bus tours to gettysburg pa

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3 Days / 2 Nights

Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

Gettysburg & Hershey, Pennsylvania

A group bus tour, this package includes:.

• 2 Nights Lodging
• 2 Breakfasts
• Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center
• "A New Birth of Freedom" Film
• Cyclorama Painting
• Historic Battlefields Tour
• Eisenhower Farm
• Guided Hershey Tour
• Chocolate World Visitor Center and Chocolate Tour
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

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Bus Tour Schedule

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

778 Baltimore St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: 717-334-6296 Region: Dutch Country Roads

Travel the historic fields of Gettysburg aboard the famous Double Decker Bus as the epic conflict is played out before you. Licensed Battlefield Guide bus tours offer the visitor a truly unique perspective into the struggles of the three days' battle. Providing quality tours to Gettysburg visitors for over 40 years. Open year-round. Tickets are available at most of Gettysburg's finest lodging establishments.

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ANF Centennial GeoTrail

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Sunset Double Decker Bus Tour in Gettysburg

• Driver/guide
• Transport by coach
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 778 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA Check in for your tour at the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 778 Baltimore Street . Free parking is available at 778 Baltimore Street. Metered street parking is also available along Baltimore Street.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. If there is inclement weather, the tour may be held on an enclosed coach
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Gettysburg Battlefield

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 778 Baltimore St 778 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA Check in for your tour at the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 778 Baltimore Street . Free parking is available at 778 Baltimore Street. Metered street parking is also available along Baltimore Street. See address & details
• 1 Gettysburg Stop: 30 minutes Visitors will pass through the town of Gettysburg where they will learn about several of the historic buildings and events that took place during and soon after the battle. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• stacysB1450YF 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Battlefield tour-great experience! Our Battlefield tour was awesome. Our tour guide was so informative and we learned a lot about the battle and learning the history of the town was very interesting. We were thankful for the warm bus on a cold rainy day, and still having an enjoyable learning experience. Thank you! Read more Written April 26, 2024
• kevintM4591CR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thorough and entertaining Eric was an excellent tour guide. Well organized, knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the money for a first time visitor to Gettysburg! Read more Written April 25, 2024
• 168martic 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour, Brings the Battle to Life A fast but thorough tour. We only had a day to take Gettysburg in. Could have spent a week in this beautiful little town. If you want photos, you will want to drive through the battlefield yourself. We had a certified tour guide who was amazing. She totally brought the 3-day battle to life. The location has been updated, quite accomodating, and the staff very friendly. The bus we had was very clean and easy to get in and out of. Read more Written April 23, 2024
• ScioTraveler 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour Great tour. Very knowledgeable tour guide. Despite a very rainy day, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The guide and driver worked very well together and made it Read more Written April 22, 2024
• dianamA5317XE 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Too expensive for what you get There is so much information given in a very short period of time. There were only 2 stops, and the bus moved too quickly to take photos. I recommend taking the auto tour instead. It's much cheaper and you can go at your own pace. The staff were all very nice and knowledgeable. Read more Written April 21, 2024
• keithgB4698HK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Trip Very informative tour. So much information and I am sure the tour guide only touched on the surface. Two hours went by fast. Would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to learn about the battles. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• Paul A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent highly informative Having a knowledgeable and animated guide, explaining what happened where when and why, brought so much to the tour. Highly recommend this tour to anyone Read more Written April 15, 2024
• clb9011 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Do it! Excellent tour and guide. Great overall presentation on the progression of the three day battle. Over a thousand monuments and how many fit the individual battle fought there. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• 129djo 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great history tour of Gettysburg! This was a great tour to start out our trip to Gettysburg. Our bus driver and guide were wonderful. Our guide was so knowledgeable and easy to understand. Very enjoyable! Read more Written April 11, 2024
• Roberta I 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Get your tickets elsewhere Didn’t have our reservation and gave us the wrong address to go to! No one knew where we were supposed to go! Trip advisor contact cs person was not helpful Read more Written April 9, 2024
• upnaway2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t miss this incredible 2-hour tour of Gettysburg Bus trip! We just ended an incredible 2-hour bus tour that went by so quickly! We covered a lot of history, visited several key historic locations and monuments. The Licensed Volunteer tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the civil war, history, Gettysburg in such magnificent detail! As he explained key battles in animated vivid detail. Our group was captivated and almost felt like we were there! The bus we rode on was quite comfortable. They allowed riders to get off stretch our legs and walk with him as he pointed out all the key land marks. There was one rest room break. Not a lot of walking or climbing up hills, it wasn’t overly exhausting for the elderly in our group. We didn’t feel rushed and our tour guide answered any questions that came up, with full detail! The guide was a walking encyclopedia with all his knowledge! It wasn’t boring. We loved it! I might add we took this bus tour the day after spending a half day at the museum visitor center (bundle- film, cyclorama, museum— all very well worth it!) and were able to fully understand spatially the locations of knolls, ridges and hills mentioned at the museum! Highly recommend everyone should take this tour at least once to fully understand the historical significance of the Civil war and the role of Gettysburg in our history. Read more Written April 7, 2024
• Lisa D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rainy day fun Our tour guide and bus driver were awesome. It was a very rainy day, but John still made it enjoyable and the bus driver(Al?) defrosted and unfogged the windows as best he could. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Chris D 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get a complete overview of the park and battle. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and the tour bus was very nice and comfortable. We made a few stops where we were able to get out and see some of the monuments and points of interest more closely which was great. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Maps50213476975 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Educational Excellent and fun tour. Guide was knowledgeable. Brought to life the gravity of the battle while looking at what is now, a beautiful landscape. Read more Written April 6, 2024
• Brandon J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome detailed tour of the battle of Gettysburg with many details on what happened It was a cold and rainy day and this turned out to be nearly a private tour with just my family and 1 other couple on the bus. Our tour guide Eric was amazing and super knowledgeable and just a fun personality to be with on a 2 hour trip. Even though the weather was terrible I really enjoyed this tour and learned a lot about the battle of Gettysburg. Even my pre-teen daughter who had little interest in Gettysburg said she enjoyed the tour and it wasn’t too boring for her. I would highly recommend this tour! Read more Written April 4, 2024

