Gettysburg

Site of the pivotal Civil War battle, now a poignant national cemetery and museum preserving crucial American history. Visitors can explore battlefield grounds, monuments, and museum exhibits that illuminate this defining moment in the nation.

Things to do

• Gettysburg National Cemetery — Walk the hallowed grounds where Lincoln delivered his famous address and view the organized rows of soldier graves from the July 1863 battle.
• Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center — Explore comprehensive exhibits, artifacts, and a cyclorama painting depicting the battle's pivotal moments with expert interpretation.
• Self-Guided Battlefield Tour — Drive or walk the 26-mile loop route marked with 1,400+ monuments and wayside signs to understand troop movements and key engagement sites.
• Jennie Wade House — Tour the home of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, and learn about daily life during the three-day conflict.
• High Water Mark — Visit the stone wall and copse of trees marking the farthest point of Pickett's Charge, the battle's most famous assault.
• Eisenhower House — Tour the presidential home and personal museum reflecting Eisenhower's military career and his connection to Gettysburg.

Food to try

• Gettysburg Fried Chicken — A regional comfort food staple reflecting Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, featuring crispy fried chicken often served with local sides.
• Shoofly Pie — A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch molasses pie with a gooey filling and crumb topping, available at local bakeries and restaurants.
• Gettysburg Casserole — A hearty local dish combining meat, vegetables, and potatoes that reflects the area's farm-to-table cooking traditions.
• Fresh Farm Produce from Adams County — Visit farmers markets for locally grown corn, apples, and peaches from the surrounding agricultural region.
• Apple Dumplings — A beloved Pennsylvania Dutch dessert featuring apples wrapped in pastry, often served warm with cinnamon and sauce.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Battlefield — Treat the grounds with reverence as a cemetery and memorial; stay on marked paths, keep voices low, and avoid disruptive behavior.
• Plan Extra Time for the Park — Allocate at least a full day to meaningfully experience the vast battlefield, museum, and cemetery without rushing.
• Visit During Off-Peak Hours — Early mornings or weekdays offer quieter experiences and better reflection opportunities compared to summer weekends and holidays.
• Learn the Three-Day Timeline — Understanding the battle's progression through July 1-3 helps you appreciate specific locations and their historical significance.