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Gettysburg Battlefield Travel Guide
Your guide to exploring Bozeman like a local.
Timeless beauty, rich history, and wide-open adventure.
FOUNDED
1883
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May – Oct
TIME ZONE
MST
WALK SCORE
78
Overview
Things to Do
Itineraries
Getting Around
Where to Stay
Best Time to Visit
overview
OVERVIEW
Gettysburg Battlefield Travel Guide
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a small college town of roughly 2,400 residents in 1863 that became the site of the largest battle ever fought on American soil. Set among rolling farmland, orchards, and rocky ridgelines in south-central Pennsylvania, Gettysburg sat at the hub of ten roads, which is precisely why two massive armies 75,000 Confederates and 97,000 Union troops collided here almost by accident on July 1, 1863. Over three days, more than 51,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured, and four months later Abraham Lincoln stood on this ground to deliver the Gettysburg Address, one of the most quoted speeches in American history.
Today, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves more than 1,200 acres of that battlefield, along with dozens of monuments, observation towers, and the Soldiers' National Cemetery. What makes Gettysburg battlefield tours so compelling is the sheer density of stories packed into a few square miles a 69-year-old civilian who grabbed a musket and fought alongside the Union Army, a general who lost a leg and later visited it in a museum, and a regimental dog who guarded wounded soldiers for three days. Whether you're a Civil War buff, a family road-tripping through Pennsylvania, or simply curious about the notable battles that shaped the nation, Gettysburg rewards visitors who take their time and get out of the car.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BOZEMAN
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BOZEMAN
Gettysburg battlefield tours reward visitors who mix driving with stops on foot, since the real story of Gettysburg only comes alive when you stand where the soldiers stood. Here are the destinations that anchor any visit to Gettysburg National Military Park.
Little Round Top – This 650-foot hill is the single most famous site on the battlefield, where Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Maine held the extreme left flank of the Union Army against repeated Confederate assaults on July 2nd. Union engineer Gouverneur Warren spotted the undefended hill just minutes before Confederate troops moved to seize it, and reinforcements arrived barely in time. Standing at the summit today, you get sweeping views across Devil's Den, the Wheatfield, and the Peach Orchard.
Devil's Den – A jumble of massive granite boulders where some of the most brutal close-quarters fighting of July 2nd took place, as Confederate forces from Texas, Georgia, and Alabama pushed through the rocks in waves. Photographer Alexander Gardner captured one of the Civil War's most iconic images here just days after the battle. It's also one of the most talked-about "haunted" spots in Gettysburg, with visitors reporting cameras failing and mysterious figures among the rocks.
The Wheatfield – Nineteen acres of farmland that changed hands six times in a single afternoon, swallowing thousands of men from both armies in relentless, grinding combat. The Irish Brigade famously knelt here for general absolution before marching into the fighting, and nearby Plum Run earned the nickname "Valley of Death".
The High Water Mark and The Angle – The exact spot where Pickett's Charge broke against the Union line on July 3rd, considered by many historians the turning point of the entire war. General Lewis Armistead led roughly 200 men over the stone wall before being mortally wounded, and the cannon he touched still stands there today.
Culp's Hill Observation Tower – Climb the sixty-foot steel tower for a single-glance view of the entire Union right flank, where General George Sears Greene's men held earthworks against nearly five thousand Confederate attackers for four hours in the dark.
Soldiers' National Cemetery – Walk the curved rows where more than 3,500 Union soldiers are buried, near the spot where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address in November 1863. Visit at dusk for a quieter, more reflective experience of Gettysburg's most solemn site.
Seminary Ridge and the Virginia Memorial – Trace the Confederate command line where Robert E. Lee ran the battle from horseback, and see the 41-foot monument topped with Lee on his warhorse Traveller, gazing east toward the field his men crossed.
Longstreet Observation Tower – Climb 121 steps for arguably the best unobstructed panorama on the battlefield, spanning the Peach Orchard, the Round Tops, and Eisenhower's farm to the west.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Most travelers should plan at least one full day for Gettysburg battlefield tours, though two days lets you slow down and walk more of the trails without rushing.
