Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

A historic town shaped by one of America’s most pivotal battles.

A scenic ground-level shot of a historic wooden split-rail fence on a grassy field at the Gettysburg National Military Park at sunset, with golden light illuminating the landscape.

Overview

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Cruise Port

Gettysburg is a historic borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, USA, globally renowned as the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, the deadliest and arguably most pivotal battle of the American Civil War, fought in July 1863. This three-day engagement marked a major turning point in the war and was the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address. Today, Gettysburg stands as a powerful testament to sacrifice and a significant educational destination, preserving the battlefield as a National Military Park and offering numerous museums, historic homes, and commemorative sites. Beyond its historical significance, the town of Gettysburg itself is charming, with a quaint downtown, local shops, and eateries.

Gettysburg is NOT a cruise port in the traditional sense. It is an inland historical destination. However, it is a prominent featured excursion on some extended American river and coastal cruises that focus on Civil War battlefields and American history. These itineraries typically combine river segments (e.g., on the Mississippi, Ohio, or East Coast waterways) with land-based transfers to historical sites like Gettysburg. Passengers would disembark their cruise ship at a port such as Norfolk, VA, or Washington, D.C., and then travel by bus or coach for a dedicated day trip or multi-day land program to Gettysburg. A visit to Gettysburg offers a profound and immersive experience for those seeking to connect with a critical chapter of American history.

Top Things to Do in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Start at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

Begin your visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center. Watch the introductory film "A New Birth of Freedom," experience the immersive Cyclorama painting of Pickett's Charge, and explore the extensive museum exhibits of Civil War artifacts.

Tip: Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to save time.

Tour the Battlefield (Bus Tour or Self-Guided Auto Tour)

Take a guided bus tour with a Licensed Battlefield Guide or embark on a self-guided auto tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Stops typically include iconic locations like Little Round Top, Devil's Den, Pickett's Charge, and various monuments commemorating regiments and key moments.

Tip: A Licensed Battlefield Guide (available for hire for your vehicle or via bus tours) is highly recommended for a deeper, more engaging understanding of the battle. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll want to get out and explore on foot.

Visit the Soldiers' National Cemetery and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Memorial

Pay respects at the Soldiers' National Cemetery, the final resting place for many Union soldiers. This solemn ground is where Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address in November 1863. A memorial marks the approximate spot of his speech.

Tip: Take a moment for quiet reflection. The cemetery is easily accessible from the Visitor Center.

Explore Downtown Gettysburg

Wander through historic Downtown Gettysburg, filled with charming shops, unique restaurants, and historic buildings that bore witness to the battle. You'll find souvenir shops, antique stores, and places to grab a meal or coffee.

Tip: Look for historic taverns, some of which served as makeshift hospitals during the battle.

Visit the David Wills House

Step into the David Wills House, where Abraham Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address and where he is believed to have refined his speech. It offers insight into the aftermath of the battle and the dedication of the cemetery.

Tip: Check current operating hours and if it's open, as historic sites sometimes have seasonal closures for restoration.

Consider a Historical House Museum (e.g., Jennie Wade House, Shriver House Museum)

Gain a civilian perspective of the battle by visiting a historic house museum like the Jennie Wade House (commemorating the only civilian casualty of the battle) or the Shriver House Museum (showing civilian life during and after the conflict).

Tip: These offer a poignant and often personal look at the human impact of the battle on the local residents.

Overview