Springtime in Gettysburg: Essential Destinations
April 29, 2023Springtime in Gettysburg is a time for rejuvenation, with abundant activities to enjoy. Whether it’s touring the historical locations of the famous battlefield, partaking of local culture, or exploring the picturesque countryside by bicycle or even on horseback, the season offers plenty of enjoyable things to do. Coupled with the town’s amazing historical legacy and an abundance of seasonal festivals and events that fill the calendar, there is much to see and do to truly savor all Gettysburg has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a fun-filled getaway, Gettysburg in the spring is the perfect destination.
Each spring, the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania comes alive with the warmth and awakening beauty of the season, adding new life and color to the historic town’s landscape. The pleasant weather invites locals and tourists alike to wander the winding paths and explore the town’s many treasures, from the Civil War monuments to local museums and events, as well as quaint cafes and friendly boutiques.
Springtime Activities in Gettysburg
Tours
Bus Tours
Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield on an iconic open-air double-decker bus (weather permitting) or enjoy an air-conditioned coach. Both are available with a National Park Service licensed guide.
Tours depart from the Gettysburg Tour Center located at 777 Suite 100 Baltimore Street beside Ghostly Images of Gettysburg and near the National Cemetery. There is plenty of free parking at the Tour Center for your bus tour!
Click HERE for more info!
Sunset Double Decker Tour
Experience the evening serenity of the bucolic Gettysburg Battlefield aboard an open-air Double Decker Bus. As you ride through the battlefield, listen to the narrative of a Licensed Battlefield Guide as they relate all the details of the famous battle, while experiencing the dramatic sunset across the scenic fields from the perfect vantage point. Tours start May 27th and run through the Fall. Planning a Gettysburg visit? Reserve your spot today!
Click HERE for more info!
Ghostly Images of Gettysburg Walking Tours
Interested in experiencing the supernatural side of this springtime destination? Ghostly Images of Gettysburg offers three walking tours… The Spirits of Jennie Wade Tour, the Haunted Orphanage Tour, and the Ghostly Encounter Tour where your guide will be a GHOST. You’ll have your choice of two haunted houses to explore during your 90-minute tour. It’s creepy fun for everyone!
Click HERE for more info!
Festivals
Gettysburg Festival of Races
April 30, 2023
The Gettysburg Festival of Races combines three historic races in a single weekend! Whether you’re an avid runner or just a beginner, there’s something for you! Race alongside the famous Gettysburg battlefield, through lovely backcountry roads, past fields, and farms, and across the historic Mason-Dixon line into Maryland and back.
Compete in the Gettysburg North-South Marathon, the Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon, or the 2L Race Services 5K. Saturday includes a Health & Fitness Expo for runners, fans, and guests. Then join the fun at the post-race Beer Garden, courtesy of Battlefield Brew Works.
Click HERE for more info!
Second Annual Adams County Blossom Festival
May 06, 2023
Adams County Fruit Growers Association hosts Annual Apple Blossom Festival, with an array of activities and events for the entire family as the festival begins a new fruit season. For artists, there will be crafter’s exhibits and vendors offering jewelry, home goods, and self-care products and services. Horse-drawn carriage rides, bouncy house face-painting, and kids’ games will be available. Come join in the celebration of apple desserts, apple products, and ALL things apple!
Click HERE for more info!
21st Annual Fr. Hilbert Cup Golf Tournament
May 11, 2023
One of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School’s longest-running events, the 21st Annual Fr. Hilbert Cup Golf Tournament at The Links at Gettysburg is an amazing opportunity to support the school and test your golfing skills on an amazing course! Come enjoy this worthwhile and fun event!
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Living History Encampment & Candlelight Talk
May 13, 2023
On select weekends, visitors to the children’s history museum can interact with living historians, garbed as Officers and Ladies for the Union, who will be encamped in the side yard of Children of Gettysburg 1863, 451 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Guests can learn about Civil War officers who commanded and fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, featuring first-person impressions by the Officers for the Union. The Ladies for the Union will gather in a “ladies salon” setting, demonstrating unique home craft skills of the era, such as bobbin lace, hand sewing and making bandboxes. History has never been so much fun!
Click HERE for more info!
HCCA Beautiful Brass Cars National Tour & Flea Market
May 14-18, 2023
One of the largest displays of brass era pre-1916 cars on the East Coast. The flea market is for pre-1942 cars & parts. Look for these incredible vehicles all week as they travel through Adams county!
Click HERE for more info!
84th Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
May 18, 2023 – May 21, 2023
Founded in 1979 as a 3 day event held in early May and mid-September, the festival ultimately expanded to 4 days and moved to mid-May and late August.
The Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival not only presents top notch Bluegrass music but is also a premier place to bring the entire family for a wonderful music lover’s outing where families can relax, and kids can play. A stocked trout pond, fabulous Adventure Golf Course, playgrounds, tennis court, game room, and the bass & boating lake will provide a welcome diversion. There is even a giant sand pile for the toddlers just a few feet from the main stage!
