Gettysburg
Around Gettysburg
Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · Pennsylvania · 107k people
Gettysburg
A place where every field has a story.
Battlefield GreenUnion Blue
Welcome to Gettysburg, where history lives in every field and street. Take a walk on the battlefield, grab a cider donut, and let the town's stories pull you in. Whether you're here for a day or a lifetime, you'll find a community that loves its past and its open spaces.
Clubs for Gettysburg
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The room
One room for everyone around Gettysburg. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
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Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Gettysburg. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Gettysburg National Military Park Site of the pivotal Civil War battle.
- Gettysburg National Cemetery Where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address.
- Eisenhower National Historic Site President Eisenhower's retirement farm.
- Little Round Top Key hill on the battlefield with sweeping views.
- Devil's Den Rocky area famous for intense fighting.
- Sachs Covered Bridge Historic wooden bridge over Marsh Creek.
- Outdoors Hike the battlefield trails
- Outdoors Bike the Gettysburg Heritage Trail
- With kids Guided battlefield tours
- With kids Junior Ranger program
- Evenings Historic taverns
- Evenings Ghost tours
- Locals love Battlefield parks
- Locals love Historic taverns
Through the year
- Gettysburg Bike Week July Motorcycle rally with rides, concerts, and vendors.
- Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival August Weekend of bluegrass bands and jam sessions.
- Civil War Battle Anniversary Reenactment July Large-scale reenactments and living history on the battlefield.
- Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival June Local wines, live music, and food vendors.
- Gettysburg Christmas Market December Holiday market with crafts, food, and lights in the square.
Gettysburg has four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best times to be outside are spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Talk like a local
- “The Burg”
- Nickname for Gettysburg.
- “The Battlefield”
- Refers to Gettysburg National Military Park.
- “Round Top”
- Little Round Top, often shortened.
- “Devil's Den”
- The rock formation at Devil's Den.
Getaways
- Chambersburg Historic downtown and nearby Caledonia State Park.
- York Central Market and agricultural history.
- Hagerstown Antique shops and the Hagerstown Suns ballpark.
- Harrisburg State capitol, riverfront, and City Island.
Local flavour
Rooting for Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Penn State Nittany Lions (NCAA Division I football)
Eat and drink
- Apple butter Adams County is a major apple-growing region, and apple butter is a local staple.
- Shoofly pie A Pennsylvania Dutch dessert common in the broader region.
- Whoopie pies Another Pennsylvania Dutch treat found in local bakeries.
- Apple cider donuts Popular at local orchards and farm markets.
Where people go
- Battlefield parks The Gettysburg National Military Park is the defining landmark.
- Historic taverns Many 19th-century taverns and inns dot the town and surrounding countryside.
- Apple orchards Adams County is known for its orchards, especially around harvest time.
- Farm markets Local produce and handmade goods are sold at numerous farm stands and markets.
- Covered bridges Several historic covered bridges remain in the area.
- Antique shops The town is a destination for antique collectors.
Heritage and traditions
Gettysburg is proud of its pivotal role in American history, preserving the memory of the Civil War's greatest battle while also celebrating its Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and apple country roots.
This time of year in Gettysburg
- Apple harvest and cider pressing Fall Fall brings apple picking, cider donuts, and harvest festivals.
- Ghost tours Fall Especially popular in October, with evening walks through haunted sites.
- Gettysburg Scottish Festival October Highland games, bagpipes, and Celtic traditions.
Say it like a local: “outen” — to turn off (e.g., a light)
Festivals
- Gettysburg Remembrance Day November A November parade and ceremony honoring those who fought in the battle.
- Adams County Irish Festival September Celebrates Irish heritage with music, dance, and food.
- Gettysburg Scottish Festival October Highland games, bagpipes, and Celtic traditions.
- Gettysburg Fringe Festival July A showcase of eclectic performing arts in July.
- Gettysburg First Friday Monthly Monthly art walks and shop openings in downtown.
- Apple Blossom Festival May Celebrates the spring bloom of Adams County's apple orchards.
Landmarks with a story
- Gettysburg College Founded in 1832, its campus served as a hospital during the battle.
- David Wills House Where Lincoln finished the Gettysburg Address.
- Jennie Wade House Home of the only civilian killed during the battle.
- Gettysburg Railroad Station Lincoln arrived here to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
- Schriver House A restored Civil War-era home with period furnishings.
- Lutheran Theological Seminary Used as a hospital during the battle; its cupola offered a vantage point.
Food traditions
- Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie A hearty stew with square noodles, not a pie crust, rooted in German tradition.
- Fasnachts Potato doughnuts eaten on Shrove Tuesday, a Pennsylvania Dutch custom.
- Schnitz un knepp Dried apples and ham with dumplings, a classic Dutch dish.
- Chow-chow A pickled vegetable relish served as a condiment, brought by German settlers.
- Fresh apple cider Pressed at local orchards, especially popular in autumn.
Music and arts
- Bluegrass and folk music scene The annual bluegrass festival and local jam sessions keep the tradition alive.
- Civil War-era music Fife and drum corps and period performances are common at reenactments.
- Gettysburg Community Theatre A local theater producing plays and musicals year-round.
- Pennsylvania Dutch folk art Hex signs, quilting, and fraktur reflect German heritage in the area.
A little history
- 1800 Adams County formed, named after John Adams
- 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the largest battle in North America
- 1863 Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the cemetery dedication
- 1913 50th anniversary reunion of Civil War veterans at Gettysburg
- 1938 Eternal Light Peace Memorial dedicated on the battlefield
- Game day Gettysburg College Bullets football
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Outdoors Walk the battlefield at sunrise
- Outdoors Visit the observation tower
- With kids Visit the Jennie Wade House
- With kids See the Cyclorama
Locals speak with a Central Pennsylvania accent influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch, often pronouncing 'creek' as 'crick' and 'wash' as 'warsh'. Common phrases include 'redd up' (to clean) and 'outen' (to turn off).
Only here
- The Gettysburg Address was delivered here in 1863.
- Site of the largest battle ever fought in North America.
- The Eternal Light Peace Memorial honors the reunion of North and South.
- The Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting of Pickett's Charge.
New here? A few tips
- Expect heavy traffic and crowds during the first week of July for battle anniversary.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the battlefield is best explored on foot.
- Try apple cider donuts from a local orchard; they're a regional favorite.
- Visit the battlefield at sunrise for a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
- Take a guided tour to understand the battle's significance; guides are knowledgeable.
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Part of Harrisburg area
Nearby
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Gettysburg, PA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.