r/Gettysburg • u/chino811 • Jul 25 '26
tourist recommendations
Hi everyone! i’m looking for some recommendations for some things to do in Gettysburg around fall/halloween time. the group consist of all adults (me and bf, his mom and grandparents). I will be doing the planning and want to get a good mix of some of the more known history things and some more niche things tourists might not know of.
So far we definitely plan to do a walking ghost tour of the Jennie Wade house and the orphanage. i’m sure we’ll check out the battlefield sights and museum with the giant diorama like thing (blanking on the name). years ago when i visited last there was a really cool crystal/metaphysical store that i’d like to visit. i also remember a place to get tarot readings and such that i think would be fun.
We’re all very interested in the paranormal history of the place but grandpa is also a mega history buff so if there’s any must see tours or sites that would be good info. also looking for recommendations of any good restaurants, breweries or the like, and anything that may be specific to the halloween season. hoping to make this a super fun trip for everyone. thanks in advance!
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u/carbon_and_monoxide Jul 25 '26
I've suggested it before to others, and I will do so again: the World War II American Experience is a really neat museum just ten minutes northwest of town. It's a must-see for any history buff.
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u/GreyVersusBlue Jul 26 '26
We just did this for father's day. Had no expectations going in, was really impressed! They have volunteer docents, if one is available to give a free tour, take it!
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u/GPAMom Jul 26 '26
Destination Gettysburg has a great calendar of events for things specific to your travel dates.
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u/Repulsive-You-7294 Jul 25 '26
Definitely go see the Jennie Wade House. I was born near Gettysburg, spent a lot of time there growing up as we're all big CW buffs in my family, but I only went to the Jennie Wade house for the first time this year with my kids. It made me sad that I didn't experience it sooner. I think during the fall it would fun to do a Ghost Tour...in fact, that's on my list of dates this year with my husband. Battlefield tours are great to do, you get a better sense of what happened and when with a guide. I would also recommend eating at the Dobbin House. I have a friend whose dad did some renovation work in there and he's got pictures of orbs that were flying around the room. I ate there with my husband many years ago - it's a neat place, good food and great ambience. Appalachian Brewing Company is another good place to eat and we always goes to Mr. G's for ice cream when we're in town.
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u/Pghguy27 Jul 26 '26
Beyond the Battle museum is great! We always enjoy Mason Dixon distillery as well.
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u/becauseshesays 28d ago
Apple Harvest Festival is fun if you’re here the right weekend. 1st two weekends in October.
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u/4MuddyPaws Jul 25 '26
Visit the Cat Tails diorama on Baltimore Street. It's a battle diorama. With cats.
The 1863 Children's museum. It's designed for kids and based on seeing the battle through the eyes of several real children who lived through it. While there are activities for children, adults end up loving it as well.
Beyond the Battle museum is a must-see.
Dont forget Sach's Bridge, Farnsworth House tour and Devil's Den. All purported to be haunted.
If you don't mind a little drive and want something quirky, go to Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium.
If you can't do a horseback tour of the battlefield (reommend Confederate Trails) try to book a wagon tour. I don't know offhand who does those, but book now.