Click HERE for more info!
Gettysburg’s 56th Annual Spring Outdoor Antique and Arts Show
May 20, 2023
Spend a relaxing day strolling and shopping the streets of downtown Gettysburg for the 56th Annual Spring Outdoor Antiques & Arts Show.
Vendors from New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia come to share their love of antiques and arts. Walk through history with antiques from the 1890’s to the 1990’s.
While you’re shopping, don’t forget to stop in our brick-and-mortar stores, have lunch in many of our great local eateries, and soak in the beauty of Gettysburg.
Click HERE for more info!
Adams Apple Bike Ride
May 20, 2023
The Adams Apple Bike Ride is a classic Spring ride for riders of all abilities and riding styles. You may choose to ride any of our four course lengths: 15, 25, 50 (Northern or Southern loop) or 100 mile courses with your paid registration. SAG Wagon Support vehicles will be available to assist riders all day long. Rest stops offering food, beverages, and technical support are strategically spaced throughout the routes. Post-ride food from Biggerstaff’s Catering and adult beverages from Thirsty Farmer Brew Works will be available from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more info!
Family Day at Spangler
May 27, 2023
Join the Gettysburg Foundation for a free day of history and exploration at the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital. Family Day features living historians, the Blue & Gray Hospital Association along with family-friendly programming. Offering free admission and the opportunity for the Adams County community and visitors to Gettysburg to experience the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital, featuring living historians with the Blue & Gray Hospital Association and family-friendly programming.
Click HERE for more info!
Civil War Era Dance Demonstrations & Artifacts
May 27, 2023
Presented by the Civil War Dance Foundation and its Victorian Dance Ensemble, featuring a display of civilian artifacts and Civil War era dance demonstrations in the Group Lobby at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center.
Click HERE for more info!
Museums
Jennie Wade House
Experience the historic tale of Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. Authentically furnished from cellar to attic, the Jennie Wade House is a shrine to Jennie and her life during the American Civil War. Guides in period attire who are well-versed in the history of the home will captivate visitors with passionate retellings of the battle and Jennie’s fate. Artifacts from that fatal day in 1863 are on display to illustrate the events that befell Jennie and her family. History comes alive, as seen through Jennie’s eyes.
Click HERE for more info!
Shriver House Museum
Dedicated to civilian experience. Guided tour of Shriver family’s home and business: Shriver’s Saloon & Ten-Pin Alley. One of the wealthiest families in town, their home was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters; two soldiers killed in the house. Live civil war bullets discovered during 1996 restoration. Period garden; bullet holes. Allow 1 hour.
Click HERE for more info!
Seminary Ridge Museum
Gettysburg’s Seminary Ridge Museum features three areas of emphasis not focused on anywhere else in Gettysburg including the First Day Battle, July 1, 1863, on the very site where it happened, Civil War field medicine in the building that was the largest Field Hospital at Gettysburg; and the larger issues of Faith and Freedom. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Click HERE for more info!
Gettysburg Heritage Center
Witness the town of Gettysburg through the eyes of the civilians. Interactive displays, 3-D videos, artifacts and storyboard panels tell the story in a way that will entertain and educate the entire family!
Included is the Civil War Trust’s award-winning “Gettysburg: Animated Map,” movie; the perfect orientation to the battle and the battlefield!
Click HERE for more info!
Gettysburg History Center Presents The Gettysburg Diorama
Stand face to face with those whose roles shaped and created the Battle of Gettysburg. Enlighten your senses with a walk through Pickets Charge as the battle unfolds around you. See the famous Gettysburg Diorama presenting the Battle of Gettysburg in a fully narrated, truly unique, original light and sound experience.
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Gettysburg Beyond The Battle Museum
The newly-opened Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is located inside the new home of the Adams County Historical Society, a 29,000-square-foot complex. It features twelve galleries of immersive exhibits exploring more than three centuries of American history, all from the perspective of one very famous community.
In addition, the museum will host frequent history programs for all ages inside a stunning event venue and education center overlooking the battlefield. The complex will also include a spacious library and archives where visitors can access some of Gettysburg’s rarest archival holdings, including hundreds of civilian accounts from the Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
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The WWII American Experience
museum and education center strives to educate the public about the American sacrifices made during the world’s largest conflict of the 20th century, both on the battlefield and on the Homefront, and honor their dedication to win the war and preserve freedom. Here, you can experience a wide variety of authentic WWII vehicles, uniforms and artifacts in realistic dioramas and exhibits that portray, not just the battlefield, but the Homefront as well.
Click HERE for more info!
Visit Gettysburg in Person
Plan your next excursion with us! Our bus tours of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield are active and ready to show you the sites of the historical battleground. 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 777 Baltimore St., Suite 100.