President Eisenhower’s connection to Gettysburg began in 1915, when he visited the area with his West Point class. In 1918, Eisenhower served at Camp Colt, which was located on the field where Pickett’s Charge and the Great Reunion of 1913 took place. Here, he trained soldiers for the United States Army’s Tank Corps during World War I.
The Eisenhowers purchased the farm in 1950. However, they wouldn’t take up permanent residence there until after Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces in Europe during World War II and the 34th president of the United States. In 1961, Eisenhower retired to his Gettysburg farm, where he and Mamie both lived until they passed away.
In 1967, the Eisenhowers gifted their farm to the federal government, which designated it a National Historic Site that was then authorized by an act of Congress in 1969. The National Park Service opened the site to the public in 1980.
Adult (ages 13+): $9
Youth (ages 6-12): $5
Child (ages 5 and younger): Free
During the partial government shutdown, the Eisenhower National Historic Site is closed and inaccessible to guests. The Eisenhower National Historic Site will resume accepting visitors once the partial shutdown ends.
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center continues to serve visitors as it is operated by the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service.
Hours & Getting There
January 2 - March 1:
The Eisenhower National Historic Site will change to its winter visiting hours starting Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Winter hours remain in effect until March 1. The grounds will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access for visitors driving to the site will be through the main gate on Millerstown Road. On-site parking will be available at the Reception Center. Visitors will be able to experience the site grounds and take advantage of outside interpretive signs and visit the stops on the site audio tour. Visit Eisenhower National Historic Site for more information.
Standard Visitation:
Access to the site is by shuttle bus only, which departs on a regular schedule from the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Visitors with special needs should inquire at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center for special arrangements for visiting Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Please allow at least 90 minutes to two hours for the self-guided tour of the home and grounds. The house retains nearly all of its original furnishings and offers a look at the life and times of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. A tour of the farm grounds includes gardens, teahouse, skeet range, barn, show barn, putting green and more. A Reception Center at the site offers additional Eisenhower-related exhibits and a bookstore. Ranger programs are offered at the site seasonally. Families with children can participate in the Junior Secret Service Agent program.
The Eisenhower National Historic Site is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the winter season there are days that the site is closed or has a delayed opening due to inclement weather. Call 717-334-1124 for the latest information on park closings.
Learn more about Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Find Eisenhower-related books and memorabilia in the Museum and Visitor Center Bookstore, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, and online.