Start Planning!
You’re about to go on an epic adventure with the Gettysburg Historic Walking Tour! Here’s what you need to know before you go.
- The tour takes 1–2 hours, about three miles.
- The tour starts at the Gettysburg Tour Center, with free parking available.
- The route goes north, then loops back south.
- Restrooms are available throughout the walking route.
- Street parking costs two to three dollars hourly.
- Some museums and stops require entrance fees.
- The best visits are in July, fall, or Christmas.
- Bring a charged phone, walking shoes, sunscreen, and water.
- Combine with the Gettysburg Battlefield Driving Tour.
Budgeting and Hours of Operation
Budget
How much you spend truly depends on what you do along the tour route, but here are some costs:
- Museum entrance fees: $5–$15
- Jennie Wade House: $12–$18
- Shriver House Museum: $10-$15
- Children of Gettysburg Museum: $5-$10
- Metered street parking: $2–$3 per hour
- Parking at the Tour Center: Free
- Snacks and meals: $10–$20
- Souvenirs and small items: $5–$30
- Pay by Phone app fees: Minimal (varies by user)
Hours of Operation
The tour stops have seasonal hours of operation. The site’s facilities and restaurants also have varying hours of operation.
- Jennie Wade House: Closed January 1-January 31st, 2025.
- The Brickhouse Inn: Not open to the general public
- Adams County Public Library:
- MON-THU: 9 am-8:30 pm
- FRI-SAT: 9 am-5 pm
- SUN: 1 pm-5 pm
- Gettysburg Compiler Site: Not open to the public
- David Wills House: Closed for repairs through mid-2025
- Lincoln Diner: Open 7 am to 9 pm Daily
- The Adams County Courthouse: Closed to the general public
- Children of Gettysburg 1863 Museum: THU-SUN 12 pm-5 pm
Get Packing!
Here’s our packing list for this tour. It may seem a little long, but remember, what you bring depends on the activities you choose to do for the day.
- Portable charger (at least one backup)
- Charging cord and brick (for charging at cafes and stops)
- Earbuds/headphones (wired or fully charged wireless)
- Layers for wind (coat, scarf, hat, gloves in colder months)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat for summer)
- Comfortable walking shoes (no heels or flip-flops)
Best Time to Visit
The most popular time for visitors is in the summer, particularly in July. The park has an annual Battle of Gettysburg reenactment on the anniversary of the battle (July 1st-3rd), so the park gets very busy during those times.
September and October are also good times to go, as the weather is cool and the trees turn brilliant colors.
The town decorates with spectacular flair during the Christmas season, so although it may be a cold walk, the historic district is lovely that time of year.
Safety Information
- In the summer months, heat can be a factor, especially in the afternoons. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and a hat.
- Sidewalks along Baltimore Street can be uneven, and get slick when it’s snowing. Also, this tour parallels a very busy street, so please use caution at all times!
Leave No Trace
While exploring, we encourage you to abide by the leave-no-trace principles. Embrace the outdoors responsibly with our commitment to preserving natural wonders.
Respect wildlife habitats, minimize your footprint, and create memories, not waste. By following Leave No Trace principles, you contribute to the longevity and beauty of our planet's most stunning landscapes.
Take the Gettysburg Historic Walking Tour with Shaka Guide and explore at your own pace with stories, directions, and must-see stops along the way.
Still planning? Check out our Gettysburg Historic Walking Tour Itinerary to prep for an epic day.
Need help? Email us anytime at aloha@shakaguide.com!
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