One Day Gettysburg Itinerary
Morning
Start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center on Baltimore Pike, use the restrooms, grab water, and spend 30 minutes in the museum before setting out.
Begin the driving tour loop, stopping first at Culp's Hill and its observation tower for a full view of the Union right flank.
Visit Spangler's Spring and General Lee's Headquarters on Seminary Ridge.
Afternoon
Drive through downtown Gettysburg and Lincoln Square, then continue to the Railroad Cut and the John Burns Monument.
Climb Little Round Top and walk down to Devil's Den, then continue to the Wheatfield.
Stop at the Virginia Memorial and Longstreet Observation Tower for sweeping battlefield views.
Evening
End at the High Water Mark, the Angle, and the Soldiers' National Cemetery, ideally arriving before sunset.
Grab dinner at a historic tavern like Dobbin House or a casual spot like Garryowen Irish Pub.
If time allows, take an evening stroll around downtown Gettysburg's Lincoln Square.
Two Day Gettysburg Itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Visitor Center, museum, and the northern battlefield stops (Culp's Hill, Seminary Ridge, Railroad Cut).
Afternoon: Downtown Gettysburg, Lincoln Square, and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
Evening: Dinner downtown and an early night to prepare for a full second day.
Day 2
Morning: Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and Big Round Top hiking trails.
Afternoon: The Wheatfield, Trostle Farm, the Pennsylvania Monument, and the High Water Mark.
Evening: Soldiers' National Cemetery at dusk, followed by dinner at Dobbin House or another historic tavern.
Day 3+: Extend your stay with the Eisenhower National Historic Site, additional hiking on Big Round Top, or day trips to nearby Civil War sites in south-central Pennsylvania.
The best time to visit Gettysburg is spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner than the peak summer season around the July anniversary of the battle.
Getting Around
Food
Gettysburg's dining scene blends historic taverns with casual comfort food, making it easy to refuel between stops on your Gettysburg battlefield tour. The town centers much of its dining around Steinwehr Avenue and the historic downtown square, where visitors can find everything from quick diner breakfasts to candlelit colonial-era taverns.
For a classic taste of old Gettysburg, the Dobbin House Tavern is the town's oldest building, serving hearty colonial-style fare in a candlelit, historic setting that suits history-minded travelers and special occasions.
The Lincoln Diner is a beloved breakfast institution downtown, ideal for budget-conscious visitors and families wanting a quick start before a day on the battlefield.
Garryowen Irish Pub brings lively pub fare and drinks, a good fit for groups and casual evening dinners.
Tommy's Pizza is a longtime local favorite for casual, affordable meals.
For dessert, Mr. G's Ice Cream is a Gettysburg staple that families and kids especially love.
Foodies looking for something less expected might try Thai Elephant Walk, a well-regarded international option tucked away from the main tourist strip.
Free Things To Do
Gettysburg offers plenty of free or low-cost experiences, since entry to Gettysburg National Military Park itself costs nothing.
Drive the battlefield park roads – The entire loop through Gettysburg National Military Park, including Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and Seminary Ridge, is free to enter and open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Visit the Soldiers' National Cemetery – Walking the cemetery grounds where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address costs nothing and is especially moving at dusk.
Climb the observation towers – Culp's Hill, Oak Ridge, and Longstreet towers are all free and offer sweeping views of the battlefield's geography.
Explore Devil's Den and the Wheatfield on foot – Both sites have free parking and walking paths through the boulders and open fields.
Walk the Farnsworth and Bushman Trail – A quiet, often-overlooked path near Big Round Top with no admission fee.
Browse the Visitor Center exhibits – Entry to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center building is free, even though the film, Cyclorama, and museum exhibits require tickets.
Stroll Lincoln Square and downtown Gettysburg – The historic town square and Chambersburg Street are free to explore and lined with Civil War-era architecture.
Read the monument symbols – Understanding the sphere, trefoil, diamond, and crescent moon corps symbols on monuments turns a free drive into a self-taught history lesson.
Gettysburg has lodging to fit every budget, from restored historic inns near downtown to standard chain hotels close to the battlefield.
