Introduction

Step back in time and experience the Battle of Gettysburg as it unfolded in July 1863. Begin at the Visitor Center with immersive exhibits and the stunning Cyclorama, then follow the battlefield’s hallowed ground from McPherson Ridge to Little Round Top and Devil’s Den.

Visit The Peach Orchard and The Wheatfield, where fierce combat raged, before standing at the site of Pickett’s Charge, the battle’s dramatic climax.

Conclude your journey at Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address forever shaped the nation’s memory.

Itinerary

1. Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center

LostplanetKD73, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 1-3 hours

The Visitor Center offers a rich introduction to the Battle of Gettysburg. Visitors can explore the museum exhibits, featuring artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations on the Civil War and the battle's significance.

The Cyclorama, a massive 360-degree painting, immerses guests in Pickett's Charge.

A film narrated by Morgan Freeman, A New Birth of Freedom, provides historical context. Rangers lead talks, tours, and educational programs.

The bookstore offers souvenirs and resources, while the refreshment saloon provides meals in a period-inspired setting.

2. McPherson Ridge

Jessica Conaway

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

McPherson Ridge at Gettysburg National Military Park marks the site of the opening clash of the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 1863.

Visitors can explore historic landscapes, including woodlots and open fields, where Union and Confederate forces first engaged.

Key landmarks include the McPherson Barn, used as a field hospital, and monuments honoring regiments and leaders such as General John Reynolds.

Wayside exhibits provide detailed insights into the events of the battle. The ridge offers panoramic views of the battlefield and its surroundings.

3. Abner Doubleday Monument

Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 5-10 minutes

4. Eternal Light Peace Memorial

Accurizer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

The Eternal Light Peace Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park commemorates unity between the North and South.

Erected in 1938 for the battle's 75th anniversary, it features a granite and Alabama limestone tower crowned by a perpetually burning gas flame symbolizing peace.

The site offers stunning views of the battlefield's northern sector, including Oak Hill and the fields where the first day’s fighting unfolded.

Surrounding the memorial are monuments and markers honoring units from both Union and Confederate forces.

The tranquil setting invites reflection on the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the enduring hope for reconciliation.

5. Oak Ridge Observation Tower

Pub. by L. E. Smith, Wholesale Distributor, Gettysburg, PA. "Tichnor Quality Views," Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros., Inc., Boston, Mass., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

The Oak Ridge Observation Tower offers breathtaking views of the first day’s battlefield, including key areas like McPherson Ridge, Eternal Light Peace Memorial, and the fields of the Union defense line.

From the tower, visitors can trace the movements of Union and Confederate forces during the pivotal opening day of the battle.

Nearby are significant monuments, such as the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument, featuring the famous war dog Sallie, and markers honoring Union and Confederate units.

6. 11th Pennsylvania Monument

StripedDaisy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 5-10 minutes

The 11th Pennsylvania Monument honors the regiment's service during the battle. It features a bronze statue of the regiment's mascot, Sallie, a loyal war dog who stayed with the wounded and fallen.

Surrounding the monument are battle markers detailing the regiment's position during the first and second days of fighting.

7. Robert E. Lee Headquarters

Civil War Glass Negatives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 1 hour

The General Lee Headquarters site preserves the historic stone house used by Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the battle.

Visitors can explore the restored Mary Thompson House, which served as Lee's headquarters and a field hospital.

The area features interpretive signs detailing the battle’s events and Lee’s strategic decisions.

Nearby, visitors can see artillery emplacements and monuments commemorating Confederate units.

The location offers views of Seminary Ridge and the surrounding battlefield, providing insight into the Confederate command’s vantage point.

The site also includes a small garden area, perfect for reflection on this historic setting.

8. Seminary Ridge Museum and Interpretive Trail

Piotrus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 1 hour

Seminary Ridge, a key Confederate position during the Battle of Gettysburg, offers a wealth of historic and scenic features.

Visitors can explore the Lutheran Theological Seminary, including its cupola, used as an observation point by Union General Buford.

The Seminary Ridge Museum provides exhibits on the battle and the Civil War's broader context.

Numerous monuments and markers honor Confederate units and leaders, and the ridge offers panoramic views of Pickett’s Charge.

9. North Carolina Monument

Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: 5-10 minutes

The North Carolina Monument at Gettysburg honors the valor of North Carolina troops during the battle.

Designed by Gutzon Borglum, it depicts five Confederate soldiers advancing into battle.

Located on Seminary Ridge, it offers a view of Pickett’s Charge, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of North Carolinians in the Civil War.

10. Virginia Monument

Jessica Conaway

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

The Virginia Monument at Gettysburg features a bronze statue of General Robert E. Lee atop his horse, Traveller, leading his troops.

Surrounded by Confederate soldiers in relief, it commemorates Virginia’s contributions to the battle.

Located on Seminary Ridge, it marks the starting point of the famous Pickett’s Charge.

11. Warfield Ridge Observation Tower

MPSharwood, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 30 minutes

The Warfield Ridge Observation Tower offers panoramic views of Gettysburg's southern battlefield, including key sites like:

• Little Round Top
• Devil’s Den
• the Peach Orchard

It highlights the Confederate approach on July 2, 1863.

