Gettysburg National Military Park

About

Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the site of the Civil War's most pivotal battle, fought over three days in July 1863. Today, the park spans more than 6,000 acres of fields, woodlands, and monuments that tell the story of the soldiers who fought here and the turning point that shaped a nation.

The Museum and Visitor Center is the ideal starting point for any visit. Inside, you'll find an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the breathtaking Gettysburg Cyclorama, a massive 360-degree painting that places you in the center of Pickett's Charge. A film narrated by Morgan Freeman provides powerful context before you head out to explore the battlefield itself.

The park features more than 1,300 monuments and markers scattered across rolling Pennsylvania countryside. You can explore by car along the self-guided auto tour, which winds through key locations like Little Round Top, Devil's Den, and Cemetery Ridge. Licensed battlefield guides are also available to ride in your vehicle and bring the history to life with expert storytelling.

Beyond the battlefield, the park includes the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The rows of headstones and the quiet dignity of this place offer a deeply moving experience. Seasonal ranger programs, living history demonstrations, and special events throughout the year add layers of understanding to every visit.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or visiting for the first time, Gettysburg rewards every moment spent on its grounds. The combination of world-class museum exhibits, outdoor exploration, and the sheer weight of what happened here makes it one of America's most meaningful destinations.

Accessibility

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is fully wheelchair accessible. The building includes accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. Wheelchairs are available for loan at the visitor center on a first-come, first-served basis, though motorized scooters are not currently provided by the park.

Accessible parking spaces are available at the visitor center and at key locations throughout the park. Shuttle services are offered for individuals with disabilities, providing transportation to attractions that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The self-guided auto tour is an excellent option for visitors with mobility challenges, as you can experience major battlefield sites from your vehicle.

Many of the paved walkways around monuments and key sites are accessible, though the park's terrain varies. Some areas include hills, uneven ground, and grass surfaces that may present challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The Soldiers' National Cemetery features paved paths that are generally accessible.

The museum exhibits inside the visitor center are designed to be accessible, with displays at approachable heights and multimedia presentations that include visual and audio elements. The Cyclorama experience and the film are both accessible to visitors using wheelchairs.

For the most current information on specific trail conditions, available accommodations, or to arrange assistance, contact the park directly at 717-334-2436 or visit the visitor center at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

More accessible places in Pennsylvania

• The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia)
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Pittsburgh)
• The Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh)
• Barnes Foundation (Philadelphia)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia)
• Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)

Photo credits

• Historic cannons stand along a stone wall beneath shading trees at Gettysburg National Military Park.: David Dugan, CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)
• Gettysburg National Military Park - view 2 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Gettysburg National Military Park - view 3 of accessible destination: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• A stone sign marks the entrance to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center beside a paved walkway.: Sallicio, CC BY-SA 3.0 (source)