What should I do when I get to Gettysburg?
There is a lot to do and see in Gettysburg, and it can be overwhelming!
If you're visiting on weekends, you can begin your Gettysburg excursion at the Rupp House History Center (the Friends of Gettysburg gathering place) where you'll receive an "introduction" to Gettysburg through interactive exhibits and hands-on displays! (And there's NO admission charge!) The Rupp House features exhibits about the Rupp family, who lived in Gettysburg during the Battle of Gettysburg, and other interactive exhibits on 19th Century culture, civilians, soldiers and the preservation work critical to understanding the Battle of Gettysburg.
The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center (1195 Baltimore Pike) is also a great starting point for your Gettysburg experience. Here is a suggested itinerary:
- Start with the feature film: A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM--Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film will orient you to the Battle of Gettysburg--and the American Civil War--preparing you for your Gettysburg experience. The film, shown exlusively at Gettysburg National Military Park, runs daily every 15 minutes, beginning at 8:15 a.m. Allow 30 minutes to view the film.
- Next, visit the battlefield. There are many ways to view the battlefield. You can book a Licensed Battlefield Guide for a personal tour or you pick up a CD tour for your car in the Museum Bookstore. You can also use the official park map and guide to follow the Auto Tour route (park maps are available at the Information Desk in the Main Lobby). Allow 2 1/2 hours to tour the battlefield. (Remember, the Gettysburg National Military Park includes 6,000 acres of land, which can be quite daunting to first-time visitors!)
- Finally, spend time in the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War, featuring exhibits, film experiences and interactive activities for all ages. Allow at least 90 minutes for the museum experience.
- If you have time, visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The only home that President and Mrs. Eisenhower ever owned is right here at Gettysburg. You can purchase tickets for the Eisenhower shuttle at the Ticketing and Reservations Desk in the Museum and Visitor Center. The shuttle is available daily. Allow 2 hours to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site.