Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield
The Civil War Comes to Life at Gettysburg National Military Park
Aug 7, 2009
A trip to Gettysburg is a step back in time to three days in 1863 during which intense battles left over 51,000 soldiers dead- more than any other battle in North America before, or since. Through movies, pictures, artifacts and skilled actors, the history of this historic Civil War battle comes alive.
Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
Start a Gettysburg Battlefield trip with a visit to this newly renovated building. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center re-opened its doors in April 2008. With 139,000 square feet, the Center now offers an Information Desk, a restaurant (take-out or a sit-down dining), a book/gift store, a movie theater, twelve museum galleries, classroom space and a second theater to view the famous Gettysburg Cyclorama painting.
To see the 20-minute film called "A New Birth of Freedom", the Cyclorama and the museum, visitors much purchase a timed ticket.
The Gettysburg Cyclorama, depicting "Pickett's Charge", is one of only two cycloramas available to see in the United States. The painting is viewed as a sound and light show where visitors are part of the action during the battle of Gettysburg.
The Interpretive Museum offers nine short films and interactive exhibits. It contains one of the largest collection of Civil War artifacts in the world.
Museum carts appear throughout the day in various halls of the Center to show visitors what people wore and did during Civil War times. Park rangers hold free programs around the center throughout the day during the summer and during the weekends in the fall and the spring. Free copies of "Today in the Park" are available in the Visitor Center and contain a list of Ranger Guided programs
Junior Ranger Program for Children Visiting Gettysburg National Park
Children can pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet in the Visitor Center. By completing three activities in the activity guide, kids will receive certificates making them official Junior Rangers. The booklet provides an opportunity to keep young people engaged as they visit various parts of the battlefield.
Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield
There are several ways to see the battlefield:
- Self-guided Auto Tour- a tour map is available from the information desk in the Visitor Center. Begin the tour from the parking lot of the Center and follow the map and road signs along the way. There are numerous opportunities to pull over to walk around and view monuments and sites up close.
- Narrated Driving Tour- Purchase a CD in the bookstore of the Visitor Center for a guided auto tour of the battlefield.
- Tour Bus- Tickets are available for purchase within the Visitor Center. Allow 2.5 hours for your bus tour.
- Hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide- a guide will accompany you in your own vehicle for a 2 hour driving tour of the battlefield.
A trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield offers something for everyone. Plan your Gettysburg experience and become a part of history while learning more about this pivotal Civil War battle.
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