Gettysburg By Night: Experiencing the Town After Sunset

Gettysburg is a well-known historical destination for travelers and tourists from all over the world. And there are certainly a great many things to see and experience in Gettysburg during the day, but that doesn’t mean that the town stops being a first-class destination when the sun sets! There’s plenty to do in this fantastic, historical town after sunset. Below are just some of the many great activities available to visitors after dark.

Join the Jennie Wade Ghost Tour

If you’re looking for a spine-tingling way to spend an evening in Gettysburg, look no further than the Jennie Wade Ghost Tour. This southern Gettysburg tour has been entertaining visitors since 2003 and takes them on a journey into one of America’s most haunted houses. Experience the tragic tale of Jennie Wade, the only civilian casualty of the Battle of Gettysburg, and explore her world in detail. This haunting tale will certainly stay with you long after the tour ends, and a spooky night is guaranteed for all involved.

Late Night Jennie Wade/Orphanage Combo Tour

For the ultimate frightening late-night excursion, we dare you to visit not one, but TWO haunted locations. The Late Night Jennie Wade/Orphanage Combo Tour is a 90-minute journey inside a pair of extremely haunted sites that will send chills up your spine! You’ll thrill to explore these famous locations after dark, amidst the deepening shadows. Whether you visit to learn about the tragic fate of Jennie Wade or are intrigued by the tales of orphan children brought to Gettysburg for a new life only to find sadness and suffering, Ghostly Images Tours is the only key that unlocks the doors to these fascinating sites.

Enjoy a Historically Themed Night at Reliance Mine Saloon

The Reliance Mine Saloon is one of Gettysburg’s best-kept secrets – an excellent place to chat with historians about all things related to Gettysburg! The Reliance Mine Saloon is a fun, comfortable place to drink, relax, and learn more about this famous battlefield town. Their knowledgeable bartenders are always happy to share tips and advice about where to go and what to see while you’re in town. Whether you’re a local resident seeking a new hangout or a tourist in search of an interesting destination off the beaten path, be sure to stop by the Reliance Mine Saloon!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at Garryowen Irish Pub

The Garryowen Irish Pub is a traditional, authentic pub with a cozy mahogany bar, an inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a great crowd. With a selection of 120+ Irish whiskies, plus a wide selection of Irish and domestic draft beers and a smartly curated selection of wines and spirits, Garryowen is the perfect place to enjoy a pint or two. Authentic Irish cuisine is served all day, and their menu features both new takes on classic dishes and traditional favorites. Come for the drinks, stay for the food, and enjoy the company at Garryowen Irish Pub!

Visit the Historic Farnsworth House Inn

The Farnsworth House Inn might better be classified as “ghost central.” More than 30 different apparitions have been seen there or captured on film, making it one of the most documented haunted locations in Pennsylvania. Even skeptics have a hard time explaining away the evidence. The Farnsworth House Inn is also one of the most famous inns in America. Their Bed & Breakfast guests enjoy lovely Victorian lodging as well as a Civil War era dining experience. Their family-friendly Sweney’s Tavern features a large collection of Gettysburg movie props, and their attic garret is a trove of collected Civil War artifacts.

Hang Your Hat at the Blue and Gray Bar and Grill

The Blue and Gray Bar and Grill is a family-owned sports bar on the square in Gettysburg’s historic section. The family used their love of history and sports as a foundation to create an enjoyable environment with excellent bar snacks. With burgers named after Generals that fought in the Battle, you can’t help but get a sense of the area’s history while enjoying your food. Their TVs are always on and feature a variety of sporting networks, games, and events. No matter your favorite franchise, this sports bar is a great, friendly place to hang out and cheer your team on to victory.

Sample the Offerings at Mason Dixon Distillery

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line American whiskey, look no further than Mason Dixon Distillery. To the extent it is possible, the liquor offered here is created on-site with local ingredients. When it comes to the available cuisine, comfort food from around the world is served here in generous portions. You’ll be steeped in the atmosphere, surrounded by beautifully restored brick walls supported by the original wooden beams, from the moment you first step inside. The interior seating is inspired by traditional German Beer Halls to create a cozy and inviting tableau, just perfect for dinner conversation with friends. Let the whiskey tasting commence!

