11 Best Things to Do and See in Gettysburg
Exploring Gettysburg on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Gettysburg, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Gettysburg. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg National Military Park is a vast historic site where visitors can explore the preserved landscapes and open spaces connected to the Battle of Gettysburg. Strolling through fields, memorials, interpretive paths, and military history areas, you gain a deeper understanding of this site’s role in American national memory. The park also offers viewpoints over the surrounding hills and visitor facilities for information and touring, in a peaceful yet solemn atmosphere.
2. Little Round Top
Little Round Top is an iconic hill on the Gettysburg battlefield in the United States, now visited for its historical significance and sweeping views of the surrounding area. This site offers a chance to discover a landscape shaped by the Civil War, with trails, interpretive signs, and lookout points that help visitors understand the terrain. As you explore this place, you can appreciate the strategic role of the high ground in the fighting and enjoy a striking panorama over the military park and the Pennsylvania countryside.
3. Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is an iconic area of the Gettysburg battlefield in the United States, known for its large rock formations, rugged slopes, and open views of the surrounding landscape. This historic site lets visitors explore a setting shaped by the Civil War while discovering an area now laid out for touring. You’ll find dramatic terrain, walking trails, and interpretive signs that help explain the strategic importance of this sector within the wider battlefield. It is a must-see stop for combining history, walking, and scenic views.
4. State of Pennsylvania Monument
The State of Pennsylvania Monument in Gettysburg is an imposing memorial monument that draws attention with its monumental presence and location at the heart of a major historic site. Visitors will discover a sculptural and architectural ensemble dedicated to the memory of Pennsylvania soldiers, with symbolic details, inscriptions, and spaces for reflection. It is also an excellent vantage point for exploring the battlefield and understanding the scale of Gettysburg’s memorial landscape. It is a must-see stop for history and heritage enthusiasts.
5. Historic Sachs Covered Bridge
The Historic Sachs Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge located near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in a peaceful rural setting. Recognizable by its wooden frame and protective roof, it offers a fine example of traditional American covered bridge architecture. Today, the site attracts visitors for its scenic charm, views of the surrounding countryside, and heritage interest. It is a popular stop to discover a well-preserved remnant of the local past and enjoy a quiet walk in a natural setting.
6. Eternal Light Peace Memorial
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial in Gettysburg is a commemorative monument that offers a place for quiet reflection in the heart of this iconic site. Visitors will find a large stele topped with a symbolic flame, surrounded by an open space that encourages calm and contemplation. Located near Gettysburg’s historic memorial sites, it is a reminder of the importance of remembrance and peace. It is a short but meaningful stop for visitors who want to round out their historical discovery of the city with a more solemn and peaceful moment.
7. Jennie Wade House Museum
Jennie Wade House Museum is a key stop for anyone interested in Gettysburg and its civilian heritage. Housed in a historic home, the site presents a domestic setting linked to Jennie Wade and the memory of the battle. The visit lets travelers discover a preserved house, its museum interpretation, and the role it plays in the town’s historical stories. Part local history museum, part historic site, and part tourist attraction, it offers a concrete glimpse into daily life in 19th-century Gettysburg.
8. Eisenhower National Historic Site
The Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg lets visitors discover the former country residence of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and its preserved surroundings. This historic site offers a glimpse into the daily life of a head of state in the countryside, with the main house, outbuildings, and the farmland landscapes around it. Visitors explore a place that is both intimate and symbolic, tied to American political history and the memory of the 20th century. The visit also offers a great opportunity to enjoy the peaceful setting of the Gettysburg area.
9. Gettysburg Heritage Center
The Gettysburg Heritage Center is a museum and tourist attraction dedicated to discovering Gettysburg and its historical heritage. It features exhibits that help visitors better understand the local context, the town, and its role in American memory, with an educational approach accessible to visitors. The center generally offers visual content, artifacts, and presentations that highlight the history of the site and the region. It is an interesting visit to complement exploring Gettysburg and better appreciate the cultural importance of this place.
10. Gettysburg Diorama & History Center
The Gettysburg Diorama & History Center is an interesting stop for discovering the history of Gettysburg through an accessible, visual presentation. It features a large diorama that helps visitors better understand the geography of the battlefield and the overall sequence of events related to Gettysburg, along with historical exhibits and contextual artifacts. This museum is ideal for visitors looking for an educational introduction to the site, before or after visiting the city’s memorial landmarks. Overall, it offers a clear look at Gettysburg’s local memory and historical heritage.
11. Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg
The Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg offers a chance to explore the inside of a historic home and gain a better understanding of everyday life for residents during the Civil War era. This history museum traces the daily life of a local family in a preserved setting that combines period furnishings, restored rooms, and elements connected to the town’s history. The visit provides a vivid look at 19th-century Gettysburg through a house that reflects both residential architecture and the memory of the site.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
