Gettysburg on a Budget

spilled penny jar
Budgets are tight these days, and even a short vacation with the kids can quickly drain your wallet. Fortunately there are a number of budget-friendly options available when you visit Gettysburg, which makes it the perfect destination for the penny-pincher in all of us.

We wanted to share a few of our favorite budget-conscious options in today’s blog to help you build the best Gettysburg itinerary at the best price.

Free

There are a number of free options available in Gettysburg. What’s more budget-friendly than free? Here’s a sampling of options available at no-cost to you.

  • Check out Gettysburg’s Summer Interpretive Programs – These free tours run all summer long (through August 12) and include Meade’s Headquarters Open House, Battlefield in a Box, and a Pickett’s Charge hike.
  • A visit to the Soldier’s National Cemetery – Pay your respects to the heroes we lost in the same location Abraham Lincoln delivered the famous Gettysburg Address.
  • Stop by some great museums – There’s a number of fantastic and free museums in Gettysburg. We often recommend the Gettysburg Museum of History, which features one of the most extensive private collections of artifacts from the American Civil War, WWI and WWII, presidencies, and pop culture. You may even recognize Curator Erik L Dorr from TV shows like the Haunted Collector, Pawn Stars, and American Pickers, who visited the shop in 2011. You could also explore the Rupp House, which features interactive displays and hands-on exhibits that provide you with a look into what life was like for a civilian during the Battle of Gettysburg. The David Wills House also is free through August 12th. Here you can learn the story of the Wills family, the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the legacy and significance of the Gettysburg Address.

Low Cost

In addition to the free options, there’s also a variety of low cost activities you can enjoy in Gettysburg as well.

  • The Value PlanTo get the most bang for your buck when you visit Gettysburg, we strongly recommend the value plan. The value plan allows you to choose 3 of Gettysburg’s greatest historic attractions plus your choice of a two hour battlefield bus tour. This provides five to seven hours of entertainment and enjoyment for the low price of $49 for adults and $30 for children (5 and under are free!).
  • Walk through the Eisenhower National Historic Site – Tour the farm where President Eisenhower and his wife Mamie both lived from 1961 until their deaths. Experience the site grounds and visits the stops on the site audio tour all for just $9 for adults and $5 for children (5 and under are free!).
  • The story of Jennie Wade – The only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg, Jennie Wade’s story was a tragic one. With minor changes and repairs, the Jennie Wade House remains much as Jennie would have known it over 150 years ago. The walls of the old house tell the story of the home and those who took shelter from the Battle there. Help preserve Jennie’s memory with a 30 minute tour for $8.75 for adults and $6.50 for children (5 and under are free!).

If you’re looking for other ways to keep a visit to Gettysburg in your budget, be sure to register your email for our deals and coupons list. You’ll receive monthly emails throughout the busy season with different ways to save on your Gettysburg trip!