Luxury / Historic Hotels
The Federal Pointe Inn – A restored 1868 schoolhouse turned boutique hotel close to downtown Gettysburg, prized for its historic architecture and upscale rooms. Typical rates run around $250–$400 per night.
Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel & Conference Center – A full-service, upscale property near the Gettysburg battlefield with spacious rooms and on-site amenities. Expect roughly $200–$320 per night.
The Inn at White Oak – An upscale countryside retreat near Gettysburg known for its scenic setting and boutique-style comfort. Rates typically run $280–$450 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Gettysburg – A centrally located hotel right on Lincoln Square in downtown Gettysburg, convenient to shops, restaurants, and the battlefield loop. Expect around $130–$220 per night.
Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast – A charming, well-reviewed B&B close to Gettysburg's historic district with individually decorated rooms. Rates generally run $150–$230 per night.
Inn at Cemetery Hill – Set near the National Cemetery and battlefield, this inn offers a comfortable, moderately priced stay with a strong historic atmosphere. Expect roughly $150–$250 per night.
Budget Hotels
Days Inn by Wyndham Gettysburg – A reliable, no-frills chain option close to the Gettysburg battlefield, good for road trippers watching their budget. Rates typically run $80–$130 per night.
Comfort Suites Near Gettysburg Battlefield – A budget-friendly suite option with straightforward amenities, well located for battlefield access. Expect around $90–$150 per night.
America's Best Value Inn Gettysburg – A simple, affordable option a short drive from downtown Gettysburg and the park entrance. Rates generally run $65–$110 per night.
Where to Stay
Explore Bozeman at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour of Downtown
Bozeman.
RECOMMENDED TOURS & PAGES
FAQS
What are the top things to do in Gettysburg?
The top things to do in Gettysburg include climbing Little Round Top, walking through Devil's Den, visiting the High Water Mark and the Angle, touring Seminary Ridge, and taking a self-guided Gettysburg battlefield tour that covers all the major stops in sequence.
How many days do you need in Gettysburg?
One full day is enough to see the highlights of Gettysburg National Military Park, but two days lets you walk more trails, climb more observation towers, and take in the Soldiers' National Cemetery at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Gettysburg?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and lighter crowds for exploring Gettysburg, while summer brings warmer temperatures and larger crowds, especially around the anniversary of the battle in early July.
Do you need a car in Gettysburg?
Yes, a car is essential for Gettysburg battlefield tours, since the park roads span several miles and most of the key stops, from Culp's Hill to the Round Tops to Seminary Ridge, are spread across the battlefield.
Is Gettysburg walkable and safe?
Downtown Gettysburg is compact and walkable, with Lincoln Square and Steinwehr Avenue easy to explore on foot, while the battlefield itself is generally safe for driving and walking during daylight hours.
What are some notable battles to know in Gettysburg before visiting?
Understanding the fighting at Little Round Top, the Wheatfield, Devil's Den, Culp's Hill, and Pickett's Charge at the High Water Mark will make any visit to Gettysburg far more meaningful, since these engagements shaped the outcome of the entire three-day battle.
Can you tour Gettysburg on your own?
Yes, you can absolutely tour Gettysburg on your own by following the signed auto-tour route, stopping at key sites like Culp’s Hill, Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, Seminary Ridge, and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, and using a self-guided audio tour or map to keep the story in sequence.
Are guided or audio tours of Gettysburg worth it?
Guided and GPS-based audio tours are worth it because they connect scattered monuments and ridges into one continuous narrative, explaining why each stop matters and pointing out details you might otherwise drive right past.
Is there a recommended route for a first-time Gettysburg visit?
For a first visit, start at the Visitor Center and Cyclorama, then follow the main battlefield loop: Culp’s Hill, Seminary Ridge, McPherson Ridge and the Railroad Cut, Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, the Wheatfield and Peach Orchard, the High Water Mark and the Angle, and finish at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.
Can families and kids enjoy a Gettysburg battlefield tour?
Yes, families and kids can enjoy a Gettysburg tour, especially if you focus on short walks, observation towers, and memorable stories—like the old man with a musket, regimental mascots, and the dramatic charge at the Angle—to keep younger visitors engaged.
FAQS
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