tours to gettysburg from philadelphia

Tour Gettysburg Battlefield in One Day

If you have one day for this trip, spend it exploring the iconic Gettysburg National Military Park, site of one of the most important battles of the Civil War and one of the greatest speeches of all time. Gettysburg offers a great opportunity to explore the Civil War from the micro to the macro level.

Total Stops: 1

Total Time: 4-6 Hours (7-8 if you love to hike)

Total Distance: 2-mile radius

Before You Go:

• Print or Download this Tour Map
• Watch the Gettysburg Animated Map
• View the Gettysburg 360° Virtual Tour
• Download the Gettysburg Battle App

Stop #1: Gettysburg National Military Park

Time: 4-6 Hours

Details: https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm

What To Do:

• Find out what Ranger Programs are scheduled for that day.
• View the film, A New Birth of Freedom , and see the Cyclorama. A ticket for the film includes the Cyclorama, after the film, you will go immediately into the Cyclorama.
• Tour the museum, which will give you a history of the war as a whole, not just the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Stop by the gift shop and bookstore.
• Follow the NPS Auto Tour Route and get out and explore each stop.
• Purchase a touring CD from the bookstore.
• Use the Civil War Trust’s free Gettysburg Battle App on your smartphone or iPad.
• Hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide to accompany you.

Don’t Miss:

• Little Round Top – Location of the Union left flank, famously held by the 20 th Maine and Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.
• Devil’s Den – Site of vicious fighting just below Little Round Top.
• The High Water Mark – The point of the Cemetery Ridge where the Confederacy reached the Union center after Pickett’s Charge, on the third and final day of the battle.
• Soldier’s National Cemetery – The resting place for more than 3,500 Union Troops killed in the battle.

If you have time:

• Visit the David Wills House, where Lincoln stayed the night before he gave the Gettysburg Address. The house has been recently renovated into a wonderful museum.
• Take a battlefield hike on one of Gettysburg’s trails. See your NPS touring map for locations Hike the Fish Hook (the right flank defensive position of the Union army for a rigorous walk.
• Do what strikes your fancy. Gettysburg is a battlefield on which you could spend hundreds of hours and never do the same thing twice. Explore what interests you!

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Philadelphia to Gettysburg: How to Get There & Where to Stop Along the Way

Are you planning a road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg ? This historic route is full of interesting stops, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary.

Never fear! We are here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your trip. We’ll cover the best routes to take, where to stop, and the must-see attractions along the way.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun weekend getaway, this road trip has it all. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Pennsylvania’s countryside.

Recommended: Car from Philadelphia to Gettysburg

Are you planning to travel from the lively city of Philadelphia to the historic town of Gettysburg? There are several transportation options available to make this trip, such as taking a flight or hopping on a bus.

However , we recommend driving from Philadelphia to Gettysburg. This way, you’ll have the freedom to explore the area at your leisure without time constraints, delays, or cancellations.

The drive is less than 150 miles and should take you 3 hours or less to reach Gettysburg from Philadelphia.

If you’re vacationing in the Philadelphia area, renting a car and traveling to Gettysburg for 2-3 days is a great way to add on to the trip!

Get the Best Prices on Rental Cars from DiscoverCars!

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Cheapest Way to Get From Philadelphia to Gettysburg

There are several affordable options when it comes to traveling from the bustling city of Philadelphia to the historic town of Gettysburg. The cheapest way, other than driving your own car, to get from Philadelphia to Gettysburg is by taking a bus. There are several bus services available that provide affordable travel options from Philadelphia to Gettysburg.

Greyhound, Megabus, and Rabbit Transit are some of the popular bus services operating in and around the area. The average cost of a one-way bus ticket ranges from $45 to $65, depending on the time of booking and the bus service you choose.

Most likely, you’ll be traveling to Harrisburg via a bus and then connecting from there to Gettysburg as the final destination

It’s recommended to book the bus tickets early, at least a week in advance, to get the best deals. Booking early helps to avoid last-minute price hikes and ensures a cheaper travel cost. You can book the bus tickets online at the respective bus service websites or through popular bus ticket booking websites like Busbud and Wanderu.

