Gettysburg Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Gettysburg National Military Park are the #1 destination for Civil War-related field trips. This suggested itinerary will help you get the most out of your time at Gettysburg.

Before you go:

• Email the Gettysburg National Military Park Education Department at gett_education@nps.gov or visit their website to setup your itinerary.
• Show your class our Gettysburg Animated Map.
• Show your class our Civil War Animated Map.
• Utilize our Civil War Curriculum.
• Apply to the History Field Trip Grant Program.
• Contact your lodging and restaurant reservations to ensure everything is in order.

Ideal Itinerary if you are visiting for one day:

Time: 4-6 hours

What to do:

Arrive at the Gettysburg Visitor Center and tour the museum exhibits.

• 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA, 17325.

Visit and view the famous Cyclorama painting. 

Take part in a National Park Service Ranger Program.

Hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide to lead your tour of the battlefield. 

Most importantly, enjoy your visit!

If you are visiting for more than one day:

Same itinerary as above for the first day in addition to the following:

Visit the Seminary Ridge Museum

• 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325
• 717-339-1300
  • Participate in one of their many educational programs.
  • Stand where Brigadier General John Buford stood at his vantage point and observed the opening stages to the start of the three-day-long Battle of Gettysburg.

Visit the Gettysburg Heritage Center

• 297 Steinwehr Avenue, Gettysburg, PA 17325
• 717-334-6245
• Visit their interactive museum and one-of-a-kind exhibits
• Take part in a museum-wide scavenger hunt:
  • The Blank Handout
  • The Key
• Tour the historic town of Gettysburg with one of their guides
• Be a part of the interactive programs offered for large groups. (Make reservations beforehand and organize a specific program)

Restaurants that serve groups:

• Dobbin House Tavern
  • ​9 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
  • (717) 334-2100
• The Farnsworth House Inn
  • 401 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325
  • (717) 334-8838
• Federal Point Grill (Formerly Dunlap’s Restaurant)
  • 90 Buford Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
  • (717) 334-4816
• Gettysburg Eddie’s
  • ​217 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
  • (717) 334-1100

Travel Tips:

• Book your guide well in advance, they are in high demand and their numbers are limited.

• Get started early in the day. Crowds are smaller earlier in the day, allowing you to explore sites more freely. 

• April-June are the busiest months for field trips. Sites and parts of the battlefield can be extremely busy.

• The weather in Gettysburg can vary from extreme heat to extreme cold. Plan your wardrobe accordingly.

• Long pants, walking shoes or boots, and a hat suggested for all visitors to the battlefield.

• Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Ticks are a persistent nuisance on the battlefield. Be sure that all visitors check themselves for ticks during the warmer months.