More to explore in Gettysburg

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Sunset Double Decker Bus Tour in Gettysburg provided by Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

A Taste of Gettysburg

Experience a journey through taste and time on this historic voyage to gettysburg, featuring: an authentic victorian carriage tour, an orchard and winery trip, a visit to gettysburg heritage center, and so much more, day 1 - arrive gettysburg, pa, day 2 - gettysburg, day 3 - gettysburg, day 4 - gettysburg - home, tour details, gettysburg hotel, transportation, trip highlights, upcoming departures, if you like this tour, you may also like..., washington d.c.'s african-american history trail, historic philadelphia.

“Your guide served each member with dignity and with warmth that is a credit to your organization.”

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ALERT: Little Round Top is currently closed to all visitation for rehabilitation. The National Park Service estimates Little Round Top to reopen to the public in late Spring or early Summer 2024.  Learn more .

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Tour the Battlefield

Help preserve history..

Proceeds from tickets and other purchases in the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center benefit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. 

The statue of General Gouverneur Kemble Warren on Little Round Top

Significance

Why tour the battlefield, guided battlefield tours.

Tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Rigorously tested and licensed through the National Park Service, Licensed Battlefield Guides provide you with an informative, engaging and enlightening perspective of the battle, the people, the monuments and landmarks.

Car Tours Bus Tours

Save & Purchase the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience + Bus Tour Value Package

At A Glance

The National Park Service and the Gettysburg Foundation partner to enhance the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg through the Foundation's public outreach and private financial support.

National Park Service website

Gettysburg Battlefield Tour by Car

Guided Car Tour

Meet your Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Museum & Visitor Center for your personal tour of the battlefield.

