Gettysburg is an ideal spot for a haunting Halloween break, where history and the paranormal collide. Known for its pivotal role in the Civil War, this small town in Pennsylvania also carries the weight of its haunted past. Visitors come not only to learn about the famous Battle of Gettysburg but also to experience its ghostly legends. Whether you're a history buff or a thrill-seeker, this weekend guide will guide you through the town’s historic battlefields, haunted sites, and spooky experiences, making it the perfect destination for a chilling Halloween getaway.
How to get to Gettysburg
By Car:
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Gettysburg, especially since many attractions are spread out.
From Washington, D.C.: About a 1.5-hour drive (85 miles) via I-270 North and US-15 North.
From Baltimore, MD: Around a 1-hour drive (55 miles) via I-83 North and PA-97 North.
From Philadelphia, PA: Approximately 2.5 hours (140 miles) via I-76 West and US-30 West.
By Air:
The nearest major airports are:
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): Located about 50 miles (a 1-hour drive) from Gettysburg. You can rent a car or arrange a shuttle to the town.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): About 60 miles (1.5 hours by car). Car rentals and shuttle services are available.
Dulles International Airport (IAD): Around 70 miles (1.5 to 2 hours by car). Renting a car is the best option for this route.
By Bus:
Greyhound and Amtrak provide bus service to Harrisburg, where you can transfer to a local bus or rent a car for the final leg of your journey to Gettysburg.
Rabbittransit offers local bus service from nearby cities such as Harrisburg and York.
Day 1: History and Battlefield Exploration
Morning:
Arrive in Gettysburg and check into a historic inn or hotel. Consider staying at the Farnsworth House Inn or The Gettysburg Hotel, both of which have historical significance and haunted reputations.
Start your day with a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center. Here, you can explore the museum exhibits, watch the Cyclorama, and learn about the Battle of Gettysburg through artefacts and films.
Afternoon:
After a light lunch, head out on a Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tour or drive through the battlefield with a self-guided tour app. Key stops include:
Little Round Top
Devil’s Den
The Angle and Pickett’s Charge These locations were crucial during the battle and are known for paranormal activity.
Evening:
Begin your ghostly adventures with an evening Ghost Tour. Choose from Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours or Gettysburg Ghost Tours for a chilling walk through the town’s most haunted spots.
Dine at The Dobbin House Tavern, Gettysburg's oldest building, where you can enjoy a colonial-style meal in a historic and possibly haunted setting.
Day 2: Haunted History and Ghost Hunts
Morning:
Start the day with a visit to the Jennie Wade House Museum, where Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, lived. Her tragic story has sparked many ghost sightings.
Afterward, take a walk around Gettysburg Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. The cemetery is a peaceful yet eerie place, with numerous reports of spectral figures.
Afternoon:
Head over to the Shriver House Museum, which provides a glimpse into civilian life during the battle. The home, occupied by Confederate sharpshooters, has been the site of paranormal activity.
Continue your haunted exploration by visiting Sachs Covered Bridge, an iconic and scenic spot where soldiers crossed during the battle. It’s rumoured to be haunted by soldiers who died nearby.
Evening:
Enjoy dinner at One Lincoln, located in the historic Gettysburg Hotel, which also has its own ghost stories.
End your evening with a paranormal investigation. Join Gettysburg Paranormal Association or Ghostly Images of Gettysburg for a hands-on ghost hunt using professional equipment. These tours often visit haunted locations like the Haunted Orphanage and Civil War hospitals.
Looking to delve even deeper into Gettysburg's haunted history and iconic battlefields? Extend your trip by an extra day to explore some of the lesser-known haunts and battlefield mysteries that many visitors overlook.
Day 3: Lesser-Known Haunts and Battlefield Mysteries
Morning:
Begin your final day with a visit to Culp’s Hill, a less-visited but significant battlefield site. Known for its eerie atmosphere, visitors often report strange noises and ghostly apparitions.
Continue to the Daniel Lady Farm, which served as a Confederate field hospital. The house and barn are said to be haunted by soldiers who didn’t survive their injuries.
