Gettysburg Pennsylvania Things To Do

Museums & Shopping Family Fun & Arts Historical Points Of Interest Wineries Recreation Tour Services Local Events & Festivals

You’ll be amazed by the many things to see and things to do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. From the hallowed fields of Gettysburg National Military Park to family fun at Boyd's Bear Country-historic Gettysburg offers something for everyone from Civil War history buffs to golfing enthusiasts.

Take a sip of the good life at Adams County Winery and Hauser Estate Winery, and experience the pleasures of Pennsylvania wine country.

The best tourist attractions in Gettysburg are all around you at the Gateway Gettysburg campus. 

Best of Gettysburg.  Experience the best Gettysburg has to offer as Gettysburg attractions, dining, shopping & lodging partners join forces to deliver authentic history, a memorable experience and money saving offers.

Be sure to visit website for downloadable coupons and information on special events, www.bestofgettysburg.com.

MUSEUMS & SHOPPING

American Civil War Museum & Gettysburg Gift Center. 

An educational and inspiring experience for families or tour groups of all ages. The museum is a “must” see for all visitors to Gettysburg. Our self-guided tour presents a concise history of the Civil War era and Battle of Gettysburg with remarkable realism through life-sized dioramas. Gettysburg Gift Center is one of Gettysburg's largest and finest gift shops, offering an extensive selection of books, Civil War sculpture, collectables, souvenirs, apparel and educational materials.  Visit www.gettysburgmuseum.com.

General Lee's Headquarters Museum & Museum Store. 

The museum is located in the same stone house that General Robert E. Lee occupied during the Battle of Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. Learn more about one of the most significant events in American history by visiting the museum and seeing artifacts that tell the stories of the people that fought the battle.  Complete your visit with a stop at our museum store.  Visit www.civilwarheadquarters.com.  

National Civil War Museum. 

Located in Harrisburg, the National Civil War Museum is dedicated to the period in American history reaching from 1850 to 1876 and includes collections of a wide range of artifacts including documents, manuscripts, photographs and extends to military artifacts and Civil War-ear weaponry. To learn more about the National Civil War Museum, visit www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.

The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg.

The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg have everything from women’s and men’s clothing to home furnishings, all at outlet prices. The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg include Gap Outlet, Izod, Eddie Bauer, American Eagle, Farberware, Nautica, Old Navy and Liz Claiborne. For more details on The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg and store information, visit www.theoutletshoppesatgettysburg.com.

 

Battlefield Harley-Davidson.  Located adjacent to Gateway Gettysburg, don't miss one of the largest and most comprehensive Harley-Davidson deaderships in the country.  This award winning dealership features an incredible selection of genuine Harley-Davidson gifts and merchandise as well as a beautiful showroom of the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  With over 100 onsite events annually, Battlefield Harley-Davidson is where there is always something going on.  For more information visit www.battlefieldharley-davidson.com. 

[Top]

FAMILY FUN & ARTS

Boyds Bear Country.

Boyds Bear Country is the flagship of the Boyds Bear Collection and is set in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Adopt an adorable bear cub at the Teddy Bear Nursery, take snapshots of you and your new bear friends and see Boyds Bear Country displays and learn about the story of the bears at the Boyds Bear Country Museum.
For more details, visit www.boydsbearcountry.com.

Hersheypark.

Located in nearby Hershey, Hersheypark is one of the premier amusement parks in the country offering fun, history and adventure for the whole family. At Hersheypark, experience thrilling rides and eleven roller coasters including: Fahrenheit, Lightning Racer, Storm Runner and Great Bear. All new in 2009, don't miss the Boardwalk - five distinctive water rides.  Hersheypark admission also includes entrance to ZOOAMERICA. For more details on Hersheypark.  visit www.hersheypark.com.

Ghosts of Gettysburg.

Experience one of the area's most popular activities, Ghost Tours in Historic HAUNTED Gettysburg, PA. Considered as one of the Top Five most haunted cities in America, "Ghost Tours of Gettysburg" will lead you in an exciting, memorable adventure. For more information, visit them online at www.ghostsofgettysburg.com.

Majestic Theater.

Majestic Theater is widely known as the best small town theater in America bringing a spectacular lineup of entertainment to Gettysburg including: award-winning comics, Broadway stars and classical dancers. A $16 million renovation in 2005 meticulously re-created its original Colonial Revival features. To learn more, visit them online at www.gettysburgmajestic.org.