• See the monuments and hear the stories as you tour with your Licensed Battlefield Guide across the battlefield. 
• Your Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car on the tour of the battlefield (on board). 
• Personalize your tour with a focus on specific actions, units or events of the battle.
• Reserve your tour at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.
• Call to reserve your guided car tour.

Reservations:  877-874-2478 | 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

Guided Bus Tour

• Start your tour and board your bus at the Museum & Visitor Center.
• Step onto hallowed ground and enrich your experience as your bus makes stops at some of the battlefield’s most legendary locations.
• Get more than just the facts. Gain an insightful picture of the personalities, places and events at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Exhibits & Tours

Film, cyclorama & museum experience, the film, cyclorama & museum experience introduces you to the civil war before, during and after the battle of gettysburg and prepares you for a more meaningful tour of the battlefield., battlefield value package, film cyclorama & museum + battlefield bus tour.

Make the most of your Gettysburg visit. Package the Film, Cyclorama and Museum with a battlefield bus tour for one memorable Gettysburg experience.

By Bus. By Car.

Step onto the hallowed ground and experience Little Round Top (when available, after the rehabilitation project is completed), Devil's Den and the Angle beyond the history books and movies. You'll tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide either in your car or by motor coach.

Battlefield Car Tour

Personalized experience.

Don’t miss a thing on your guided Battlefield Car Tour. Either onboard or point to point, your License Battlefield Guide will provide you with plenty of stops to answer your questions and enjoy your own private tour of the battlefield.

Call to reserve your guided battlefield car tour: 877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436

Gettysburg Cyclorama

Experience pickett's charge.

Originally displayed in 1884, the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama is a massive fully-restored, 360-degree painting that places you in the middle of Pickett’s Charge on the decisive third day of the Battle. 

Experience the Cyclorama as part of the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Package.

Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys

The new virtual reality experience at the gettysburg lincoln railroad station™.

All aboard for Gettysburg's first immersive virtual reality experience. During your visit, you will join one of three historic figures on a virtual journey to the railroad station following the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath in July 1863.

Children of Gettysburg 1863 ®

Family-friendly adventure.

Gettysburg's most family-friendly, interactive children's history museum. More than a typical children's museum, Children of Gettysburg 1863 ® tells the engaging stories of the children, teens and young adults who lived in and near Gettysburg during and after the 1863 battle.

Plan Your Visit to Gettysburg.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, or you return year-after-year, we can help you plan your visit. 

Trails & Tours

Plan Your Gettysburg Trip

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Double Decker Bus Tours of the Gettysburg Battlefield

Last Date: 4/24/21

Time: 3-5pm

Price: Upper Deck: $36/adults; $22/youth ages 6-12; Lower Deck: $35/adults and $21/youth ages 6-12; Free for children ages 5 and under.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center 1195 Baltimore Pike Gettysburg, PA

Visitors to the  Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center  have the opportunity to see the Gettysburg battlefield and experience popular battlefield vistas on Saturday afternoons in April 2021.

Sensational views and spectacular scenery await you on your afternoon battlefield tour aboard a double-decker bus.

With a 360-degree view of the battlefield, you’ll gain a new perspective of the battle as your Licensed Battlefield Guide provides the narrative for this unique, insightful and visually stunning tour.

Limited to one tour select Saturdays, the Double Decker Bus Tour departs the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center at 3pm.

Watch for additional Double Decker Bus Tours departing from the Museum & Visitor Center coming throughout the spring and summer. Visit here to learn more and purchase tickets in advance or call Guest Relations at 877-874-2478.

Get the Gettysburg, PA Inspiration Guide

Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015

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18 Top Things to do in Gettysburg, PA

G ettysburg, Pennsylvania was not a destination that was on my USA bucket list, and before visiting, I had no idea how much there was to see and do.

I definitely knew there were interesting things to do in Gettysburg PA, but my outdoor adventure mind is more pointed towards hikes, bike rides and kayaking adventures.