Afternoon:
Explore East Cavalry Field, a quieter and more isolated part of the battlefield where some of the fiercest cavalry fighting occurred. The silence and isolation add to the eerie feel of the site.
Before leaving, stop by the David Wills House, where President Lincoln stayed the night before delivering the Gettysburg Address. It’s a peaceful yet somber place with occasional ghostly reports.
Evening:
As your trip comes to an end, take a final walk through downtown Gettysburg. Visit local shops for Civil War-era souvenirs or ghost-hunting gear.
Have dinner at Mason Dixon Distillery for a final taste of Gettysburg, reflecting on your ghostly and historical encounters before heading home.
Dining in Gettysburg
Breakfast Spots:
Lincoln Diner - A classic diner with a nostalgic feel, serving hearty breakfasts all day. Known for its generous portions and classic diner fare.
Must-try: Pancakes, Omelettes, and the Breakfast Special.
Blue & Gray Bar & Grill - A casual spot with a diverse breakfast menu, offering everything from traditional breakfast items to unique specials.
Must-try: Breakfast Burrito, Biscuits and Gravy.
The Gettysburg Bakery - A charming bakery that serves fresh pastries, bagels, and coffee. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or to enjoy in a cozy atmosphere.
Must-try: Freshly baked pastries, Bagels with cream cheese.
The Jolly Fox - A cozy eatery offering a great breakfast menu, including classic favorites and daily specials. It has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.
Must-try: French Toast, Eggs Benedict.
Historic Dining:
Dobbin House Tavern - The oldest building in Gettysburg, this colonial-style restaurant serves up classic American fare in a cosy, candlelit atmosphere. The tavern's history and rumoured hauntings make it a unique dining experience.
Must-try: French Onion Soup, Colonial Pot Roast
Farnsworth House Inn – A historic inn and restaurant known for its Civil War-era menu and haunted reputation. The Sweney’s Tavern inside offers casual fare, while the Main Dining Room provides a more upscale experience.
Must-try: Game pie, Pennsylvania Dutch dishes
Casual and Family-Friendly:
One Lincoln - Located in the Gettysburg Hotel, this modern American bistro offers a mix of comfort food and upscale options. It's a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner after a day of exploring.
Must-try: Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Crab Cakes
Gettysburg Eddie’s – Named after a famous Gettysburg baseball player, this casual sports bar serves hearty American favourites. It's a great place for a relaxed, family-friendly meal.
Must-try: Burgers, Buffalo Wings
Local Favourites:
Mason Dixon Distillery – A trendy spot for locally sourced dishes paired with house-made spirits. The distillery offers a great atmosphere for dinner and drinks.
Must-try: Shrimp and Grits, Braised Pork Tacos
Food 101 – A cozy, modern bistro that focuses on fresh, local ingredients. It’s ideal for those looking for a more intimate and upscale dining experience.
Must-try: Crab Ravioli, Chicken Pappardelle
Quick Bites and Cafes:
Lincoln Diner – A classic diner serving hearty breakfasts and comfort food. It's a favorite among both locals and tourists for a quick, affordable meal.
Must-try: Pancakes, Philly Cheesesteak
Tommy’s Pizza – Perfect for a quick bite, Tommy’s offers New York-style pizza and subs, popular among visitors looking for something casual after a long day of sightseeing.
Must-try: Supreme Pizza, Italian Hoagie
Gettysburg is the perfect blend of history and mystery, offering a Halloween experience like no other. Whether you're drawn by its rich Civil War heritage or the eerie allure of its haunted past, this town captivates visitors with both. From exploring the battlefield by day to ghost hunting by night, every corner of Gettysburg has a story to tell. As you wrap up your chilling weekend, you’ll leave not just with tales of ghostly encounters but a deeper connection to the history that shaped this iconic town.
Ready to embrace the haunted and the historic? Let Tides & Trails Travel Co. help you plan the perfect spooky getaway to Gettysburg and beyond.
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