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 Field Trip Fund.
• 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:

• General Pickett’s Buffet
  • 571 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325
  • (717) 334-7580
• 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
• 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, which will allow 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.