Beyond the Battle Museum
Begin your Gettysburg experience at the best new museum in the United States (USA Today). Explore 12 immersive galleries covering the town’s full story—before, during, and after the battle. Step inside Caught in the Crossfire, a 360-degree sight and sound experience praised by National Geographic, where you’ll experience what it was like for families caught between the firing lines in July 1863.
Tour the Battlefield
There are many ways to experience the Gettysburg Battlefield, depending on your time and interests. If you’re short on time, a self-guided driving tour with the National Park Service’s official map and guide is the perfect way to see key sites. For a deeper and more engaging experience, you might choose The Gettysburg Story Battlefield Auto Tour, narrated by actor Stephen Lang. Those with several hours to spare can sit back and relax on a private tour led by a Licensed Battlefield Guide, who will bring the battle to life while answering all your questions. And if you’d prefer to travel with a group, you can also enjoy a bus tour—either enclosed or on an open-air double-decker—with expert narration by a licensed guide.
The Shriver House Museum
Step inside the meticulously restored 1860 home of George and Hettie Shriver, where history still lingers in every room. Bloodstains and bullet holes mark the floors and walls, evidence of the fierce battle that swept through the streets of Gettysburg. During the fighting, Confederate sharpshooters seized the house, turning a family home into a fortress. Today, expert guides in period attire lead you through all four floors, each one revealing a new chapter in the Shrivers’ harrowing story and the lasting impact of the Civil War on their lives.
Town History & Hospitality
Explore the heart of Gettysburg by taking a self-guided stroll with Main Street Gettysburg’s wayside exhibit map, which highlights the stories behind the buildings and landmarks you’ll pass. For an even richer experience, you can hire a Licensed Town Guide, whose vivid storytelling brings to life the experiences of both soldiers and civilians who once walked these same streets.
As you wander, step inside the Jennie Wade House, Gettysburg’s longest continuously operating museum. Riddled with bullet holes, this humble brick home tells the tragic story of Mary Virginia “Jennie” Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle.
A short walk away, don’t miss the Dobbin House Tavern, the oldest home in Gettysburg. Built in 1776 — the same year America declared independence — the Dobbin House now serves as one of the town’s most beloved restaurants. Guests can enjoy fine cuisine or take a guided tour that reveals the building’s 250-year history and remarkable restoration.
Other historic Gettysburg eateries include Sign of the Buck, housed in an 1804 tavern and boarding house; the Farnsworth House, an iconic tourist landmark still scarred by hundreds of bullets; and Gettysburg Eddie’s, a restaurant that honors local baseball legend and Hall of Famer Eddie Plank.
The Eisenhower Farm
Gettysburg isn’t only about the Civil War — it also played a role in 20th century history. At the Eisenhower National Historic Site, visitors can explore the beloved farm and retreat of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. Maintained by the National Park Service, the site includes the Eisenhower home, barn, and farm complex, where world leaders were once welcomed during the height of the Cold War. Today, guided tours and seasonal programs invite guests to step into the personal life of the nation’s 34th president, set against the rolling fields of Gettysburg.
Apple Country
Before leaving Gettysburg, plan some time to take a scenic drive north of town through our county’s “Fruit Belt,” with rolling orchards as far as the eye can reach. Stop for farm-fresh produce at Hollabaugh Bros and Boyer Nurseries & Orchards near Biglerville, Peters Orchards near York Springs, and don’t miss the iconic Round Barn & Farm Market near Cashtown. To discover even more agricultural adventures, check out Destination Gettysburg’s website.