Lincoln's Lost Treasure NEW!! Lincoln's Lost Treasure is a live interactive adventure that takes place on the streets of Downtown Gettysburg.  Similar to the movie "National Treasure", participants use clues and historical documents to uncover the whereabouts of a fictional lost treasure.  Allow two hours of fun and excitement as participants collect clues from the five original copies of the Gettysburg Address.  The adventure is family oriented and is appropriate for all ages six and above.  Open Saturdays and Sundays April - October.  To learn more or to make reservations, visit them online at www.LincolnsLostTreasure.com.

  [Top]

HISTORICAL POINTS OF INTEREST

Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitors Center.

The Battle of Gettysburg was the site of more casualties than in any other battle waged on North American soil with more than 51,000 dead, captured and wounded by the end of the July 1-3, 1863 battle. Today, Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitors Center honors the hallowed ground where so many soldiers fought and died in the Civil War. For more details about visiting Gettysburg National Military Park & Visitors Center and history, visit www.nps.gov/gett.

The David Wills House.

Newly opened in February 2009, the David Wills House tells the story of Mr. David Wills who helped to create the Soldiers' National Cemetery and lead the clean up of Gettysburg in the aftermath of a 3-day battle. The museum also speaks of President Abraham Lincoln's visit, of the finishing of the Gettysburg Address and provides a glimpse into the man who led our nation in a time of great struggle. For more information, visit them online at http://www.davidwillshouse.org/.

Eisenhower National Historic Site. Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located adjacent to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much needed respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.  Tours originate at the National Park Visitors Center.  Visit www.nps.gov/eise.

[Top]

WINERIES

Adams County Winery.

Adams County Winery produces wine with historic Civil War scenes and Gettysburg landmarks on the labels to commemorate a great trip. Savor the delicious flavors of Pennsylvania wineries of Adams County Winery. The winery is located in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania , about 10 miles west of Gettysburg National Military Park. For more details on Adams County Winery.  Visit www.adamscountywinery.com.

Hauser Estate Winery.

Hauser Estate Winery covers 170 acres and prime Pennsylvania wine country. Stop by the Hauser Estate Winery to enjoy their many fine wine experiences, tastings and events. The Hauser Estate Winery is located in historic Gettysburg and offers sweeping views of the Gettysburg area. For more details on the Hauser Estate Winery, visit www.hauserestate.com.

[Top]

RECREATION

The Links At Gettysburg Golf Course.

The Links At Gettysburg Golf Course is one of Pennsylvania’s finest public courses. The Links at Gettysburg golf course recently ranked #6 among Pennsylvania public golf resorts rated by Golfweek Magazine. For more information about The Links At Gettysburg and to make tee times.  
Visit www.thelinksatgettysburg.com.

[Top]

TOUR SERVICES

Stars and Stripes Tours.  Operated by Wolf's Bus Lines, Stars and Stripes Tours is the perfect complement to your Gettysburg vacation or a fun day trip.  Whether it's a narrated city tour of Washington DC by a licensed guide or the excitement of live thoroughbred racing along with 2,000 slot machines at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Stars and Stripes Tours will provide safe and reliable transportation with a smile.  Both tours run June - October.   DC Tour is every Tuesday and Thursday and Hollywood Casino Tour is every Wednesday.  For your convenience, Gateway Gettysburg is a pick-up location for both tours.  For schedules and pricing, visit www.starsandstripestours.com.

Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides.  Do not settle for imitation battlefield guides.  Experience the living history of the battlefield with the most experienced scholars of the Battle of Gettysburg - the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides.  Over the last decades of the 19th century many individuals took up guiding as veterans and visitors from around the world arrived at what was fast developing as the premier battlefield park commemorating the American Civil War.  Today, more than one hundred and thirty Association guides conduct thousands of visitors around Gettysburg and other battlefields of the Civil War each year.  There are many other "internet" based self-proclaimed tour guides out there.  Choose the oldest and most experienced!  Visit www.gettysburgtourguides.org.

[Top]

Gettysburg Festival~June 18-27, 2010.  Often referred to as a town located at the crossroads of history, Gettysburg is now poised at a cultural crossroads.  From America’s best in brass to jazz legend Ahmad Jamal, you don’t have to travel half way around the world to find great music, arts and culture. For ten days in June, it’s right here in Gettysburg, where you’ll discover a side of us you might not know. Our civil side.  The Gettysburg Festival offers more than 800 artists and performers for 100 spectacular events, more than half of which are free and open to the public.   American Bus Association named the Gettysburg Festival to their list of Top 100 Events for 2009.  All performance venues are within close proximity to Gateway Gettysburg and include: Majestic Theater, Historic Gettysburg Railroad Station and Gettysburg College.  For a complete schedule of events and more information visit www.gettysburgfestival.org.

