Gettysburg

Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. However, Gettysburg is famous for the Battle of Gettysburg that was fought July 1-3, 1863. The fighting started when Union and Confederate troops converged just north of the town of Gettysburg. Three bloody days of fighting ensued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The town is also the location where President Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park. The Battle is remembered both for Pickett's Charge and the "high water mark of the Confederacy" (the northernmost point a major Confederate Army ever reached) as well as the turning point of the war that the failure of said charge and the overall offensive ultimately meant.

Terrain and climate

Flat meadows surrounded by rocky hills, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming in the distance. In the countryside north of Gettysburg is the "Fruit Belt" of Pennsylvania with thousands of acres of apple and peach orchards and vineyards.
Gettysburg has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold moist winters. Spring and Fall are mild and pleasant. Heavy winter storms occasionally strike the area, but these are fairly rare. Heaviest snowfall occurs during February and early March. Severe thunderstorms may occasionally hit the region, mostly in July and August.

By plane

• Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is 47 miles from Gettysburg.
• Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is 62 miles from Gettysburg.
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 78 miles from Gettysburg.
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 148 miles from Gettysburg.

By car

Gettysburg can be reached via US Rt 30 from Philadelphia, or via State Rt 97 from the Baltimore area. From the south, US 15 runs through the town for visitors arriving from the Washington DC region.

By train

Amtrak operates service to Harrisburg and Lancaster. Taxi service and car rentals are available to Gettysburg from there.

By bus

Rabbit Express runs buses to/from the Harrisburg Amtrak station and airport.

By car

By far the best way to see the park is with your own vehicle. Roads wind extensively throughout the battlefields, and include many places to pull off and allow visitors to walk around. Use caution when using these roads, as there may be many people walking or bicycling on these roads. The speed limit throughout the park is 15 MPH. When in your car, you may navigate by map or purchase a CD at several locations throughout Gettysburg that will orientate you to the battlefield.

By bus

Guided tours on buses are available. There are several different types of bus tours: one is with licensed battlefield guides (Adults: $30; Children: $19) and one is with headphone narration (Adults: $26; Children: $15).

By bike

If you have the time and have an average level of fitness, bikes can be rented and can provide an enhanced experience in the park. Cycling the major sites of the July 1-3 campaign can be completed in one day and allow you to experience battle lines and topography in a much more realistic fashion than car or bus.

By horse or carriage

The battlefield features NPS horse trails where you can either bring your own horse or book a battlefield tour on horseback with Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours https://confederatetrails.com . 2 hour guided battlefield tours and town history tours by Horse-drawn carriage or on foot are also a must do when visiting Gettysburg; walking and carriage tours can be booked with 's Victorian Carriage Company Authorized by GNMP and use only Licensed Battlefield Guides.

By Segway

SegTours rents Segways and offers guided tours.

By foot

One of the best ways to tour the battlefield is by foot — either running, walking or hiking. There are 26 miles of roadway and several hiking trails, both flat and rugged.

• Gettysburg National Military Park

  phone: +1 717 334-1124
  address: 1195 Baltimore Pike
  Gettysburg is the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War, and the largest land battle ever fought in North America. This National Park Service controls most of the area surrounding the small town and preserves the historic battle field. The museum and visitor center are run by the Gettysburg Foundation, a non-profit partner of the National Park Service at Gettysburg. The visitor center houses the museum collection as well as special exhibits from across the country and the fully restored Gettysburg Cyclorama, a must-see for any visit. You can also hire a very knowledgeable licensed battlefield guide here. You can also purchase tour tickets for the Eisenhower Farm. $12.50. The surrounding military park is free and open to the public.

• Jennie Wade House

  phone: +1 717-334-4100
  address: 548 Baltimore St
  The only Gettysburg citizen killed during the Battle of Gettysburg was 20 year old Jennie Wade, fiancée of Corporal “Jack” Skelly. The old McClellan Home, now the Jennie Wade House and Museum, with but few minor changes and repairs, remains much as Jennie Wade must have known it more than 100 years ago. The walls of the old house, which lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Jennie Wade, tell the story of the building and of those in it during the Great Battle.

• The Gettysburg Heritage Center

  phone: +1 717-334-6245
  address: 297 Steinwehr Ave
  Presents the entire story of the Civil War era and the Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism. Learn the causes, effects and significant personalities that shaped the Civil War and as a result, ultimately, American history. Throughout five hallways of scenes, the museum recreates history with life-sized dioramas of the Civil War. Visitors complete a self-guided museum tour that begins with the economical, social, and political causes of the war and ends with the untimely assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Following the self-guided tour, visitors enter into the internationally acclaimed, digitally enhanced Battleroom Auditorium. Amidst the sounds of thunderous battle cries and bullets, visitors will witness a life-sized recreation of the Battle of Gettysburg. Discover how a small town in rural Pennsylvania became known for one of the bloodiest battles in American history. An animated Abraham Lincoln delivering the immortal Gettysburg Address follows the battle recreation.

• Eisenhower National Historic SiteThe preserved farm home of US President Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Victorian Photography Studio

  phone: +1 717-318-1515
  address: 76 Steinwher Ave
  As seen on the Real World on MTV! Get a family photograph in period dress!