But, as I grew up hearing about the heroes of Gettysburg from my Dad and we were passing through it on our way from Lake Lure to New York City , I penciled it into our multi-generational family road trip itinerary.

It ended up being one of my favorite destinations on the trip.

If you’re thinking of visiting Gettysburg but you’re not sure what there is to do besides the battlefields, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, I’ve listed what to do in Gettysburg for any first time visitor.

Is Gettysburg worth visiting?

How many days do you need in gettysburg, 1. visit the visitor center and museum, gettysburg battlefield tour options, 3. visit soldier’s national cemetery, gettysburg pa, 4. check out the shriver house museum, 5. wander around downtown gettysburg, 6. take one of the gettysburg ghost tours, 7. explore the seminary ridge museum, 8. go wine and spirit tasting, 9. check out devils den, 10. visit david wills house, 11. see the gettysburg diorama and history center, 12. visit the gettysburg museum of history, 13. take the kids to land of little horses, 14. watch a show at majestic theater, 15. go colonial at the historic dobbin house tavern, 16. grab lunch & cold brew at appalachian brewing co, 17. have a classic diner breakfast at lincoln diner, 18. gettysburg eddies, the lodges at gettysburg, gettysburg hotel, video of gettysburg, other historical experiences in the us, pin to save on pinterest:.

Planning your trip to Gettybsurg last-minute?

Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Gettysburg! Here are some of the top tours, hotels, and useful items you may need before your trip!

Top Experiences and Tours in Gettysburg

• Gettysburg auto tour with licensed battlefield guide (relax as you’re driven around and told fascinating stories
• Gettysburg 1863 Historic Downtown Walking tour Hear about the impact on the lives of the local residents.
• Guided walking tour of Gettysburg where you visit the most historic and happening breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries.

Top Accommodation and Hotels in Gettysburg

• The historic Gettysburg Hotel is located on Lincoln Square and is walking distance to most of downtown.
• The Lodges of Gettysburg have cute cottages that overlook the countryside with views of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the distance.

I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this quaint Pennsylvania country town, but also how much I got personally from experiencing the history of the Gettysburg battle.

It’s the places that help our soul evolve that we remember most.

Gettysburg, PA is one of the most patriotic destinations in America and a wonderful place for you to immerse yourself, and the kids, in history.

Not just Civil War history, but the area’s connection to two American Presidents – Abraham Lincoln and his famous Gettysburg address, and Dwight Eisenhower who’s home is now a museum the Eisenhower National Historic Site dedicated to his life in Gettysburg.

Gettysburg and Adams County, where it is situated, is picture perfect Pennsylvania rolling countryside.

This means there is plenty for my outdoor loving mind to enjoy.

From culinary experiences, wineries and breweries, and outdoor adventures to arts festivals and food tours, there is so many more great things to do in Gettysburg that don’t involve battle fields, museums and tours.

We only had a short stay, so didn’t get to experience too much; it was more about exploring the Gettysburg Battlefield and living a little Civil War History.

We’d love to come back to diver deeper into the local flavors of the destination. To see all the highlights, I recommend staying 2-3 days, but if you have more time at your disposal you could spend 4-5 days here without getting bored.

Things to Do in Gettysburg PA

The most unmissable thing to do in Gettysburg is to explore the Gettysburg National Military Park.

Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania, where a three-day Civil War battle in 1863 took the lives of 51,000 people, is now the Gettysburg National Military Park.

What happened in Gettysburg over 150 years ago was very important to the final outcome of the Civil War.

The best place to start your trip to Gettysburg is at the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg Military Park.

I recommend visiting here before doing the Battlefield tour so you have a good grasp of how the battle started and why and how it affected all those involved, soldiers and civilians.

This is a popular Gettysburg attraction so it can get busy and leave yourself plenty of time.

We ran out of time and only got about 2/3 of the way through the museum galleries, which we found the informative and fascinating.

In the museum’s 11 galleries, you’ll see artifacts, artillery, and displays about the battle, the war, and its aftermath, as well as interactive exhibits and theaters with videos and voice accounts by military leaders, common soldiers, and civilians.

