The Battle of Gettysburg
The most violent battle of the Civil War was fought July 1-3, 1863, in and around the bucolic town of Gettysburg, PA, Cited as the war's turning point, the Battle of Gettysburg effectively ended Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North.
Re-enactments are held each summer in Gettysburg National Military Park, featuring battles, mortar fire competitions and military camps.
You can learn all about the epic 3-day battle while cruising in style through Gettysburg National Military Park in restored 1930s Yellowstone Park buses.
A more authentic, if rougher, ride into history is available on horseback: The National Riding Stable offers guided tours along park trails and Artillery Ridge, where the battle played out. You can even camp with your own horse at Artillery Ridge Campground where box stalls and corrals are available.
Dates to plan a trip around: The Soldiers' National Cemetery is the setting for several special events throughout the year, including Memorial Day in May and the commemoration of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, held on November 19.
Gettysburg National Military Park offers a variety of free ranger-guided programs, ranging from battle history to medical practices during the Civil War. Take a Battle Walk: follow the route of Pickett's Charge or visit such places as Devil's Den, the Wheatfield or East Cemetery Hill.
Don't miss: The guided Monument Walk through the Gettysburg battlefield that -- this may surprise you -- contains the world's largest collection of outdoor sculpture.
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