Bus from Philadelphia to Gettysburg

If you’re planning to take a bus from Philadelphia, PA to Gettysburg, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. The bus service that operates the Philadelphia to Gettysburg route is Rabbit Transit. You can catch their bus from the Philadelphia Bus Station located at 1001 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

2. The bus will take you to the Harrisburg Transfer Center, located at 333 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. This is where you will transfer to another Rabbit Transit bus that will take you to Gettysburg Transfer Center.

3. The Gettysburg Transfer Center is located at 118 Carlisle St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. From there, you can easily access the Gettysburg Battlefield, Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center, and other historic sites.

Rabbit Transit operates buses from Philadelphia to Harrisburg every day.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily take the Rabbit Transit bus from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and experience the rich history of this charming town.

Other Ways to Get From Philadelphia to Gettysburg

While these are not the most economical or time-savvy, they are options we just wanted to make sure you’re aware of when planning your trip for the sake of comprehensiveness.

Fly to Altoona, Drive to Gettysburg

Travelers can opt to fly to Altoona and then drive to Gettysburg. The Altoona-Blair County Airport offers commercial flights from the Philadelphia International Airport. The estimated price of a one-way ticket is around $100, and the average duration of the flight is 1 hour.

Flights from Philadelphia to Altoona are available daily. Once you arrive in Altoona, you can rent a car at the airport to drive to Gettysburg. It’s best to check the available rental car companies at the airport in advance and make a reservation to ensure availability and avoid any inconvenience.

Check Rental Car Prices from Altoona on Expedia

It takes approximately 2 hours to reach your destination, so you’re not saving any time if Gettysburg is your only destination!

Fly to Harrisburg, Then Take A Bus

Travelers can take a convenient flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Harrisburg International Airport for a quick and comfortable journey. With a travel time of just 35 minutes, flights from PHL to MDT are frequent. The flight cost can vary significantly and can be hundreds of dollars.

After arriving at Harrisburg International Airport, travelers can take a bus from Market St. in Philadelphia to Gettysburg Transfer Center. The estimated travel time for this bus journey is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This isn’t the most wallet-friendly or time-friendly option, but it is an option. Just know that it exists, but we certainly wouldn’t recommend it.

Philadelphia to Gettysburg: A Road Trip Full of History

Embark on a historical road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg to explore some of the most significant sites and landmarks of American history. This scenic journey takes you through picturesque countryside, colonial times, and important historical sites to provide a hands-on history lesson.

The first day of your itinerary will be spent exploring the historic city of Philadelphia, which is full of American history and culture. Get in the zone for learning about history by starting off with the significant sites in Philadelphia for one day .

Start your day by visiting Independence National Historical Park, an iconic landmark that is home to many historical sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Next, take a stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, one of America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential streets. This charming alley boasts colonial-era homes and buildings, some of which date back to the early 1700s. Stop at the Betsy Ross House or Benjamin Franklin’s grave on the way by.

Make sure to stop by Reading Terminal Market and grab some local bites for lunch. This indoor market is a foodie’s heaven, offering a wide selection of fresh and delicious eats from local vendors.

In the afternoon, you can visit the Eastern State Penitentiary , an infamous prison that was designed with a revolutionary system of solitary confinement. This eerie prison has been preserved as a museum and offers self-guided tours that provide a fascinating insight into the history of crime and punishment.

Wrap up the day at a decent hour because tomorrow is going to be a long one!

On Day 2 of your history road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg, start by driving just 35 minutes to Valley Forge National Historic Park. It’s right along your route, so no need for a long detour!

This park is beautiful year-round, but especially in the spring and fall thanks to its 35 miles of trails lined with monuments. Don’t miss the stunning Washington Memorial Chapel or the reconstructed log huts where General Washington’s Continental Army spent the harsh winter of 1777-1778.

You can learn more about this pivotal moment in American history by following the park’s 60-minute audio tour .