The Museum experience begins with a film narrated by Morgan Freedom which gives a fantastic overview of the Civil War and Gettysburg battle.

A highlight of the museum is the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama, painted in the late 1880s by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux.

The cyclorama within the Museum is the largest oil painting in North America and tells the story of the infamous Pickett’s Charge that ended the Battle of Gettysburg.

The painting wraps around the room and shares intricate details of the parts of the battle, the charges the cannon fire, the deaths all of which is simulated with sounds and light effects.

I teared up feeling that battle and thinking of all those young men walking to almost certain death.

Such a tragic loss of life. As Robert E Lee said:

It’s well that war is so terrible – so we don’t grow too fond of it.

2. Take One of the Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

Gettysburg moved and inspired me more than I realized. I wrote more about it in this post.

We travel to learn, reflect, and understand people and events in our past so that we may create better futures. Gettysburg is one of those transformative places.

Even though during the Civil War it was a place of horror and death, it’s now a memorial to the spirit of peace, unity, and togetherness.

Out of that bloodshed, the seeds for a better way were planted.

It’s a fascinating story in a beautiful landscape that has an ethereal spiritual peace about it. It was one of the highlight on our Dallas to Boston road trip, and of our American unplugged journey so far.

Touring the Gettysburg Battlefield is a half to full day experience, depending on how deep you want to go.

There are 1,400 monuments and statues places around the battlefields.

Most of these monuments have been placed where the particular units fought, with small square stones indicating the lines of the unit’s formation.

This helps you to piece together the different parts of the battle over the three days and just how many men were involved.

Previous to 1886, only Union Monuments were allowed such was the bitterness over this horrendous war. Now there are monuments to commemorate both armies and unite those once divided.

As Lincoln reminded us – so they did not die in vain.

The North Carolina Memorial, depicting five soldiers advancing in Pickett’s Charge, is said to be similar to Iwo Jima and so is a popular memorial to visit.

The Pennsylvania Memorial, is the largest and most complex of the park’s monuments and the only memorial recording the names of all the soldiers from the state who fought at Gettysburg.

We recommend a Gettysburg auto tour with licensed battlefield guide as the best way to visit the Gettysburg Battlefields.

A Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car to points of interest around the battlefield sharing facts and interesting stories of generals, soldiers and townspeople.

Our guide had over 30 years of experiences and was a wealth of knowledge.

He really brought it to life for us and helped us to understand what Union and Confederate soldiers, and the local people went through.

I loved standing on top of Little Round Top and seeing the battlefield stretched out before us and imagining the chaos happening all around.

It’s amazing how peaceful and beautiful it is now.

Alternatively, you can do a self-guided driving tour to the various sites using an app with narration.

You’ll miss a good deal of the stories which help give you a better understanding and feel for what happened here if you guide yourself.

There are also bus tours of the battlefield , guided bike tours of the battlefield, horseback riding tours of the Battlefield , Segway or GettyPed guided tour, and horse-drawn carriage tours of the battlefield .

Each July, on the anniversary of the battle (July 1-3), a Gettysburg Civil War Reenactment happens.

Re-enactors in authentic uniforms take on the roles of those who fought here, from generals to common foot soldiers, firing cannons and authentic weapons.

It’s meant to be quite the experience.

A popular scenic and historic bridge we missed is the red Sachs Covered Bridge, a 100-foot-long covered bridge spanning Marsh Creek.

During the Civil War, the bridge was used by both the Union and Confederate Armies. It was a major escape route for the Confederate army as it retreated to Virginia after the Battle of Gettysburg.

It’s a pedestrian only bridge.

The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the first of the USA’s National Cemeteries and famous as the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg address.

3,500 Union soldiers who died at Gettysburg share a final resting place here in graves arranged in a wide semi circle radiating out from the Soldiers’ National Monument.

Even after careful examinations of bodies and anything else that could be used to identify them, half of the Gettysburg soldiers buried in the National Cemetery are unknown.