Nearby markers and monuments honor the actions of Confederate divisions during their assault on Union positions.

12. Big Round Top Trail

Jessica Conaway

• Duration: Up to 1 hour

The Big Round Top Trail is a short but moderately challenging hike leading to the highest elevation on the battlefield.

Surrounded by dense forest, the trail winds past scattered boulders and remnants of Civil War history.

While the wooded summit doesn't offer expansive views, it provides a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.

Interpretive markers along the trail highlight the historical importance of this area, making it a rewarding stop for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

13. Little Round Top

Jesse Lee Tucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 30 minutes

Little Round Top was a crucial site of Union defense during the second day of battle. Visitors can see dramatic rocky outcroppings and sweeping views of the battlefield, including Devil’s Den, the Wheatfield, and the Peach Orchard.

The site is marked by numerous monuments, including the 20th Maine Monument, honoring the regiment’s heroic stand under Colonel Joshua Chamberlain.

The Warren Statue commemorates Union General Gouverneur K. Warren, who recognized Little Round Top’s strategic importance.

14. Devil’s Den

Hal Jespersen at en.wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 30 minutes

Devil’s Den is a striking site of fierce fighting during the battle’s second day. Known for its massive boulders and rugged terrain, it offers a dramatic landscape that played a pivotal role in the Union’s defense.

Visitors can explore the Slaughter Pen, a deadly hotspot of combat, and view monuments honoring Union and Confederate units.

The site overlooks Little Round Top, highlighting its tactical significance.

Interpretive signs detail the fierce clashes that occurred here, while its scenic views and historic atmosphere make it a popular destination for understanding the battle’s intensity and human cost.

15. Pennsylvania Monument

Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 30 minutes

The Pennsylvania and First Minnesota Monuments honor key contributions during the battle.

The Pennsylvania Monument, the park’s largest, features a grand dome, bronze tablets listing all Pennsylvanian soldiers, and statues of notable leaders like Meade and Reynolds.

Climb to the observation deck for sweeping battlefield views.

Across the road, the First Minnesota Monument marks the regiment’s heroic charge on July 2, 1863, which halted a Confederate advance at great cost, losing over 80% of its men.

The monuments are surrounded by interpretive signs, additional markers, and the dramatic landscape of Cemetery Ridge, central to the Union defense.

16. Spangler’s Spring

Jessica Conaway

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

Spangler’s Spring is a serene, historic site on Culp’s Hill where Union and Confederate soldiers reportedly shared water during lulls in the fighting.

Surrounded by monuments and markers, it symbolizes humanity amid conflict.

Nearby, trails explore the intense fighting on Culp’s Hill, a key Union defensive position.

17. Culp’s Hill

Doug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 30 minutes

Culp’s Hill offers a mix of history and stunning views. The Culp’s Hill Observation Tower provides a panoramic perspective of the battlefield and surrounding areas, emphasizing the hill’s strategic importance.

Visitors can explore well-preserved breastworks, constructed by Union soldiers to defend against Confederate assaults during intense fighting on July 2–3, 1863.

Numerous monuments and markers honor Union regiments that held the line, including the Maryland Monument, the only monument for both Union and Confederate troops.

Trails lead to Spangler’s Spring, a site of rumored battlefield camaraderie, combining a peaceful setting with vivid historical storytelling.

18. Copse of Trees

Jessica Conaway

• Duration: 10-20 minutes

The Copse of Trees is a symbolic landmark on Cemetery Ridge, marking the Confederate "High Water Mark" during Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863.

This small cluster of trees became the focal point for the Confederate assault’s culmination and eventual repulsion.

You'll find nearby monuments commemorating Union and Confederate units, including the High Water Mark Monument, honoring the Union’s successful defense.

Interpretive signs detail the charge’s dramatic events, and the surrounding area offers views of the battlefield, including Seminary Ridge.

This historic site provides insight into one of the Civil War’s most pivotal moments.

19. Soldier’s National Cemetery

Pub. by L. E. Smith, Wholesale Distributor, Gettysburg, PA., Boston, Mass., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

• Duration: Up to 1 hour

The Soldier’s National Cemetery is a sacred site where over 3,500 Union soldiers are buried, commemorating their sacrifice in the Civil War.

It is the location of President Abraham Lincoln’s iconic Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery’s dedication in 1863.

Visitors can explore rows of grave markers, the Lincoln Speech Memorial, and the Soldiers' National Monument, the cemetery’s focal point.

The site’s serene atmosphere encourages reflection on the battle’s legacy.

Adjacent to the battlefield, it offers sweeping views of Cemetery Hill and nearby landmarks, emphasizing the cost of the war and the enduring fight for national unity.

Conclusion

As you complete your journey through Gettysburg, take a moment to reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who fought here.

The echoes of history still resonate across these fields, reminding us of the cost of freedom and the resilience of a nation.

Whether you come to learn, to remember, or to pay tribute, the story of Gettysburg remains as powerful today as it was in 1863.

Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Driving Tour!

We hope that we’ve given you all the information you need to make the most of your day. Your vacation is extremely important to us so if you have any questions feel free to reach out at aloha@shakaguide.com.

For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Driving Tour, Know Before You Go article.

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