Next, head to Brandywine Battlefield Park, which is roughly a 45-minute drive south of Valley Forge National Historic Park. The largest land battle on any single day of the Revolutionary War took place here on September 11, 1777. The Park offers a self-guided or audio tour, so you will be able to visit Washington’s headquarters’ buildings along with some of the other historic sites. Be sure to take some time to take it all in, so you can imagine what the battle would have been like over 240 years ago.

After you’re done exploring the battlefield, drive about an hour to Lancaster for a tour of the Amish Countryside. If you really want to get behind the scenes, you can take a unique behind-the-scenes tour to peek into their way of life.

In the end, day 2 of your history tour from Philadelphia to Gettysburg will provide you with the perfect blend of education, history, and fun.

Spend the night in Lancaster in the AmishView Inn & Suites . Depending on the season, you can wake up in the morning to a view of Amish farmers tending their fields out your window.

Begin the road trip by driving about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the hotel in Lancaster to Gettysburg. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before you set out!

On Day 3 of your Philadelphia to Gettysburg history road trip, make it a priority to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. This is the perfect place to start your journey through the battlefield.

The museum offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that highlight the important events of the Civil War. Be sure to take some time exploring the museum before venturing out into the battlefield.

After visiting the museum, head over to the Children of Gettysburg 1863 exhibit, an exciting stop ideal for families traveling with kids. This interactive exhibit uses various state-of-the-art technologies to transport visitors back to the Civil War era. Children will love engaging in activities that will help them better understand the difficult times people faced while living in Gettysburg during the Civil War.

End your Gettysburg visit with a trip through the battlefield, which can be done on foot, bike, horse, or with a vehicle. This journey will allow you to fully explore the 6,000-acre battlefield where the Civil War saw the turning point in favor of the Union forces. Take in the stunning vistas, visit monuments that honor the sacrifices made by brave soldiers, and listen to expert guides as they point out pivotal landmarks.

Taking a tour of the Gettysburg battlefields on horseback is a unique way to explore, and you can imagine what it was like for the cavalry navigating the lands during the Civil War.

Book a Tour of the Gettysburg Battlefields on Horseback!

While one day in Gettysburg will not allow enough time to see all of the sights, you can certainly get your feet wet or take a few more days to explore.

A road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg is not just about the destination, but the journey as well. With so many historical and scenic stops along the way, it’s a trip that’s sure to be an unforgettable one for any history lover.

Samantha is the owner and author of PAonPause, a blog that helps travelers find the best outdoor travel experiences and highlights unique locations around the Great Lakes. When she isn't writing and creating content for the website, she's hiking and exploring with her husband and 2 rescue pups. She also enjoys a good craft beer, a summer ride in her Jeep with the top down, and discovering a new waterfall.

History Road Trip: Philadelphia to Gettysburg

Take a road trip from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and pick up bits of American history along the way.

Since the founding of our Country, Pennsylvania has been a part of history. With so much to explore and learn, why not plan a roadtrip around PA for a hands-on history lesson? Any time of year there is sure to be plenty to see and do. We recommend you plan for at least two to three days to complete this trip- perfect for a long weekend getaway.

As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia is a great place to start your trip. With numerous historic locations, a historic district, and a plethora of tours, guides, and resources you can certainly fill a day or more here depending on your schedule.

After you have finished up in Philly drive 35-minutes to Valley Forge National Historic Park where General Washington’s Continental Army spent the long winter of 1777-1778. You can explore 26 miles of trails marked with monuments, reconstructed log huts, and even an official 60-minute audio tour to learn about this pivotal point of the American Revolutionary War.

Next head to Brandywine Battlefield Park where the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War occurred on September 11, 1777. At the park you can see one of Washington’s headquarters building and follow along a self-guided tour or audio tour.

After stopping in Brandywine head over to Lancaster, PA . As one of the oldest inland cities in America and serving as the U.S. Capital for the day there is plenty of history to be learned in Lancaster.

Be sure to include the following stops while you are here: Historic Lancaster Walking Tour LancasterHistory & President James Buchanan’s Wheatland Historic Rock Ford Ephrata Cloister Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum Christiana Underground Railroad Center 1719 Herr House & Museum Origins of the Underground Rail Road Tour

Historic Day Trip Itinerary

Once you have completed your day in Lancaster continue driving to Gettysburg, PA. Stop at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center before you explore the vast and important battlefield. Whether touring by foot, bike, horseback, or your own vehicle you are in for a harrowing and humbling experience.