It really brings to light just how catastrophic the Battle of Gettysburg was.

There is also a 3,307 post Civil-War burials in the National Cemetery containing the remains of American soldiers and their dependents from the Civil War through to Vietnam.

Upon walking in, the President Lincoln Speech Monument has the words of the infamous Gettysburg address and is worth reflecting on.

20,000 people gathered for National Cemetery dedication to hear Lincoln remind them of the Founding Fathers declaration of liberty and equality.

A walking tour takes you through five main spots in the National Cemetery and takes about 40 minutes.

The tour stops are marked but you can pick up a walking tour map from the visitor Center to guide you.

The events of Gettysburg did not just happen on the battlefields and impact only those fighting.

This battle raged across Gettysburg town, a small town of 2,400 people.

It’s important on your visit to Gettysburg, that you don’t forget to learn about what happened to the townspeople on the streets of Gettysburg.

The Shriver House Museum gives a wonderful insight into what happened in the home owned by one of the wealthiest in town and was occupied by Confederate Sharpshooters during the battle.

We were taken through the restored 1860 home of the Shriver family by a costume interpreter who was engaging and informative.

She brought to life the world of the Shriver family and pain the townspeople went through during the battle.

Upstairs is the sharpshooters nest, which has been restored to show how it looked when confederate soldiers knocked two holes through its brick wall to fire at Union troops on nearby Cemetery Hill.

We saw how one of them was killed and then the destruction they left behind in the house.

Although the confederate soldiers did not kill any residents when taking over their houses, they certainly took and destroyed a lot of things – they were the enemy after all.

This was a fabulous tour which helped us to see the story from the perspective of the people who lived in Gettysburg and the mess they were left with to clean up.

You can also tour the Jennie Wade House and hear the story of the only civilian killed in the three-day battle at Gettysburg.

The Downtown area of Gettysburg has a charming American Main Street lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants and leading right up to historic Lincoln Square.

Many of the stores in Gettysburg sell Civil War memorabilia and artifacts.

Others are gifts shops that specialize in related themes such as folk art and Americana.

There are many historic buildings, many of which tell the story of the Gettysburg battle with bullet holes still present in the brick walls.

You’ll find good homemade ice cream at Mr G’s. There is a pretty garden you can sit in and watch the Gettysburg life roll by.

On Lincoln Square is The David Willis House where Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address and prepared his famous speech.

The Wills House Museum illustrates life in Gettysburg after the battle and how local people were left with the tasks of cleanup and caring for the wounded.

If you don’t visit the inside, you can get a photo with a Lincoln statue out the front.

Ghost tours are one of the most popular things to do in Gettysburg PA.

It is known to be the most haunted place in America, and with good reason.

Unfortunately we did not notice any spooky specters, but we did not have time to do a ghost tour. Kalyra was so very keen to experience it. She was probably the only one in our group who would go with me.

It’s definitely on our list of things to do in Gettysburg, PA when we return.

Walk down the main street of Gettysburg and you’ll find many ghost walking tours advertised and happening!

You’ll love seeing the guides dressed in period costume and the looks of anticipation and fear on the faces of those following along.

Some are more involved than others, so if going out in the night with energy reading gear is your thing, there’s a tour for you.

Visit the haunted spots through town and learn a history tidbit or two along the way. And who knows, you might spot a ghost!

Ghost tours to Explore

You can book the following ghost tours via Get Your Guide. You can book now, pay later and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance. It’s best to book in advance so you’re guarnteed a spot – they are popular!

• Ghost Hunt Tour with Ghost Hunting Equipment
• Devil’s Hour Paranormal Investigation Tour
• “History and Haunts” Family Friendly Ghost Tour

Houses inside the old university, the oldest building in Gettysburg is the Seminary Ridge Museum, a non-profit museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving civil war memorabilia.

While the museum itself is interesting with civil war displays, if you have already been to the History Center and Military Park visitor center, you might be over the history now and have a pretty good idea of what happened here.

