Plan Your Visit to the 150th Anniversary

 

Welcome to Gettysburg and the 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Gettysburg!

Careful planning for your visit to the park during this special event will make your experience and that of your family and friends one to remember. We do suggest that visitors utilize the free shuttle system from parking lots at the Museum and Visitor Center and or satellite parking areas, marked by signs and maps available at the park. Shuttle service is offered free and will take you to points within the park and downtown Gettysburg. (Schedule to be posted soon!)

The number of visitors during the anniversary days is anticipated to be high so traffic maybe a factor during your visit. PATIENCE will be your best guide! Park interpretive staff, law enforcement and volunteers will be more than happy to provide directions. Gettysburg will also have information stations to provide you with additional assistance and directions.

Please obey all traffic laws while visiting the park, respect the monuments and markers, and other visitors. We want everyone to remember this special anniversary as a pleasant and meaningful experience.

Free Special Shuttle Buses and Parking Opportunities

Free special shuttle buses will be in service on the Gettysburg battlefield from July 1 - 3 and visitors are encouraged to take these since roadside parking is limited. The shuttle buses will run daily at 15 - 20 minute intervals to the majority of the park's Key Moment Stations. Route maps and times will be posted on the park's webpage at www.nps.gov/gett and on Facebook and are available in the Commemorative Events Guide that you can download from this web site.

On July 1, shuttle buses will operate from the Gettysburg College Stadium West parking lot.

On July 2, shuttle buses will operate from the parking lots on Taneytown Road next to the Soldiers' National Cemetery.

On July 3, shuttle buses will operate from Parking Lot 3 of the park Museum and Visitor Center.

On the battlefield park, visitors may park on one-way roads on the right side of the road. Please keep all four wheels on the pavement to prevent damage to roadside features and curbs. Do not park on two-way roads.

 

 

Seven Steps to Prepare for Your Visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield

Plan well - don't become a Gettysburg casualty! Gettysburg National Military Park staff recommends the following to assist you during your visit:

1. We suggest that visitors come prepared with water, preferably refillable water bottles. Drinking fountains are available at the Visitor Center and at selected sites on the battlefield.

2. Apply sunscreen generously and repeatedly throughout the day even if it is overcast. Most programs are outside and last between 30 minutes and two hours.

3. Wear comfortable footwear designed for uneven terrain and for hiking long distances.

4. Carry a cell phone with you to be used to contact 911 in case of emergency.

5. Please be aware that wood ticks and deer ticks, which are known to carry Lymes Disease, are common to the Gettysburg area. Reduce your chances of getting a tickborne disease by using repellents, checking for ticks, and showering after being outdoors. If you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash, seek medical attention.

6. Upon arrival at the park select a meeting place in case you or your family become separated.

7. Do not leave animals unattended in vehicles even if it just for a few minutes, as interior temperatures rise quickly.

 

Get Important Updates Through Social Media

Follow Gettysburg National Military Park on social media to get breaking news and updates about events, parking, shuttles and more: www.facebook.com/GettysburgNMP and www.twitter.com/GettysburgNMP.

For additional suggestions, see our Plan Your Visit to the Park page and download your copy of the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Events Guide (pdf, 12mb).

 

Return to The 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg page.