You can also stop at the Children of Gettysburg 1863 , opening September 4th, 2021. This fascinating exhibit features the home of John and Caroline Rupp during the battle among other interactive activities making it the perfect stop for history-loving families.

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Gettysburg Battlefield Day Trip

• July 13, 2017 December 6, 2021
• BowTieTours
• Battlefield Tours , Bow Tie Tours , Conventions

Join us as we explore the Civil War, and visit the most visited battlefield in America.  In many ways the story of the Civil War is the story of America, and this story is told here, in Gettysburg better than anywhere else.  See where over 50,000 Americans of both sides became casualties.  You will stand at Little Round Top where Colonel Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment fought off Confederate Assaults, and see, also, the spot where the greatest speech in American History was made by our greatest President.

You do not want to miss this exciting tour!

$750 for 1 to 3 people, $1,300 for 4 to 7.  Includes transportation from Philadelphia to Gettysburg and back.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Gettysburg Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Gettysburg. We've got 24 adventures going to Gettysburg, starting from just 7 days in length, and the longest tour is 29 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

24 Gettysburg tour packages with 269 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Historic Highlights (8 Days)

Sites were fabulous!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Great Eastern Cities

Tour guide was amazing and our hotel locations were perfect. Everything went to plan.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

America's Historic East

Patriot Trails

Well worth the money and the tour guides and the bus drivers are all very professional and very knowledgeable on subject matters in many different languages including English.

America's Historic East with Extended Stay in Washington DC

Our tour guide, Barbara Buryiak, was exceptionally knowledgeable.She was always pleasant and was able to navigate some issues that popped up during the tour—i.e. road closures to certain areas, navigating the fact that the Old Town Trolley does not run on July 4 in DC, getting us some extra site seeing opportunities (the church at Gettysburg for one) and getting those of us who went on from Philadelphia to Washington DC a new hotel when the Capital Hilton claimed we did not have any reservations—which Barbara knew should not have been the case as she had seen the rooming list at the beginning of the tour which stated that 13 folks would be returning to the hotel, spending July 3 and 4 there. She also provided us some “extras.” She knew the value of the communication and was always very positive.

Historic Trails & Blue Ridge Mountains

Eastern Discovery

The Grand East

New York to Hollywood

The Great American Crossing

Historic Highlights (8 Days, Washington DC Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

What people love about gettysburg tours.

Very nice, well organized, good tour

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Ideas For Families

Gettysburg Group Reservations is excited to offer our exclusive Experience Gettysburg Packages to individual travelers and families looking to get the most out of their Gettysburg experience! Packages have been curated to provide a well rounded multi-day experience for your visit.

Featured Gettysburg Packages include:

Gettysburg insiders.

The perfect package for your visit to historic Gettysburg, PA any time of the year! Included in the package are activities that will both give your family an excellent overview of what happened during the Battle of Gettysburg and as well as an appreciation for what the small town in rural PA went through. For more information contact us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Adults $110 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $65 Per Person

Civil War & More

This package is wonderful for a multi-day visit giving visitors a taste of everything that Gettysburg has to offer. Take the guesswork out of planning your visit and let us help make the most out of your getaway! The package including historic tours and local cuisine. For more information call us today or contact one of our accommodation partners below.

Adults: $130 Per Person and Kids Ages 6-12 $55 Per Person

Available April 1st 2023

  For more information, call us today at 800-447-8788 or contact one of our accommodation partners below!

Accommodation Partners

We have partnered with some of the area’s leading attractions and accommodations to bring you the total Gettysburg experience! Combine your favorite package with one of our partner accommodations to make your visit truly special.

Our accommodation partners Include:

• Baladerry Inn
• Inn at Cemetery Hill

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 .

• Buy Tickets

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. 

• Call 800.437.2323
• View Our Brochure

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

Call for available options 800.437.2323

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My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Southern Pennsylvania Road Trip: How to explore Gettysburg and Amish Country

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Boomers love their road trips ! Alan and I certainly do. But we haven’t experienced a southern Pennsylvania road trip. Shame on us because we’ve missed out on some important U.S. history as well as lovely scenery.