Dobbin House Tavern

1769 was the year Reverend Alexander Dobbin decided to start afresh in America. He built a house for himself and his family that would eventually become part of history. Little did he know that seven years later, the Battle of Gettysburg would take place on his property! Today, his home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Dobbin House Tavern and is a colonial restaurant that serves excellent food, offered up in a candlelit setting with gracious and plentiful service. This experience will transport you back in time to an earlier era. The charming hospitality of the Dobbin House includes access to the Springhouse Tavern, Gettystown Bed and Breakfast, Country Curiosity Store, Abigail Adams Ballroom, an in-house bakery, and a secret “underground railroad” slave hideout.

Downtown Shopping

The shopkeepers in Gettysburg’s downtown area are passionate about their businesses and proudly offer visitors a wide assortment of unique and wonderful products and keepsakes from the village. Many of the stores are family-owned and have been in operation for generations. There is a large variety of shops to explore, from antique stores and bookstores to clothing boutiques and art galleries. Visitors will also find many restaurants and cafes downtown, as well as a few small museums. If you’re looking for a unique, historical shopping experience, Gettysburg’s downtown area is the place to go. And don’t miss Dirty Billy’s Hats, an incredible historical hat shop that’s worth the visit all by itself!

Take in a show: Majestic Theater

On November 14, 1925, the Majestic Theater opened its doors to the public for the first time. The theater was known for being the largest vaudeville and silent movie theater in south-central Pennsylvania. The Majestic holds a special place in the hearts of Adams County residents. For nearly a century, it has been a go-to spot for community gatherings, Hollywood film screenings, and prize giveaways. It’s also where locals have gone to share a romantic kiss or enjoy a classic Coca-Cola at the on-site grill. The Majestic has had more than its fair share of movie premieres over the years. These have included the North American premiere of Federico Fellini’s masterpiece Satyricon in 1970, as well as Ted Turner’s Civil War epic Gettysburg in 1993. It was restored to its former glory in November 2005, once again hosting audiences with breathtaking shows of the theatrical performing arts and cinema.

Mainstreet Gettysburg

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Gettysburg, contact Mainstreet Gettysburg and sign up for one of their evening tours. These educational (not paranormal) walking tours cover both the battle that took place here as well as what life was like for civilians during that time. For a more civilian look at the Battle, consider a Mainstreet Gettysburg tour. You won’t be disappointed!

Sunset Double Decker Tour

Experience the evening serenity of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield aboard a Sunset Guided Double Decker Bus Tour. As you ride through the battlefield, you can listen as a Licensed Battlefield Guide tells you about the dramatic events of those momentous three July days in 1863. Conclude your special tour by witnessing a dramatic sunset over the battlefield from the perfect vantage point. Tours are offered seasonally during holiday weekends or check the tour schedule to reserve your spot today!

Gettysburg Heritage Center: Night at the Museum, 1863

At this museum, you can explore the events that unfolded during the Battle of Gettysburg. Night at the Museum, 1863 is an exhibit where you can learn about how the townspeople of Gettysburg reacted to the battle outside their homes, and what dangers they faced as civilians caught in the conflict. Hear stories of strength and resilience in the face of unthinkable tragedy and see how a broken town found hope amidst all its wounded and dead. The stories of the individuals who struggled, survived, and rebuilt not just a town but also a nation are preserved for you here. During your visit, you will hear messages of bravery and power – that through the darkness lies light. You will get a better sense of what life was like for them during the war, as well as how they were normal folks just like us who had to accomplish extraordinary things!

Visiting Gettysburg? Tour the Famous Battlefield by Bus!

Summer is almost over! Our bus tours of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield are in full swing. Reservations can be made by calling our toll-free number at 877-680-8687. You can also purchase bus tour tickets online. Tours depart from the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 778 Baltimore Street across from the National Cemetery.