At the Gettysburg Heritage Center, travelers learn what Gettysburg was like before the battle, and how the area changed once combat had ended. Here, you’ll experience the historic event from two perspectives—the civilians’ and the soldiers’. Tours include an informative movie that examines the three-day battle in depth. Outside, it’s easy to explore the historical site with a self-guided driving or walking tour. You can also discover the battlefield via a horse-drawn carriage ride or on horseback. Scooters, scoot coupes, and electric bikes are also available for rent.
Guided walking tours of the historic town of Gettysburg are also available.
A minimum of 1 hour is recommended to tour the exhibits inside the center.
The Gettysburg Heritage Center is wheelchair accessible; a ramp is located on the south side of the building.
Located 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Pennsylvania’s southern border, Gettysburg can be reached by Amtrak to Harrisburg; from there, take Rabbit Transit (a regional commuter service) directly to Gettysburg. By car, follow Route 30 from east or west to Gettysburg.
Pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and the changing leaves make fall a great time to visit Gettysburg. During the spring, you’ll encounter more visiting student groups. The busiest and most crowded time is in the summer, particularly July, during the anniversary of the battle. Though the winters are cold, you can ride inside climate-controlled buses to tour the battlefield.
This memorial, overseen by the National Park Service, honors the lives lost during the Battle of Gettysburg. The park features more than 26 miles (42 kilometers) of paved roads connecting key battlefield sites, and the visitor center houses the massive Battle of Gettysburg cyclorama painting by French artist Paul Philippoteaux. Every July, epic battle reenactments take place here, making it a popular time to visit.