• Confederate Trails of Gettysburg Guided Battlefield Horseback Tours

  phone: +1 717 4767428
  address: McMillan Woods Youth Campground
  Ride the Battlefield with Confederate Trails and learn important details and insights into some of the soldiers' lives. Not just your average trail ride be ready to hear the history as you ride along the trail. Learn the intricacies of the greatest Civil War Battle as you ride across the field of history. See, feel and experience Gettysburg using an authentic Civil War mode of transportation - a horse!
  
  Your appreciation of the terrain, and it's effects on the battle will never be the same after you have ridden over it while the historic details are revealed to you.
  
  Key points about this tour:
  
  2 hour horseback Tour through the Gettysburg battlefield
  
  Ride the Battlefield with a LIVE Licensed Battlefield Guide. Headsets with single ear buds provided so you don't miss a word!
  
  You will have an out-rider(s) with you at all times to ensure your safety
  
  All participants must weigh 250 pounds or less and everyone must be age 8 and up
  
  8 years and up

• Land of Little Horses Farm Park

  phone: +1 717 334-7259
  address: 125 Glennwood Dr
  Performing animal theme park.

Cinema and theatre

• Gettysburg Majestic Theater

  phone: +1 717-337-8200
  address: 25 Carlisle St
  For those who need a break from the Battlefield, there the Majestic, a theater in downtown Gettysburg renovated to its original 1925 Colonial Revival glory. There is a theater for live performances, as well as a cinema which plays the highest quality art films, including American independent films, foreign language films, documentaries, short subjects, and film festival prize winners.

• Gateway Theater 8

  phone: +1 717-334-5575
  address: 20 Presidential Circle
  The state-of-the-art Gateway Theaters is one of the most technologically advanced movie theaters in the region.

Winter Recreation

• Liberty Mountain Resort

  phone: +1 717 642-8282
  address: 78 Country Club Trail, Fairfield
  The best skiing in the area.

• Lord Nelson's Gallery

  phone: +1 717-334-7950
  address: 27 1/2 Chambersburg St
  Established in 1990, the gallery specializes in wildlife, nostalgic, Eastern Frontier/American Indian and Colonial art, sculpture, fine handcrafts and related historical books.

• Gettysburg Bicycle & Fitness

  phone: +1 717-334-7791
  address: 307 York St
  Sells excellent American Bikes (Specialized, Trek, ..) in all price ranges. You will get excellent advises, perfect service and good prices. The shop also lends Bikes for tours on the battle field and organizes a yearly Mountainbike race called "Maximus" in Michaux State Forest.

• Bluebrick Gallery

  phone: +1 717-420-0103
  address: 18 North Washington St
  Seven artists and friends come together to exhibit an eclectic mix of artwork in a variety of mediums.

• Hollabaugh Brothers

  phone: +1 717-677-8412
  address: 545 Carlisle Rd, Biglerville, PA 17307
  Hollabaugh Brothers is a third generation, family farm with a retail farm market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, gifts, jarred goods, home-style baked goods, and fruit gift baskets. The Hollabaugh family also provides scheduled educational orchard tours. Hollabaugh Brothers is a 500 acre working, family farm. Buses welcome, adequate free parking.

• The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg

  phone: +1 717 337-9705
  address: 1863 Gettysburg Village Dr

• Gallery 30A fine art gallery.

Restaurants abound throughout the town, from nationally known chains, to local Mom & Pop diners.

• Blue and Gray Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 717 334-1999
  address: 2 Baltimore St

• Blue Parrot Bistro

  phone: +1 717 337-3739
  address: 35 Chambersburg St
  International food in a house from the 1850s.

• Ernie's Texas Lunch

  phone: +1 717 334-1970
  address: 58 Chambersburg St
  Old-time lunch counter with a few booths. Famous for their "Texas wieners" and home made soup.

• Food 101

  phone: +1 717 334-6080
  address: 101 Chambersburg St
  American food including sandwiches and pizza.

• General Pickett's Buffet

  phone: +1 717 334-7580
  address: 571 Steinwehr Ave
  Buffet and salad bar.

• Gettysburg Eddie's

  phone: +1 717 334-1100
  address: 217 Steinwehr Ave
  American restaurant and sports bar dedicated to local baseball hall of fame member Eddie Plank. 7 televisions that show baseball games.

• La Bella Italia

  phone: +1 717 334-1978
  address: 402 York St
  Italian food with a good local beer list.

• Lincoln Diner

  phone: +1 717 334-3900
  address: 32 Carlisle St
  Classic diner.

• O'Rorkes Family Eatery

  address: 44 Steinwehr Ave
  Casual American and Irish food downtown. Huge menu and good beer selection.

• Dobbin House Tavern

  address: 89 Steinwehr Ave
  Casual and fine dining. Due to its historic ambiance (Revolutionary War to Civil War) and reasonable prices, the Dobbin House is well worth visiting. For budget and casual dining with the same historical charm, there is the Springhouse Tavern room downstairs. During the battle of Gettysburg the tavern saw some action as a hospital, giving it historic significance.

