Laws & Policies

Laws, like the act which established national cemeteries, guide the management of park lands.

NPS Photo

 

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. The regulations contained in 36 CFR, Parts 1-7, are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park system, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the Superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public. Regulations applicable to Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site are contained in 36 CFR and the Superintendent Compendium (link below).

Park Regulations in Brief

• View the Superintendent's Compendium.
• For visitor safety, all bags are subject to inspection. Prohibited bags (bags prohibited inside the Museum & Visitor Center building):
  • Cooler bags
  • Luggage
  • Bags with wheels
• 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.
• The possession of metal detectors on park property is strictly prohibited. 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.
• Bicycles are allowed on park roads and avenues only. Trail riding and off-road cycling is prohibited. Full details can be found on our Bicycling Information web page.
• Picnicking is allowed only in designated picnic areas in the park. Full details can be found on our Picnicking web page.
• Pets must be leashed and attended at all times. Pets are prohibited on the grounds of the Gettysburg National Cemetery and inside the Museum and Visitor Center with the exception of special assistance animals. Full details can be found on our Pets web page.
• Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site is prohibited.

Additional Park Policies

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. 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. For more information about gun laws in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site.

The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center is owned and operated by the Gettysburg Foundation, which also owns and administers the grounds and parking lots adjacent to the building. The carrying or possession of any type of weapon on the grounds of the visitor center or in the building is prohibited. Exceptions: Law enforcement officers or officials that are within their jurisdiction.

Civil War Reenactments in National Parks

Gettysburg National Military Park hosts volunteer Living History groups throughout most of the year. These groups follow strict guidelines as to the context of the camps, equipment, displays, and any demonstration where historic weapons are discharged. Park hosted Living History Weekends are by invitation to specific groups and do not entail any battle recreations, which are prohibited on Federal property. Full details can be found on our Reenactment on National Park Service Land web page.

The Organic Act of 1916

The Organic Act creates a National Park Service as part of the Department of the Interior. The Service '"shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations". Read the Organic Act of 1916.