First-Time Visitor - 1 Day
The Battle of Gettysburg lasted three days. You don’t have that much time. These must-see treasures will give you a quick but memorable look at the battle and its significance while inspiring you to return again someday. Soon. When you have a little more time.
Film, Cyclorama & Museum
(45 minutes + museum time)
The starting point for your Gettysburg visit. The stage-setting film "A New Birth of Freedom" provides an introduction to the personalities, stories and sites you are about to experience. After the film, you will visit the iconic Cyclorama painting where you can stand in the middle of the fury and view of Pickett’s Charge. Explore the artifacts, interactive exhbiits and short films in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War. The special exhibit, "A Rough Coarse Life: The World of the Civil War Soldier", is now open in the Gilder Lehrman Institute Special Exhibits Gallery.
Snack | Meal (30 minutes)
Before heading out to the battlefield, refuel with a snack or meal at the Refreshment Saloon (open spring, summer & fall), modeled after an actual Civil War saloon. Or grab a hot/cold beverage, quick snack, hot/cold meal and treat at the Battlegrounds Café & Grille.
Battlefield Tour Option 1
Battlefield Car Tour with Licensed Battlefield Guide (2 hours)
Take a personalized tour in the time you have available. Your Licensed Battlefield Guide will take you to key locations on the Gettysburg battlefield while covering your specific areas of interest.
Call to reserve your guided car tour.
877-874-2478 or 717-334-2436
Battlefield Tour Option 2
Battlefield Bus Tour (2 hours)
Climb aboard a climate-controlled motor coach and tour the battlefield with a Licensed Battlefield Guide. During your tour, you will have opportunities to step off the bus onto hallowed ground and explore some of the battle’s most legendary locations.
Package your Battlefield Bus Tour with your Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience ticket for best value.
Gettysburg Museum Book Store (30 minutes)
Browse the extensive selection of Gettysburg and Civil War-era books, movies, gifts, apparel and memorabilia.
National Park Service Ranger Programs
(1-2 hours)
Get more of what you love most about Gettysburg. Find a free, Ranger-led program that explores your top areas of interest. Stop by the NPS Information Desk inside the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center for program schedules or visit Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site online at nps.gov/gett and nps.gov/eise.
Gettysburg National Cemetery
(45 minutes)
Conclude your day at the Gettysburg National Cemetery where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The Lincoln Address Memorial inside the cemetery commemorates the speech. Take some time to quietly reflect on those who have given–and are willing to give–“the last full measure of devotion.”
Park at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and take the paved path to the National Cemetery, or drive to the National Cemetery and park in the lot along Taneytown Road.