Pennsylvania Lavender Festival~June 18-20, 2010.  Located just 15 minutes west of Gateway Gettysburg, the Annual Pennsylvania Lavender Festival is a local favorite and true tourist treat! The festival will be held at Willow Pond Farm in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, and will be the 8th to be held on the family-owned farm. The lavender festival will fature 75+ varieties of lavender for sale, along with other PA Certified Organic herbs, plants, and products. For a complete schedule of events and more general information on the festival, as well as pictures from past years, please visit  www.palavenderfestival.com.

147th Annual Gettysburg Civil War Battle Reenactment~July 2-5, 2010.  Check out one of Gettysburg's largest feature events of the year! The Civil War Reenactment is sure to entertain and excite parents and children of all ages! The reenactment will feature five (5) of the major battles of the Civil War that were fought here on the historic battlefields of Gettysburg. The festivities will begin on the evening of July 3, continue on July 4th, and conclude on the afternoon of July 5. For those of you who are not excited by the fire of the cannons and riffles, there will be plenty of other distractions at the reenactment site, such as old-time shopping in the general stores! For a complete schedule of events and more detailed information regarding the reenactment please visit www.gettysburgreenactment.com.

Gettysburg Bike Week~July 8-11, 2010.  Whether you ride yourself or just enjoy the excitement or beauty of motorcycles, you will have a blast at Gettysburg Bike Week! The festivities will take place day to night and include poker runs, tattoo contests, bike games, a large array of live bands, and much more! For a complete schedule of events, ticket information, and everything else you would like to learn about this week please visit www.gettysburgbikeweek.com.

11th Annual Adams County Irish Festival~July 17, 2010.  Festival will take place at Gettysburg Moose Park - just 1 mile from Gateway Gettysburg.  For a full day of Irish music, dancers, food, merchandise, and more be sure to attend this festival! The festival benefits charitable efforts for children in Ireland as well as helping to establish a National Irish history museum and library for Adams County through the Irish Heritage Foundation of Gettysburg's efforts. To learn more about this festival which was voted "Best Festival or Special Event," be sure to  visit www.adamscountyirishfestival.com.

Artist Preservation Group Gettysburg Show ~July 16-18, 2010.  The Artist Preservation Group is a gathering of like-minded historical artists whose mission is to generate capital, through fundraising and donations, to aide in the preservation and restoration of  threatened historical sites and/or artifacts.  Members are committed to using their artistic talents to actively support historical sites as they continue their dedication to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of events that shaped history.  APG will be hosting a miniature show and art exhibit at the Wyndham Gettysburg on August 7-9, 2009.  For more information, please visit  www.artistpreservationgroup.com/gettysburg.htm.

Battlefield Blast Soccer Tournament~August 28-29, 2010.  To see some young all-stars, be sure to check this tournament out! The Battlefield Blast features both boys and girls competative club teams in which each registered team will play a combination of mini-games and full-games. To learn more about this kid friendly soccer event, be sure to visit www.gysc.org/batt-blast/.

6th Annual Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival~September 11-12, 2010.  Join us for this rain or shine event right in our Gateway Gettysburg Complex! The annual grape harvest celebration is sponsored by Bobby Rahal Lexus and pairs some of Pennsylvania's finest wines with great live music!. The festival will feature wines from over 15 Pennsylvania wineries and a variety of live music, including jazz, classic rock, and other favorites. For a lesson in pairing wine with your dinner or just to enjoy the great wine and music, be sure to make plans to join us at Gateway Gettysburg! For the entertainment schedule, a list of wineries, and all other information please visit www.gettysburgwine.com.

46th Annual National Apple Harvest Festival~October 2-3 & 9-10, 2010.  If you are going to be in the area either the first or second weekend in October, be sure to check out this local favorite at nearby South Mountain Fairgrounds on Route 234 near Arendtsville, PA. This festival has been celebrating beautiful crafts, great music, and wonderful food for over forty years! With something for everyone, this festival is an event the whole family can enjoy! For historical information, schedule of events, or any other information regarding the Apple Harvest Festival please visit  www.appleharvest.com.

[Top]