What is Gettysburg National Military Park known for?

The park commemorates the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, which is widely described as a turning point in the Civil War. It is also the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863.

Yes, Gettysburg National Military Park has no entrance fee.

What are the hours for the Museum and Visitor Center?

The Museum & Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through November, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December through February.

Are there any holiday closures?

The Museum & Visitor Center is closed annually on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, and closes early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Gettysburg National Military Park in Washington, D.C.

Gettysburg National Military Park

A massive U.S. National Park Service site commemorating the 1863 battle that turned the tide of the American Civil War, featuring thousands of monuments and a world-class museum.

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What can I see and do at the park?

Visitors can explore nearly 6,000 acres featuring over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials, 400 cannons, and three historic houses. Activities include hiking, horse trails, on-road bicycling, and various guided tours, including licensed battlefield guide services and free ranger-guided programs.

What to know

Established in 1895, Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the ground of an 1863 battle widely described as a turning point in the Civil War. The park encompasses nearly 6,000 acres, utilizing over 26 miles of roads to connect major landmarks such as Cemetery Hill and the "High Water Mark." Visitors can explore a landscape dotted with over 1,400 monuments, markers, and memorials, alongside 400 cannons and three historic houses. This hallowed ground is also the site where President Abraham Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address on November 19, 1863. The experience is anchored by the Museum and Visitor Center, a 139,000-square-foot facility that opened in April 2008. This center houses the most extensive Civil War collections in the National Park Service, featuring interactive displays and the Cyclorama painting, which was unveiled on September 26, 2008. To navigate the vast terrain, the park provides licensed battlefield guide services for private vehicles and guided bus tours from March to September. Additionally, free ranger-guided programs are available from April to October to help visitors immerse themselves in the story of the conflict.

Visitor tips

Visit the National Park Service Information Desk inside the Museum & Visitor Center for details on living history events and battlewalks.
If you have advance tickets for a show, arrive 15 minutes early to collect them at the Will Call desk.
Plan your visit around the Museum & Visitor Center hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (March-Nov) or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Dec-Feb).
Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the hiking trails or the 26 miles of connecting roads.

Nearby context

Located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the park serves as the central historical anchor for the region, with the Museum and Visitor Center acting as the primary gateway to the surrounding battlefield landmarks and the nearby Gettysburg National Cemetery.