Lucky for us, Susmita Sengupta is here to inspire a road trip to Gettysburg, PA and Amish Country. Use her tips to plan your trip . This would make a great grandkid/grandparent bonding adventure over history and culture.

On a fall road trip , my family visited Southern Pennsylvania to immerse ourselves in the many historic attractions at Gettysburg. And then we took a picturesque drive through Amish Country.

Enjoy this Southern Pennsylvania road trip itinerary through history as I show you the best things to see and do in Gettysburg and Lancaster County.

Table of Contents

How to Visit Gettysburg

About a two and a half hour drive from the big city of Philadelphia lies Gettysburg. This charming, small town in Adams County left an unforgettable imprint in the annals of United State s history. The battle fought here during the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865) ultimately brought about a victory which changed the course of this nation.

Start at the Gettysburg Visitor Center

The American Civil War (also known as The War Between the States) started in April 1861 between the industrialized Northern states (Union Army) and the agrarian Southern states (Confederate Army) whose economy relied on slave labor. The Civil War went on to become the bloodiest war in American history.

The Battle of Gettysburg which was fought over three tumultuous days (July 1-3, 1863) was the deadliest and the most decisive event of the war. It changed the conflict in favor of the Northern states.

Our visit started at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, ( official website ), which includes three fee-based exhibits, each of which highlights various aspects of the war. It is also where visitor amenities such as the cafe, restrooms and the gift store are located.

First up was the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, an informative and thoughtful repository of artifacts, interactive displays and films.

Second, if you have time do not miss the movie, “A New Birth of Freedom”, narrated by Morgan Freeman. We wanted the whole experience so we spent 20 minutes learning about the details of the battle and did not regret a minute.

But the exhibit that really impressed me was a 3D oil painting of the most important moments from the war. Known as the Battle of Gettysburg Cyclorama Painting, it was created by Paul Philippoteaux in the late 1880s.

It took Philippoteaux a year to complete this gigantic canvas diorama which enthralls viewers with the gripping historic events of Pickett’s Charge. We stood with other visitors on the viewing platform and were quickly drawn into the story through the light and sound show.

Tour The Gettysburg Battlefield

Then it was time to see the most important exhibit of all: the stretched out, desolate landscape of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Covering around 6000 acres, the battlefield is dotted with monuments and statues (around 1400 in all) and close to 400 cannons facing southeast. The site is at once a sobering but enjoyable place to visit.

There are a number of ways to see the battlefield. You can hire a licensed guide (personal tour or group bus tour), you could tour with a Park Ranger, or you can take a self guided driving trip armed with a park map from the Visitor Center. Purchasing a narrated self-guided tour is another option.

Focus on the Valley of Death

We decided to do the self-guided driving tour with the map so that we could see the battlefield at our own pace. The map had sixteen points of interests commemorating prominent moments and battles of the war.

You will realize quickly as we did that that you cannot visit them all. And so we focused on a few.

The Valley of Death is where we stopped. From there it’s possible to survey some of the spots where the fiercest battles were fought: a landscape streaked with boulders, known as Devil’s Den, a creek called Plum Run, that ran red on that fateful day. Further away was Little Round Top, a hillock also known for intense fighting.

The monuments stood proud and tall as we drove by them and stopped at a few for photo moments. Each monument, memorial or marker pays homage to states, military units or individuals. They are spread throughout the battlefield and along roads and places around the area.

Stop by Gettysburg National Cemetery

Keep some time aside to stop by Gettysburg National Cemetery, originally known as Soldiers’ National Cemetery , the final resting place of soldiers and their dependents from the Civil War to the Vietnam War.

“Four score and seven years ago…” the world renowned Gettysburg Address was delivered here by President Abraham Lincoln. He delivered the 272 word speech on November 19, 1863 at the dedication ceremony of the cemetery. There is a unique memorial honoring his words.

