Gettysburg on a budget

[gillenkl]

We will be in Gettysburg, PA for Sunday and Monday. We will be camping in a state park to save money on that end. It's been years since I've been to Gettysburg - what are the must-do's? We only have a short amount of time but want to cram in the "best" things to do. Our kids love history so that's a plus.

 

[phamy76]

The Dobbin House is so much fun! Go downstairs to the "basement" for lunch.
Yummy and "of period".

 

[Secretmagic]

The visitor center is interesting (you can look up relatives that fought in the war). The Eisenhower farm is great. You take a bus from the visitor center (small admission fee) out to the farm and tour the house and grounds. All of the furnishings are in tact. There is also a junior rangers program for the kids. Just touring the battlefield on your own is fun.

 

[sharonmickey]

I too enjoy touring the battlefield on my own in the car. I've also done a bus tour but preferred driving my own car. We eat at the Lincoln Diner when we stay in Gettysburg, it is fairly inexpensive and right in town.

 

[GoofyMomInOhio]

We loved the visitor center that is run by the National Park Service. It is newer and has some really great displays. The kids really enjoyed driving the battlefields in our car and climbing the tower (sorry, can't remember the name but it is free). The kids kept pretending that we were soldiers and pointing out places that they would hide, etc. We were just there over spring break. Have a great time!!

 

[gillenkl]

Thanks - I think we've decided on the visitors center/military park (doing the jr ranger activity) and the Eisenhower home (doing the jr secret service agent activity). Hope to stay longer next trip.

 

[sherry7]

At the official visitor center, you can hire a national park guide for a 2 hour battlefield tour. He/she will drive your car for you, all while talking about the various spots, battles, etc. You stop and get out at several places. For a family, this option is actually less expensive than getting tickets on one of the double decker buses, and you get individual attention. I'm assuming they still have this, since we haven't been to Gettysburg for a few years. The guide we had last time was a walking encyclopedia! DS (a history buff) asked him multiple questions all during the tour.

 

[Swimalie]

Yes, they still have the tour guide to be hired. We were there in Feb. I highly recommend the movie and Cyclorama. Amazing!