Gettysburg National Military Park

History buffs know that all Americans need to put a visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania — the site of the largest Civil War battle and the largest-ever battle in North America — on their travel bucket lists. Although many people will enjoy a single visit and feel satisfied, others will catch the Gettysburg bug and want to come back more than once. 

Whether your visit will be a one-time experience or the first of many in a lifelong passion, a visit to this charming southern Pennsylvania town should focus on touring the massive, more than 6,000-acre battlefield that surrounds it. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1 through 3 in 1863. A three-day visit could explore each of the Battle of Gettysburg’s three days of fighting — exploring the area west of town on the first day and those south of town on the second and third days. 

Throughout the battlefield, visitors can explore significant spots like Seminary Ridge, Cemetery Hill and Devil’s Den. Check out monuments to each state that sent soldiers to war. More than 1,300 monuments to individual state regiments and generals astride horses stand throughout the battlefield.

Begin your visit at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, where you can learn more about taking a guided bus tour or guided car tour of the battlefield. The museum also has a comprehensive exhibit explaining the Battle of Gettysburg and its famous cyclorama painting — an enormous, 360-degree work of art that surrounds you and brings the battle to life with an immersive visual and audio show.

Once you have toured the battlefield, you could easily spend an entire week in Gettysburg exploring the many other museums and attractions and never get bored while journeying through the region’s rich history. 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, 717/334-1124, nps.gov/gett