However, the museum is worth stopping by to check out the architecture. The building was constructed. in1826 and is iconic for its red exterior.

Surrounding Gettysburg is a vast countryside which is home to wineries and vineyards. One of the best wineries to visit is the Adams County Winery which is the fifth oldest winery in Pennsylvania.

Surrounded by forest and wildflowers, it’s the perfect place to sit and relax whilst enjoying a glass of crisp local wine.

Or you can take a guided tour of the farm’s winery or take part in a tasting experience.

If you prefer spirits such as vodka, rum and whiskey, then head over to Mason Dixon Distillery which has been producing top-class spirits for over 100 years.

You can take behind the scenes of tours of the distillery or head to the tasting room to sample some spirits.

You can also join a guided walking tour in Gettysburg where you visit the most historic and happening breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries. See rates and availability.

Devil’s Den is a huge rock formation on the south end of Houck’s Ridge and is well known for being the location where more than 5,000 soldiers from nine states fought in a bloody battle in the 19th century during the Civil War.

On July 2nd, 1863, chaos was set loose as artillery and infantry fought on the second day of fighting, which caused many soldiers to lose their life.

While the boulder isn’t anything special in terms of what it looks like, the site that it lays on is historically important.

Another one of Gettysburg’s historical landmarks is David Wills House, which is operated by the National Parks Service.

David Wills house is famous for being where President Lincoln stayed the night before he gave his address on 19th November 1863.

Today the house is a museum that focuses on Lincoln’s life and his address at Gettysburg.

Just across the road from the National Cemetery is the Gettysburg Diorama and History Center, which features a diarama of the entire 6000 acre battlefield site in miniature form.

You can see 20,000 hand-painted soldiers as well as their horses and cannons, as well as buildings and key monuments in the battle.

It’s a great way to bring history to life and visualize what really happened on the battlefield.

If you’re not over history, then a visit to Gettysburg Museum of History is a must. While the other museums on this list focus on the civil war battle, the Gettysburg Museum of History accounts for all wars and historical moments that are of national importance, such as WWI.

You can find exhibits dedicated to US presidents, see snap shots of Bonnie and Clyde’s gang, see an Egyptian mummy head, or see religious relics belonging to the Christian church.

It really is a mash up of history.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gettysburg with kids, then a visit to see the miniature horses of Land of Little Horses is a must.

This interactive theme park allows you to get up close to miniature horses and pet and feed them.

This family-owned park has been operating since 1970, who breed and care for these tiny horses.

The Majestic Theater is a historic theater that has been showing performances since the 1920s.

It’s a small theater that shows everything from movie screenings to jazz concerts to stand up comedy.

If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Gettysburg at night, then check out the “what’s on” calendar and see what’s happening.

Places to Eat in Gettysburg, PA

With the surrounding farmland of Adams County, Gettysburg is becoming quite the culinary destination and notable craft brew and cider (hello Apple Country) is on the rise.

We didn’t get much time to dive into these modern culinary delights, but here are the restaurants and cafes we did experience.

Eat, drink and be merry at an authentic colonial tavern known to be one of the best restaurants in Gettysburg .

Dobbin House Tavern is the oldest standing structure in Gettysburg and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This Gettysburg attraction is not just a delicious meal but a step back into charming colonial times.

Completed in 1776, the Dobbin House served as both a home and classical school. In the mid-1800’s, a secret crawl space served as a “station” for hiding runaway slaves on the “Underground Railroad.”

It also served as a hospital for wounded soldiers of both the North and the South.

Today it is a restaurant, colonial tavern, ballroom, store and Inn.

Today the historic house appears virtually the same as it did over 200 years ago.

Its native stone walls, seven fireplaces, and hand carved woodwork have been painstakingly restored to their original beauty and character, with interior décor in the traditional eighteenth century manner.

The wait staff wear period costume and are very attentive.

You can roam around the rooms to glimpse life as it was once in the parlor, library and secret Underground Railroad room.

