Historic Gettysburg
the Battle, Camping, National Cemetary & More

The main attraction is the immense battlefield -- it covers about 25 square miles.

Most people see the battlefield by car or tour bus. An excellent way to the tour the battlefield and get a sense for the history surrounding the encounter is to employ one of the licensed guides available at the National Park Service Visitors Center. The tour lasted about 2 hours and we were delighted that we took it. George, our guide, was able to help the battle come to life with his insights and explanations of the events that brought the opposing Armies together.

He showed us numerous diagrams, one or two for each day, of how the opposing forces were arranged each day and the development of the battle throughout the 3 days of the great struggle. Our guide gave us a deeper understanding of the historical importance of the battle than we would have ever been able to get on our own. After the tour, we drove around again by ourselves to take some pictures. And we could have easily spent another day looking in detail at more of the monuments.

Other options for touring the battlefield include the tour buses that depart from the Visitors Center, or purchasing an audio tape/CD from the Visitors Center Bookstore to use on a self-guided tour.

We also recommend taking advantage of the National Park Service ranger programs. We took the cemetery tour and it was very informative. The ranger was excellent in telling of the historic commissioning of our country's first national cemetery. He also spoke about the battle, the combatants, and weapons that were used. He painted a verbal picture of the conditions people experienced before, during and after the battle. We also enjoyed his wonderful explanation of the Gettysburg address and how carefully Lincoln crafted the references in his text.

In summary, one day is not enough time to cover the battlefield, town and history but it does provide an appreciation for this important part of American history.

If you have been here and been "wow'd", tell us all what you like best about Gettysburg , and/or share some of your other RVing favorites.

If you can spend more time (and money), here are some other places to see:

The American Civil War Museum depicts the leading personalities, political, economical and social aspects of the war. Throughout five hallways of scenes, the American Civil War Museum recreates history with life-sized dioramas of the Civil War. In the digitally enhanced multi-media Battleroom Auditorium, visitors will see a life-sized recreation of the Gettysburg Battle, followed by President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. There is also a gift shop at the museum, located at 297 Steinwehr Avenue.

The Jennie Wade House Museum: Authentically furnished, this house is a tribute to the only civilian killed during the battle, and remains much as it did over 140 years ago.

The Jennie Wade house, originally the McClellan home, survived the battle and witnessed the tragic death of a 20-year old Gettysburg civilian Jennie Wade, as she was preparing bread for the Union soldiers. This house, located amidst the fighting between both armies, was struck repeatedly and riddled with bullets. It is now a museum and contains a gift shop in the rear. It is located on the southern end of Baltimore Street as you approach Cemetery Hill.

General Pickett's Buffets and the Battle Theater: In 2006, General Pickett's Buffets expanded to include the Battle Theatre and Gift Shop. The Battle Theatre features a diorama depicting scenes from the famous battle in miniature. The Theatre's main attraction is a 30-minute sound and color presentation of the battle. There is a gift shop and the restaurant serves lunch and dinner buffets. Located at 571 Steinwehr Avenue.

The Soldiers National Museum displays a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia from not only the Civil War but other major American conflicts. It features beautifully crafted miniature dioramas of ten major conflicts of the Civil War, as well as a life-sized narrated Confederate encampment. Located at 777 Baltimore St.

The Lincoln Train Museum highlights President Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg from Washington D.C. This attraction features over 1,000 model trains, dioramas illustrating the role of railroads during the Civil War, and a simulated ride with the President. There is a gift shop with a variety of railroad memorabilia. Located at 425 Steinwehr Avenue.

Boyds Bear Country: For the young at heart, "The World’s Most Humongous Teddy Bear Store" is a fun-filled experience for kids of all ages. See the History Hall, take the self-guided tour, build a bear in the Factory, adopt a bear from the Nursery and get a "beary" nice photo in the Portrait Studio. There are eating venues and four floors of shopping. Located off just south of town, off Business Route 15 at 75 Cunningham Road.

Hall of Presidents: A collection of Presidential wax figures, using light and sound, tell the story of America. The Smithsonian Collection of First Ladies Inaugural gowns is authentically reproduced in the Hall of First Ladies. Also see the “Eisenhowers at Gettysburg” exhibit, which highlights the years the Eisenhower family spent on their nearby farm.

There are other museums and various walking tours around historic Gettysburg, as well as themed places to dine and shop.

Gettysburg Camping:

DRUMMER BOY CAMPGROUND 1300 Hanover Rd. 717-334-3277

GETTYSBURG CAMPGROUND 2030 Fairfield Rd. 717-334-3304

GRANITE HILL CAMPGROUND 3340 Fairfield Rd. 717-642-8749

KOA KAMPGROUND 20 Knox Rd. 717-642-5713

ROUND TOP CAMPGROUND 180 Knight Rd. 717-334-9565

What do you like best about Gettysburg?

And please share some of your other RVing favorites

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