CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Know Before You Go: About Gettysburg

Best known for the largest battle on American soil, this picturesque town offers more than just a history lesson.

Best known for the largest battle on American soil—the Battle of Gettysburg—this picturesque town offers more than just a history lesson. Gettysburg offers engaging activities to suit your group, whether you’re with family or on a friends getaway, from sipping locally produced wines, seasonal festivals, live historical reenactments and a charming downtown to explore.

Always in Season

Gettysburg's tourism peaks during the summer months when 80-degree temperatures are the norm. You’ll find the city host to outdoor concerts and festivals, and something special no matter the season. As autumn temperatures cool into the 70s and below, enjoy crisp, locally produced apples, ciders and wines. Winter's stark November days give way to up to 22 inches of snowfall in the following months, with temperatures that can vary from the 20s to 40s on any given day. Springtime brings temperatures back into the 70s, accompanied by vibrant blossoms, a Bluegrass festival and one of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the country.

See and Do

Autumn or winter can be particularly eerie times to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park. Drive your car to famous battlefield spots around the park, or hike, bike or go by horseback on the trails leading into the woods. Speaking of haunting, you might run into some Civil War soldiers when you take a ride on Pioneer Lines Scenic Railway's ghost train or on a candlelight haunted tour. Switch gears and taste your way through the surrounding countryside where you'll find wineries, apple orchards, and you-pick farms.

Important Economics

When you visit the Civil War battlefield or any of Gettysburg's other attractions, you're helping support one of the city's major economic legs. Tourism bolsters the area with more than $625 million each year. The field of educational services is another major player. You'll find a handful of institutes of higher learning here, including the liberal arts school, Gettysburg College.

Getting Around Gettysburg

You won't be able to fly directly into Gettysburg on a commercial airline, although the city does have a regional airport. Instead, five international airports put you less than two hours' drive from the city. Harrisburg International Airport is the closest at 45 miles from Gettysburg's downtown, and you'll be able to rent a car to make your trek into the city. You can get around the city on public transit as well—Freedom Transit offers fixed trolley routes, including the Lincoln Line, Blue Line and Gray Line.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Gettysburg.

cannons at Gettysburg

Things to Do in Gettysburg

Get a glimpse into the past with historic landmarks—or dare to go on a ghost tour.