the congested summer season. Visitors coming by car should plan to bring bikes. The Gettysburg Inner Loop is a series of roads, alleys, and off-road trails that allow cyclists to safely travel around the borough and military park. – Alex J. Hayes

Exploring Gettysburg National Military Park

The roughly 6,000-acre Gettysburg National Military Park surrounds the downtown area and is a must-see for history buffs, especially those with an interest in the Civil War. This historic site marks where Confederate troops clashed with Union soldiers for three days in July 1863, resulting in a decisive victory for the North. However, this key win for the Union came at a high cost: More than 51,000 soldiers on both sides died, were wounded, went missing, or were captured, making it the bloodiest battle of the war.

Park Activities and Attractions

Today, Gettysburg National Military Park welcomes visitors eager to learn more about the Civil War through exhibits, ranger programs, guided tours, and special events. Some of the park's most noteworthy sights include:

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center

For an introduction into the events of those three fateful days in 1863, travelers should head to the park's museum and visitor center. This facility offers general information about the park and includes amenities such as restrooms, a book store, and a cafe. The museum and visitor center also feature several fee-based attractions, including:

Exhibits and Amenities

• The Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War
• Theaters showing a film narrated by Morgan Freeman
• The expansive Battle of Gettysburg painting, known as the Gettysburg Cyclorama, by French artist Paul Philippoteaux

All three experiences cost between $15.75 and $20.75 per person, while tickets for only the museum range between $12.75 and $14.75 per person. Children aged 5 and younger can enter for free. The building is free to visit and is open daily from 8 or 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m., depending on the season.

Devil's Den

One of the most important sections of Gettysburg National Military Park's battlefield is Devil's Den. This area features multiple large boulders that Union troops used as vantage points and cover while fighting Confederate soldiers. Additionally, it includes the popular Little Round Top outlook, which houses a stone monument with an observation deck. Visiting Devil's Den and its monument is free during park hours.

Soldiers' National Cemetery

More than 6,000 individuals, including over 3,500 Union soldiers, are buried in Soldiers' National Cemetery. Designed by local leaders after the war, this cemetery was dedicated on Nov. 19, 1863, and is where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his iconic "Gettysburg Address." The cemetery is open daily from dawn to dusk and there is no entrance fee.

Park Hours

You can explore Gettysburg National Military Park's grounds for free every day from sunrise to sunset. The park is within walking and biking distance of central Gettysburg and top attractions like the Shriver House Museum and the Gettysburg Diorama & History Center. Additionally, several complimentary parking lots are available for those driving.

Guided Tours

Highly recommended two-hour guided car and bus tours can be arranged for a fee. These tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation through the Gettysburg Foundation website.

For more information about Gettysburg National Military Park, visit the National Park Service website.