Tips for a Successful Campaign
Start with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience
Before you head out onto the battlefield, get the background and set the stage for your visit with the Film, Cyclorama & Museum Eperience. You'll become better aquainted with the personalities, locations and tactics, and your trip to the battlefield will become much more meaningful.
When to Visit Gettysbug
There's never a bad time to visit Gettysburg.
The Museum & Visitor Center–as well as the battlefield– is the busiest and most crowded in the summer months, particularly in July during the anniversary of the battle.
Fall colors, cooler temperatures and thinner crowds make the autumn months ideal for a visit, while the spring months (April and May) are peak times for student group visits.
Winter months offer the opportunity to stay inside with the film, cyclorama and museum or get into the holiday spirit with Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower's Christmas decorations at the Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Whenever you decide to visit, reserving your tickets online will help save you time and get you on your historic journey sooner.
Park at the Park
Parking is free at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
Ride the Rabbit Transit shuttle for free and access additional, in-town National Park Service and Gettysburg Foundation destinations. Those with a proof of purchase from a National Park Service exhibit ride free. Present your Film, Cyclorama & Museum Experience, Eisenhower National Historic Site or David Wills House ticket/proof of purchase.
- Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available at the front of Parking Lot 1.
- Curbside Drop Offs
Located at the entrance to the Museum & Visitor Center, the curbside drop-off area provides another accessible option for visitors requiring some extra assistance.
- Bus, Trailer and RV Parking
Buses, trailers and RVs park in the Bus Parking Lot (MAP).
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVC)
Paid Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are available in the southern end of the Bus Parking Lot (MAP). The charging fee is $1 per hour.
What to Bring
Civil War soldiers often carried more than 50 pounds of gear with them.
You probably shouldn't bring that much.
- Bags and Baggage
Help us keep the collections safe. Limit bags to those smaller than 16x16x8 inches. Avoid bringing backpacks and larger items into the Museum & Visitor Center. All bags are subject to inspection. Please refer to the list of prohibited items.
- Food & Beverages
Stay hydrated. Bottled water is allowed inside the Museum & Visitor Center. All other outside food or drink is not permitted inside the Museum & Visitor Center.
Accessibility
- Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available at the front of Parking Lot 1.
- Curbside Drop Offs
Located at the entrance to the Museum & Visitor Center, the curbside drop-off area provides another accessible option for visitors requiring some extra assistance.
- Shuttles
Seasonal shuttle transportation is available from Parking Lot 3 during the summer months.
- Wheelchair Use & Availability
Wheelchairs are available at the National Park Service Information Desk.
- Service Animals
Service animals are always welcome in the Museum & Visitor Center and Gettysburg National Military Park.
Photography
- Photography for non-commercial use is encouraged throughout the Museum & Visitor Center grounds and the Gettysburg National Military Park. However, flash photography is not allowed in the Museum, theaters or Cyclorama gallery.
- For the safety of visitors and collections, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted in the Museum & Visitor Center.
- Share your photos with us. Tag us in your Twitter and Instagram posts: #GettysburgFoundation
Dining Options
- Refreshment Saloon
Modeled after an actual Civil War-era saloon, the Refreshment Saloon provides leisurely a-la-carte dining. Enjoy salads, wraps, burgers and pizza. Convenient outdoor seating provides a beautiful view.
- Battlegrounds Café
Where else would you take a Gettysburg coffee break than at the BattleGROUNDS? Enjoy made to order coffee (lattes, espressos, iced coffee), snacks and bottled beverages.
Family Information
- Lost Children or Adults
Please report lost children/adults to the Park Information Desk for assistance in locating your misplaced loved one.
- Family Restrooms
Family restrooms are conveniently located in the Main and Group Lobbies of the Museum & Visitor Center.
- Lactation/Personal Care Room
A private Lactation Room is available. Please contact a ranger at the National Park Service Information Desk or personnel at the Ticket Counter for access.
- Lost & Found
Lost & Found items may be brought to or identified and claimed at the National Park Service Information Desk. To check on lost items, call the Museum & Visitor Center at 717-334-1124.