The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee’s second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”, Gettysburg was the Civil War’s bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address”.
Once you have begun your visit to Gettysburg National Military Park at the National Park Service Museum and Visitor Center, we suggest you tour the battlefield and explore the significant sites of this dramatic event. Aside from a battlefield tour, there are many other things to see and do including free ranger-guided programs, evening campfire programs, activities for kids, and specialized battle walks during the summer months. Check our Ranger Programs at Gettysburg page for the current schedule. Ranger-guided programs are also scheduled in the spring and fall seasons.
Volunteer living history organizations offer programs in the park on weekends from spring to fall. A full schedule of living history weekends as well as other special events is posted on the Park Events page. Special observances are held annually on Memorial Day and to commemorate the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery on November 19. There are other special events that occur throughout the year and are listed on our Park Events page.
While you’re visiting the area, if you’re looking for something to do in Gettysburg, why not see it from above in a hot air balloon ride?
