Home to a legendary Civil War battlefield, 13,00 monuments and memorials, and several miles of stunning avenues, Gettysburg National Military Park is the best place to soak up in history.
And if you want to know the history, weather, best time to visit Gettysburg National Military Park, etc. then this article is for you. So let’s start!
Summary
| Park | Gettysburg National Military Park |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1895 |
| Things to do | Museum Visit, Battlefield Tour and many more |
| Hotels near Gettysburg National Military Park | 1863 Gettysburg, Gettysburg Hotel and many more |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
| Camping Locations | Multiple Locations |
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Where Is Gettysburg National Military Park?
Gettysburg National Military Park is situated in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles northwest of Baltimore.
You can take a challenging 2.4-mile loop which will take you fifty minutes to reach the park, or you can take the normal route. You can reach the park by hiking, horse riding, driving, etc.
About Gettysburg National Military Park
This Park is a national park located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States, that protects and interprets the landscape of Gettysburg Battlefield, a site of the critical Civil War battle.
The Park boasts an array of historic buildings, memorials, and miles of stunning avenues that shaped the course of United States history, which makes it a must-visit for history buffs and those with interest in the Civil War.
More than a million people come to the this Park every year to learn more about the Civil War through exhibits, guided tours, and special programs.
Gettysburg National Military Park | Battlefield Tour Video
History Of Gettysburg National Military park
The battle of Gettysburg began on July 1, 1863, and continued for three days.
By the end of the war, more than 50,000 soldiers were dead, wounded, or missing, and the Civil War continued for two more years.
In 1864, a group of concerned residents established the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, whose purpose was to preserve portions of the battlefield as a memorial to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives.
In 1895, the association transferred its land holdings to the Federal Government, and 32 years after the deadly battle, This Park was established.
In 1933, the administration of the park was transferred to National Park Service.
Today, it is one of the most visited Civil War Battlefields, visited by more than one million people every year from all around the world.
Things To Do In The Park
Here are the best things to do in this Park that will guarantee a great time in the Park:
Stop At The Visitor Center And Museum
The best way to begin your tour is the Park’s Museum and Visitor Center, where you can get an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg and its context before actually venturing off to the battlefield.
The Visitor Center features a variety of artifacts and exhibits to help visitors get acquainted with the history, including a 30-minute movie, “A New Birth of a Freedom,” “The Cyclorama,” the largest painting in North America painted on the third day of the battle.
Take A Battlefield Tour
This Park’s Battlefield is the major attraction of the Park that draws millions of visitors from all around the globe.
Visitors can either take a self-guided tour to the battlefield or book a Licensed Battlefield Guide for a detailed and intimate tour of the battlefield led by a guide who will point out all the important sites of each battle phase. A full Battlefield guided tour takes around 4 hours to complete.
Soldiers’ National Cemetery
Soldiers National Cemetery was dedicated to honoring the 3,500 soldiers who fought and perished here.
It was one of the first national cemeteries that included the graves of the soldiers fallen in later wars.
The first monument was erected in 1869, honoring the first Minnesota Infantry, which suffered staggering casualties here on July 2, 1863.
David Wills House
If you’re interested in the life of the former president Abraham Lincoln or want to learn how Gettysburg recovered after the battle, then a visit to David Wills House is a must.
Once home to David Wills, this building is where the president stayed during his visit and finalized his famous “Gettysburg Address.”
Other features of the David Wills House include a seven-gallery interactive museum that depicts the life of Wills and Lincoln. The Museum opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Eisenhower National Historic Site
Eisenhower is the only historic site in the Park that doesn’t concern the famous battle.
Home to President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the house was used to meet and entertain the foreign dignitaries.
The house is still furnished as it used to be in the 1950s and features a collection of Eisenhower’s paintings, white house artifacts, and gifts from foreign guests.
Best Time To Visit Gettysburg National Military Park
Though there’s no wrong time to visit this Park, we’d recommend visiting the Park during Spring and Fall, when the weather is mild, and the Park is less crowded.
Summer months bring the most crowds, especially in July during the battle’s anniversary.
Winter months offer the opportunity to ride the climate control bus, while fall brings the cooler temperature and thinners crowds.
Map Of Gettysburg National Military Park
Download the Map of this Park from NPS Website to get an idea of how things are laid out in and around the Park to have a great experience on your first trip.
Camping Locations At Gettysburg National Military Park
You can camp both inside and outside of the Park. Tent camping is available only at the McMillan Woods area of the Park from April to October.
There are a wide range of amenities in the campsites and must be reserved in advance; walk-ins are not permitted. You can make reservations at Recreation.gov.
Weather Of Gettysburg National Military Park
This Park has very predictable weather, and it’s partly cloudy throughout the year. Summers days are warm with lots of humidity, while Winters are cold with occasional snow.
The average temperature typically varies from 24°F to 86°F and rarely comes down below 11°F or above 94°F.
In terms of weather, the best time to visit the Park is from early June to late September. Check out the current weather at the NPS website before visiting.
Hotels To Stay Near Gettysburg National Military Park
There are plenty of lodging options within this Park and its vicinity equipped with modern amenities.
Here are some places to stay near the Park:
- Inn at Lincoln Square
- Gettysburg Hotel
- Best Western Gettysburg
- I863 Gettysburg
- Brickhouse Inn Bed & Breakfast
Entry Fees And Passes
There is no entrance fee to visit the Park, National Cemetery, and Park buildings.
However, you can access specific areas like Museum, Film and Cyclorama program, and Visitor Center Exhibition, visitors are charged an entrance fee.
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Checklist For Things To Pack
Listed below are the few essential items you must bring with you while visiting the Park:
- Backpack
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Bottled water
- Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and hat
- Binoculars
- Camera
- First-aid kit
- Park’s Map & compass
FAQ
Is Gettysburg National Military Park worth a Visit?
If you are interested in Civil War history, then yes, it is worth it.
But if you are more into stunning landscapes, wildlife, or outdoor hiking adventures, you might want to skip it.
How much time do I need in Gettysburg National Military Park?
Park can be quickly done in 2-3 hours max. But if you want an in-depth experience and plan to explore the battlefield without a tour guide, it could take up to 7-8 hours.
Where Should I Begin my Visit to Gettysburg National Military Park?
The best way to start your visit is from the Museum and Visitor Center and watch the film “A new birth of freedom” to learn about the battleground and understand its causes.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.