Peer into Civilian Life of the 1800s

Not all sightseeing has to be battlefield related. Gettysburg is home to many historic houses, each of which has its own captivating story to tell about its Civil War occupants. The houses are a microcosm of the lives of some of the 1400 civilians who suddenly found themselves in the midst of a bloody war.

The Shriver House Museum was the home of George and Hettie Shriver, and their two young daughters. Take a guided tour to get a view into their pre Civil War lives and how it was upended in 1863. We toured the beautifully restored and furnished house, viewed the bullet holes, the sharpshooters nest in the attic and the “four square” period garden.

Jennie Wade House reminded me sadly of the fragility of life as guides in period attire retold the tragic story of twenty year old Jennie Wade who was kneading dough in her kitchen as the battle raged outside. A rifle bullet punctured two doors to stop her young life.

Wills House , on the other hand, brought us front and center into the goings on behind the iconic Gettysburg Address. This was the house of attorney David Wills, who spearheaded the establishment of the Gettysburg  National Cemetery.

President Abraham Lincoln spent the night at Wills House prior to his speech, penning the final draft of his world famous address. Visitors can tour six galleries including the bedroom where Lincoln stayed and wrote the Gettysburg Address.

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Walk Through A Presidential Home

For an insight into presidential life, visit Eisenhower National Historic Site , at a stone’s throw distance from the battlefield. You can get there by bus from the Military Park Visitor Center.

The house and farm purchased by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, served as a weekend retreat for him and his wife Mamie. It became their home after Eisenhower completed his two term Presidency in 1961.

While the house tour requires tickets, the gardens and grounds offer free access. You can do a self-guided tour to see the cattle barns, skeet range, tea house and lovely gardens.

Looking for a place to stay in Gettysburg? Start your research here .

Stroll Amidst Nature in Gettysburg

For a break from the history loaded excursions, head off to see the Sachs Covered Bridge , about four miles away. Though I was aware of covered bridges of the Northeast, it was our first time seeing one.

I was immediately enchanted by the beauty of the bright red exterior. We spent long moments walking inside the covered  bridge. It was fun to peer through the lattice shaped trusses to watch the water flowing underneath.

Built first in 1854, it too has some Civil War related history as parts of the Union Army crossed Sachs Covered Bridge to reach Gettysburg. The Confederates retreated over this same bridge after the Union victory.

If you have moments to spare, visit The Roundbarn , about a ten minute drive away to admire its architecture. You’ll also enjoy the view of the rolling hills and perhaps sample the locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Driving through Lancaster County: Peaceful Amish Land

About an hour and half’s drive away from Gettysburg towards Philadelphia is Lancaster County, home to the Pennsylvania Amish . It is the oldest, and one of the largest, Amish settlements in the country.

Yes, the region does get inundated with tourists. But that should not deter you from viewing or experiencing  a slower, laid back way of life by the people who call this part of Pennsylvania home.

You could certainly park your car and take a tour of the bucolic countryside , perhaps in a horse and buggy for an authentic experience. These tours take visitors to see Amish run farms where one can take part in farm related daily chores such as milking cows or gathering eggs.

We drove through towns with interesting names such as Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse . We stopped at Amish run craft stores selling gorgeous handmade quilts, blankets and fabrics. It was also fun to taste and purchase farm fresh produce and baked goods from farm stores.

We had started our weekend trip by visiting a land rich in heritage. Concluding our vacation with a drive through the rolling, pastoral farmlands of Pennsylvania Dutch country provided the perfect bookend to our short Southern Pennsylvania road trip.

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Watch CBS News

"The Demon of Unrest": Recounting the first shots of the Civil War

By Anthony Mason

Updated on: April 28, 2024 / 9:52 AM EDT / CBS News

The ferry ride to the middle of Charleston Harbor can be a journey back in time. In 1860, Fort Sumter, the federal sea fortress guarding Charleston, became a flash point in the tensions between North and South. "South Carolina saw it as an affront to their sense of honor," said writer Erik Larson. "It was a symbol of everything they felt they were rebelling against."

Larson wrote his new book, "The Demon of Unrest," about the events leading up to the bombardment of Fort Sumter by Confederate forces – the first shots fired in the Civil War. Larson calls it "the single most consequential day in American history,"

Now a national park, Sumter has been altered over the years, but history can still come alive here.

