The town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, offers a significant number of free activities and attractions for visitors. While primarily known for its historical significance related to the American Civil War, the area provides opportunities for exploration, sightseeing, and seasonal events that do not require an admission fee. This article outlines the available free things to do in Gettysburg, focusing on historical sites, natural landscapes, and community events as detailed in the provided source materials.
Gettysburg is described as a small crossroads town where two armies met and fought for three days in July 1863. The battlefield that surrounds the town can be explored by car, foot, or bicycle for free. The town itself also provides opportunities for window shopping and discovering hidden history. A visit to Gettysburg does not have to be expensive, as there is a lot to see and do without cost, particularly in terms of history.
Historical Sites and Battlefields
The primary free attractions in Gettysburg are its historical sites and battlefields, which are accessible to the public without charge.
Gettysburg National Military Park The Gettysburg National Military Park is built on the site of the deadliest battle during the American Civil War, where 51,000 people were killed. Visitors can explore the battlefield for free by car, foot, or bicycle. The park offers a bird’s eye view of the battlefield from observation towers, which are available for free climbing. There are three observation towers to choose from, including a seven-story metal tower with a roof located on Longstreet’s Tour on Confederate Avenue. These towers provide a lovely view of the beautiful rural countryside.
The Soldier's National Cemetery at Gettysburg Located at 97 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, PA, The Soldier's National Cemetery at Gettysburg is the site where Abraham Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. Visitors can hike or ride bikes through the cemetery. The site also features a monument dedicated to soldiers from the Civil War through the Vietnam War.
Key Battlefield Features Several specific features within the battlefield are highlighted as free activities:
- Little Round Top: This is a recommended location for watching the sunset, described as one of the best free things to do in Gettysburg. The view from the rocks on Little Round Top is spectacular any time of day, but especially at sunset. Visitors are advised to bring a blanket and sit on a rock to enjoy the show. Little Round Top also features the Castle Monument, dedicated on July 3, 1893, which is the largest and most expensive regimental monument on the field. It is a favourite for visitors, especially children. Climbing the "castle" is a free activity, but visitors are advised to get to Little Round Top early to have time before dark.
- Devil’s Den: This site is described as essential for any visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield. It was strategically important during the battle and is a great place for older children to burn off energy. The site includes numerous cannons, memorials, wayside markers, and walkways, including a bridge spanning two boulders. Many people take pictures at the exact spot where a dead Civil War soldier had once lain, depicted by a wayside marker. Devil’s Den is recommended for those who like to get out of the car and explore.
- Big Round Top: This boulder-strewn hill is notable as the high point during the Battle of Gettysburg and involves an approximately 0.8-mile climb. Visitors will pass battle monuments that explain the action that occurred there, and it is noted as a great place for birdwatching. It is advised to wear good shoes and bring water.
- Sachs Covered Bridge: This bridge is mentioned as a location that can get very busy at night with ghost hunters, especially around Halloween. For those who do not want to try to find the bridge at night, it is recommended to go during the day. It is described as a great spot for picture-taking and picnicking.
The Peace Light Memorial This stately memorial was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt on July 3rd, 1938, the 75th anniversary of the battle.
Other Free Attractions and Activities
Beyond the battlefield, Gettysburg offers other free attractions and activities.
Alumni Park Located across the street from Mr. G’s on Baltimore Street, Alumni Park provides benches where visitors can sit and do some people watching.
Steinwher Avenue For evening activities, a stroll down Steinwher Avenue for window shopping is suggested.
The Gettysburg Museum of History This is described as a store that functions like a museum, with racks of rifles, revolvers, relics, and books. It is listed as a free thing to do in Gettysburg.
The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides (A.L.B.G.) Located at PO Box 4152, Gettysburg, PA, the A.L.B.G. is an organization of officially recognized and credentialed guides to the battlefields of the Civil War. While the source does not specify if the guides themselves are free, the organization is listed as an attraction.
Seasonal Free Events
Gettysburg hosts free events during specific times of the year, particularly in the autumn and winter months.
November: Remembrance Day Parade If visiting Gettysburg in November on the weekend closest to November 19, visitors can attend the Remembrance Day Parade for free. This one-of-a-kind parade honours President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which took place at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. The parade features hundreds of uniformed reenactors and period-dressed civilians, as well as dozens of cavalry horses. The weekend is full of special activities for the whole family.
December: Gettysburg Christmas Festival The crowds drop off in Gettysburg in December due to colder weather, but the town is described as having a special charm over the holidays. The annual Gettysburg Christmas Festival is held the first weekend in December and features lots of free events. These include meeting Santa, cookie decorating, and building wooden toys in Santa’s Workshop. The festival also offers free entertainment along the streets, old-fashioned games, a gingerbread house contest, and other festive holiday activities. The weather can be very cold, so dressing appropriately is advised.
General Crowd Information The most crowded time of the year in Gettysburg is around the anniversary of the Battle (July 1, 2, and 3). It is important to note that there are also a lot of extra events during that period, and many of them are free.
Planning a Trip and Additional Resources
For a more complete list of free things to do in Gettysburg, the Gettysburg Handbook and Travel Guide is mentioned as a resource.
When planning a trip, accommodation options in Gettysburg include rustic cottages, historic hotels, and B&Bs that were once used as field hospitals. Specific recommendations include:
- Best Western: Located in the heart of the tourist district, allowing visitors to walk to everything.
- The Federal Pointe Inn: A beautifully restored building close to downtown.
- The Brafferton Inn: A historic B&B in downtown Gettysburg where visitors can walk to stores, restaurants, and pubs.
The source material also mentions affiliate links and partnerships with services like Booking.com, Viator, Get Your Guide, Discover Cars, and FareDrop for accommodation, tours, car rental, and flight deals, but these are not free services.
Conclusion
Gettysburg offers a variety of free activities and attractions, primarily centred around its historical battlefield sites. Visitors can explore the Gettysburg National Military Park, visit the Soldier's National Cemetery, and view specific landmarks like Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, and Big Round Top without incurring costs. Free seasonal events, such as the Remembrance Day Parade in November and the Gettysburg Christmas Festival in December, provide additional no-cost entertainment. While the town has paid attractions and services, a significant number of its historical and natural sites are accessible to the public for free, making it a destination where visitors can experience its rich history without a substantial financial outlay.