How to Take a Historical Tour of Gettysburg

In 1863, the turning point of America's Civil War occurred in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Today, this city displays some of America's most poignant historical attractions. Be sure to leave yourself several days to explore this American treasure.

Instructions

Prepare for Your Trip

1. Contact the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau before leaving for your trip. They can be reached at [phone]. You can get a variety of information from them about accommodations, attractions, dining and much more.

2. Plan your trip for some period between April and October. Some attractions are not available in the winter or would not be as enjoyable in the snow.

3. Book a room at one of the local bed and breakfast locations. Many of these locations were visited by famous Civil War generals. Many are decorated in a manner consistent with the 19th century.

4. Make reservations for some special dinners at the historical restaurants or taverns in Gettysburg. Many of these establishments provide period fare and an atmosphere reminiscent of the 18th and 19th centuries. Historic restaurants include: The Herr Tavern and Publick House, Farnsworth House Inn Restaurant, The Fairfield Inn 1757 and the Dobbin House Tavern.

5. Decide if you would like to take a driving tour of the countryside surrounding Gettysburg. There are two self-guided driving tours: The Scenic Valley Tour through Adams County and the Historic Conewago Tour.

6. There are several options for visiting the Gettysburg Battlefield including a self-guided driving tour, a tour with a professional guide, an audio driving tour or a bus tour. If you decide to go with a private guide, you will need to make reservations in advance.

7. Review your Civil War history before traveling.

Tour the Sites

1. Take a historical walking tour of the downtown area. Maps with suggested routes are available at the Visitors Bureau.

2. Orient yourself to the history of the civil war by visiting the American Civil War Museum. Hours vary depending on the season. You can contact the museum at [phone].

3. Visit the Gettysburg Battle Theatre. Check their hours by calling [phone].

4. Visit the Jennie Wade House and learn about the only civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg. Check their hours by calling [phone].

5. Start your battlefield visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. You can reach the center by calling [phone]. You should allow at least 4 hours for this visit.

6. Finish your historical tour of Gettysburg by spending a day visiting some of the other local museums such as General Lee's Headquarters Museum [phone]), Hall of Presidents [phone]), Lincoln Room Museum [phone]), Shriver House Museum [phone]), Eisenhower National Historic Site [phone]) and Soldiers National Museum [phone]).

Tips & Warnings

• If you are interested in ghosts, check out some of the ghost tours. You can contact Ghosts of Gettysburg Tours at [phone] or Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg Ghost Tours at [phone].

• Don't forget to bring water on your walking tours. Pennsylvania can get hot and humid during the summer months.

• Don't wait for the last minute to book your reservations, especially if traveling in the summer or fall seasons.

Resources

• For more information and to access an interactive trip builder, visit the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.