Laws & Policies

(Harry Waters- National Park Service)

 

Gettysburg National Military Park is regulated by Federal Law, regulations set forth by the National Park Service, and site-specific regulations designed to preserve and protect the resources of the park and Soldiers' National Cemetery, while providing a positive and safe environment for the visitor. These regulations are set forth in the Superintendent's Compendium, which is available on this page.

Firearms in National Parks: The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010. Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws. The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.For more information, please visit:
www.nps.gov/nero/firearms/

PARK REGULATIONS IN BRIEF
For visitor safety, handbags and backpacks are not allowed in the Museum and Visitor Center. Please leave them secured in the trunk of your vehicle or hidden under a seat.

Monuments and cannon were placed by veterans of the battle to mark positions and honor the sacrifices made by those organizations. They are irreplaceable historic objects protected by Federal law. Please help preserve them by not climbing, standing or hanging on monuments and cannon carriages.

Metal detectors are strictly prohibited on park grounds. Relic hunting by the use of metal detectors or other means is prohibited and violators will be prosecuted.

Collecting of natural and cultural objects, including plants, animals, minerals, stones from walls, or other objects is strictly prohibited.

Obey posted speed limits and regulatory signs on park roads and avenues. Park in designated parking lots or on the pavement, not on the grass or road shoulders.

Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. They are prohibited in the grounds of the Soldiers' National Cemetery and inside the visitor center with the exception of special assistance animals.

SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPENDIUM, 2012 (revised 8-12; pdf, 203kb)