• Dunlap's Restaurant & Bakery

  phone: +1 717 334-4816
  address: 90 Buford Ave
  American food.

• Appalachian Brewing Company

  phone: +1 717 334-2200
  address: 401 Buford Ave
  Outstanding cheeseburgers and personal pizzas accentuate the wonderful selection of micro-brews.

• Rita's Italian Ice

  phone: +1 717 338-9090
  address: 523 Baltimore St
  Regional chain. Italian ice and custard. Only open March to September.

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park at any time.

Bars

• Garryowen Irish Pub

  phone: +1 717 337-2719
  address: 126 Chambersburg St
  Good Irish pub with great music entertainment on special days like St. Patricks. It's traditional Irish menu is very tasty.

• The Pub

  phone: +1 717-334-7100
  address: 20-22 Lincoln Sq
  Casual dining with an extensive menu. Plenty of vegetarian options.

Cafes

• Christine's Cafe

  phone: +1 717 398-2056
  address: 48 Baltimore St

• Johnny Como's Cupcakes & Coffee

  phone: +1 717 339-0339
  address: 62 Chambersburg St

• Ragged Edge Roasting Company

  phone: +1 717 334-4464
  address: 110 Chambesburg St
  The Ragged Edge serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads and coffee. They offer a free wireless connection. The local products, beautiful gardens, and in house art gallery all add up to an award winning experience.

• The Ugly Mug Cafe at Cockles Corner

  phone: +1 717 398-2011
  address: 168 Carlisle St

Camping and backcountry

There are seven campgrounds in Gettysburg: Artillery Ridge Campground, Drummer Boy Campground, Gettysburg Campground, Gettysburg KOA, Round Top Campground, Granite Hill Campground, Gettysburg Battlefield Resort (Membership)
Hiking, camping, and grilling can be done at nearby Caledonia State Park, located approximately 25 miles west of Gettysburg on US Rt 30. Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve in nearby Fairfield, Pa., has more than 600 acres and miles of trails for hiking as well.

Hotels

• 1863 Inn Of Gettysburg

  phone: +1 717 334-6211
  address: 516 Baltimore St

• Antrim 1844

  phone: +1 410 756-6812
  address: 30 Trevanion Rd Taneytown, MD
  Nestled at the foot of the rolling Catoctin Mountains in Central Maryland. Built in 1844, Antrim was once a thriving plantation and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Owners Dorothy and Richard Mollett have restored the mansion and the estate buildings on this 24-acre site. Located 15 minutes from Historic Gettysburg

• Brafferton Inn

  phone: +1 717 337-3423
  address: 44 York St

• Bluebrick Place

  phone: +1 717 420-0103
  address: 18 North Washington St
  A weekly vacation rental for two. Modernized room with fully equipped kitchen, eating area and sleeping accommodations.

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

  phone: +1 717-337-9518
  address: 1857 Gettysburg Village Dr

• Dobbin House Tavern

  phone: +1 717 334-2100
  address: 89 Steinwehr Ave
  Includes Gettystown Inn Bed & Breakfast.

• Gettysburg Hotel

  phone: +1 717 337-2000
  address: One Lincoln Sq
  The Gettysburg Hotel has a tradition of hospitality that dates to 1797, when James Scott first opened his tavern. The hotel existed during the Battle of Gettysburg. President Lincoln honed the immortal words of his Gettysburg Address at the Wills House, just steps away from the hotel. Nearly a century later, at the height of the Cold War, the hotel served as President Dwight Eisenhower's national operations center while he recuperated from a heart attack at his nearby farm. The Gettysburg Hotel consists of 122 spacious non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each beautifully appointed with dark wood bedsteads and other elegant period furnishings. Roof top seasonal swimming pool, business center, fitness center. Restaurant Centuries on the Square and pub McClellan's Tavern are located on the premises.

• Hilton Garden Inn Gettysburg

  phone: +1 717-334-2040
  address: 1061 York St

• James Gettys Hotel

  phone: +1 717-337-1334
  address: 27 Chambersburg St
  An elegant 12 room suite hotel in historic downtown Gettysburg. Every suite is individually styled and has kitchenette, bedroom and private bath. Home baked continental breakfast served in room, free on-site private parking

• Quality Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 717-337-2400
  address: 871 York Rd
  All rooms include free continental breakfast, wireless internet, 24 hour business center, indoor pool with jacuzzi, in room irons and ironing boards, in room safes, hair dryers.

• Wyndham Gettysburg

  phone: +1 717-339-0020
  address: 95 Presidential Circle
  Upscale hotel with fitness center, business center, 1863 Restaurant, and within walking distance of Gateway Theaters.

Gettysburg is very safe. However, it can get very crowded during the summer, and especially on summer weekends. If large crowds are not pleasing to you, especially avoid the anniversary dates of July 1-3.

• Harrisburg - The capital of Pennsylvania.
• Hershey - Chocolate country.
• Lancaster (Pennsylvania) - Amish country.
• York (Pennsylvania) - Central Pennsylvania country.
• Baltimore - Including the National Aquarium.
• Washington, DC - The nation's capital, about an hour and a half away.