Things to Do in Gettysburg

A mecca for Civil War enthusiasts and brave ghost hunters, the city brims with interesting things to see and do, so stay for a day or two or three—you’ll need plenty of time to explore it all.

Things that Go Bump in the Night

Where there is history, there are ghosts. If you do believe in ghosts, then travel-guide is definitely one of the places for you—it’s reported to be one of the top five most-haunted locations in the United States. A variety of tours designed to put you face-to-face with the supernatural are available here, including the Ghostly Images Ghost Tours, which takes you inside such reputedly haunted historical homes as the Haunted Orphanage, where you might spot the spirits of the unfortunate children who were once tortured by their matron. On The Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour, you can take a nighttime walk along dim streets that are lit only by eerie candlelight—perhaps you will get a glimpse of a fleeting spirit! Sleepy Hollow of Gettysburg also offers candlelight tours; the tours depart nightly from the Historic Dobbin House at 8:00 P.M. Boo!

Civil War History

Given Gettysburg’s centuries-old history, its dramatic lore, and the tragedy of so many soldiers losing their lives here, you might expect to meet up with a few ghosts in the area even if you don’t set out to find them! If you are interested in delving into Gettysburg’s Civil War history, a few of the worthwhile places to visit while you’re here are the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station, which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg; the Gettysburg Heritage Center, which offers an HD theater presentation about the three-day battle; and General Lee’s Headquarters Museum, which is located in the house that Lee occupied during the conflict.

In addition to Gettysburg’s ghost tours, there are several other informative tours you can choose from. On an American Stories Historic Walking Tour, your guide will be appropriately dressed from head to toe in Civil War garb. Hickory Hollow Horse Tours will take you on a narrated tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield astride safe and reliable equines. And if you prefer not to walk or ride a horse while touring the town, Segway Tours of Gettysburg is the place for you. They provide helmets and training on how to ride safely, and you have your choice of either a 1½-hour- or 2½-hour-long tour.

Where to Eat

Dine in true Gettysburg style at the kid- and budget-friendly General Pickett’s Buffet, which offers lunch and dinner and even a 45-minute film about the Battle of Gettysburg.

The historic Farnsworth House Inn) —another reportedly haunted location—offers Civil War-era food served by staff dressed in period costumes. You have your choice of dining alfresco in the garden, in the dining room, or in Sweney’s Tavern.

Don't go Home Empty-Handed

A number of unique stores in Gettysburg offer a variety of interesting items you can bring home with you to commemorate your experience here. The Union Drummer Boy sells authentic Civil War artifacts; the Gettysburg Heritage Center offers a wide range of souvenirs; and the gift shops at both General Lee’s Headquarters Museum and at General Pickett’s Buffet restaurant also have distinctive merchandise.

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