The homemade colonial bread is absolutely delicious. Every table gets a huge basket upon ordering. I’m gluten free, but sneaked a couple of bites it was so irresistible.

It may take you awhile to order as you read through the Olde English style menu, not just for the unusual spelling styles but the unique dishes.

Our mains were equally delicious: roast duck with Adam’s Apples and hard cider. Served with cider sauce and citrus herbs!! I like Colonial style.

Kalyra loved the fact that Dobbin House is meant to be one of the most haunted places in Gettysburg.

She eagerly did her Google research on the haunted stories and spent the entire time at dinner, writing secret notes to the ghosts to come out and say hello!

I told her to add a P.S. Make sure you say hi to Mum too!

Housed in an abandoned 100 year old building, the Appalachian Brewing Co have been doing since 1997, long before craft brewing it became trendy.

They began in nearby Harrisburg and their Gettysburg location is one of 6 restaurants in Pennsylvania.

It’s very family friendly, has an innovative brewpub menu and delicious brews.

My Nutty Fruity Salad was delicious with greens, crisp apples, Craisins, walnuts and bleu cheese crumbles and happy poppy dressing.

There’s a lovely beer garden to the side and they often have live music at the pub.

My parents were stoked to walk into the the Lincoln Diner – a 60 year old local’s favorite diner – and see the counter stools.

Thankfully, a local moved over so we could all take a seat. It made talking in a party of six difficult, but my parents sure loved the authentic experience and grabbed a couple of photos for evidence.

They do really do diners like this in America!

It’s diner food so your standard bacon, eggs and hash browns kinda deal. Nothing fancy to report, but the food was pretty good and incredibly cheap, and the service was friendly and fast.

This sports bar and restaurant pays tribute to Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Eddy Plank who was born 10 years afar the Civil War on his parents farm north of Gettysburg.

He had quite the illustrious career ranking 13th on the All Time Win List.

Gettysburg Eddies specializes in homestyle dishes, NY-style deli sandwiches, Maryland crab cakes, and burgers.

It’s across from the National Cemetery and makes for a casual restaurant lunch. We visited on a Monday evening, and took advantage of the cheaper Steak Night specials.

Where to Stay in Gettysburg

If you’re undecided on places to stay in Gettysburg, then here are some places we stayed and enjoyed.

We stayed in a lovely cottage about 15 minutes from Downtown Gettysburg, as guests at the Lodges of Gettysburg .

The cottages overlook the countryside with views of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the distance. They’re comfortable and quiet and the property has a walking trail and a lovely pond on site.

The Lodges are a great option if you have a big traveling party and also want access to your own kitchen.

Check prices and availability of the Lodges at Gettysburg here.

If you want to be closer to the restaurants and attractions in Downtown Gettysburg, then we recommend the Gettysburg Hotel.

It’s located on Lincoln Square and is walking distance to most of downtown and a three minute drive to the Gettysburg Battlefields.

It was established in 1979, so is a very historic hotel. President Eisenhower and his wife once stayed there. And some residents from a different time and place are said to frequently visit!!

Put some thrills and chills into your Gettysburg trip.

Check prices and availability for the Gettysburg Hotel here.

Final thoughts on things to do in Gettysburg

Gettysburg is a worthwhile destination, especially if oyu love history. It’s a surprisingly spiritual and peaceful place with much for us to learn from. Not only this, it has many other fun things to do and a thriving food, beer and wine scene.

(Sadly, we lost most of our photos on our failed external hard drive. Many thanks to Destination Gettysburg for supplying some images where needed).

If you love history, you may enjoy these other historical attractions in the USA.

• The Historical and Hilarious Boston Freedom Freedom Trail Tour
• See History Come alive in Greater Williamsburg, VA
• Reflecting on Freedom and how to visit the Statue of Liberty
• 5 Important Experiences on The Civil Rights Trail
• Remember the Alamo, San Antonio Texas
• An East Coast Revolutionary War Road Trip