With its 50-foot walls, the fort was almost impenetrable. "The idea was, once fully manned with all the gun ports with heavy artillery, that it would be essentially impregnable," said Larson. "It was designed to defend against seaborne attack from a foreign power. Nobody expected that one day this fort would be the target of fellow Americans."

The author of bestsellers like "The Devil in the White City" and "The Splendid and the Vile," Larson became fascinated with the buildup to the conflict. The mood in Charleston, he said, was a city "ready for rebellion."

Abraham Lincoln had just been elected president of a deeply-divided nation. He'd campaigned to limit slavery, not to abolish it. "The South worked itself up into a condition where they believed that Lincoln represented the apocalypse for Southern culture," Larson said. "They believed no matter what he said, that he was an abolitionist at heart."

Charleston, a center of the slave trade, had 32 slave brokerages. Ryan's Slave Mart was the largest. "It had a showroom where the slaves would get up on a platform and walk back and forth while all the potential buyers were judging them," Larson said.

Soon after Lincoln's election, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union. The president-elect had to sneak into the nation's capital in disguise for his inauguration. "The South was so hostile to Lincoln that there were routine death threats," Larson said.

Mason saio, "In terms of the division in society, it's eerily similar to where we are now at times."

"In this period that I'm writing about, the two moments of greatest national dread were the count of the electoral vote and the inauguration – and doesn't that sound familiar?" Larson said.

By the time Lincoln took the oath of office, six more states had seceded.

Sumter was, to the South, "a standing menace." The fort, and its 75 men, were commanded by Major Robert Anderson. A Kentuckian by birth, he'd taught artillery tactics at West Point.

Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard was put in charge of Charleston's defenses. "Beauregard, actually, had been at West Point, a pupil of Anderson's. And they were actually friends," Larson said.

He built Confederate batteries all around the harbor. Larson said, "These were so close that on still nights you could actually hear the heavy equipment as the Confederates were establishing their batteries to kill them.'

According to Larson, Anderson was badly outnumbered, by about 25 to 1. But surrendering Sumter, Lincoln wrote, "would be our national destruction consummated." For three months the tense standoff persisted.

Anderson became very frustrated with the communication from Washington. "He was basically left here to determine, frankly, the fate of America," Larson said.

At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, 1861, Confederate guns opened fire. Over two days, more than 3,300 shells and balls would rain across the harbor. But they never succeeded in actually breaching the walls. Fire ultimately forced Major Anderson to surrender. Remarkably, no one died in the bombardment.

But 750,000 Americans would be killed before the Civil War ended in 1865.

Four years to the day after Sumter fell, Anderson – by then a retired general – returned to raise the American flag over the fort. "The North greeted him with adulation; he was an absolute hero," said Larson.

That night in Washington, President Lincoln was assassinated.

Visitors to the fort today are invited to help raise the flag every morning. A park ranger remarked, "Even though this feels like ancient history, the stuff that started here continues to impact and inform our country today."

A reminder of the fragility of a union … and the price paid to restore it.

       Read an excerpt: "The Demon of Unrest" by Erik Larson

       For more info:

• "The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War"  by Erik Larson (Crown), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook and Audio formats, available April 30 via  Amazon ,  Barnes & Noble  and  Bookshop.org
• eriklarsonbooks.com
• Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park , Charleston, S.C.
• Fort Sumter Tours
• South Carolina Historical Society
• Drone footage by Sumner Crawford of  Above All Media
• The Mills House Hotel , Charleston, S.C.

      Story produced by Jon Carras. Editor: George Pozderec.

      For more info:

• The Civil War, 150 years later ("Sunday Morning")
• Abraham Lincoln and the preservation of democracy ("Sunday Morning")
• Rooted in history: Gettysburg's "Witness Trees" ("Sunday Morning")

Anthony Mason is senior culture and senior national correspondent for CBS News. He has been a frequent contributor to "CBS Sunday Morning," and is the former co-host for "CBS This Morning: Saturday" and "CBS This Morning."

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