Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
by Action Day Trips
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$16.99Overview
Gettysburg was the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a crucial conflict during the American Civil War where Union forces defended against Confederate attackers over three days. This self-guided driving audio tour lets visitors explore the battlefield at their own pace using an app that plays narrated stories triggered by GPS. The tour covers over 19 miles with more than 60 audio segments, taking about 2 to 4 hours to complete. The tour begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center or the National Park Visitor Center and follows the official Auto Tour route. Along the way, drivers will hear detailed accounts of key moments such as the fighting at McPherson's Ridge, the Railway Cut, and the Oak Ridge Observation Tower. The route includes stops at notable memorials like the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and the Pennsylvania Monument, plus optional detours such as the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The app works offline after download, allowing the tour to continue without cellular or Wi-Fi service. The audio automatically plays based on the vehicle’s location, providing hands-free narration. The tour can be started anytime and paused for breaks, photos, or hikes. This is a flexible option to explore Gettysburg’s battlefield history without a guide or bus, but it does not include entrance tickets or reservations.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Gettysburg Heritage Center
A visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield includes a stop at the Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum. The tour starts at either the Heritage Center or the National Park Visitor Center. If not at either location, proceed there now. The official Auto Tour route will be followed from this point. Note: The tour covers over 19 miles, includes more than 60 audio stories, and takes about 1 to 2 hours. Lifetime access is granted with no expiration, usable anytime and as often as desired.
10 min
McPherson's Ridge Battle Site
At McPherson's Ridge, dawn breaks on the first day of battle. Union and Confederate forces engage, with generals on both sides positioning their regiments. Observers can visualize the battle movements while overlooking the ridge.
5 min
Railway Cut Skirmish Site
The route crosses the Railway Cut, the location of a significant skirmish on the first day. The battle strategies of generals from both sides are examined here, along with background on key battlefield figures.
5 min
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial
Passing the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, which honors the reunification of the United States. The base is made of Maine granite, and the pillar is Alabama limestone, symbolizing the union of north and south.
10 min
Oak Ridge Observation Tower
At Oak Ridge Observation Tower, the battle’s afternoon phase on the first day can be revisited. Union soldiers attempt to hold back the Confederate forces. The tower provides panoramic views of the historic battlefield.
5 min
11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument
Continuing along the Auto Road, the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument is notable. A dog sculpture named Battlefield Sallie, the regiment's mascot during the Civil War, is on the statue’s base. Information about drummers and military music during the war is shared.
5 min
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
As evening falls on the first day, Union troops have suffered losses and retreated. Various plans and strategies devised by generals as they regroup are discussed.
North Carolina and Virginia Monuments
The drive passes by the North Carolina Memorial and the Virginia Monument.
5 min
Start of Second Day Battle Site
Along the Auto Road, the location where Pickett's Charge began on Day 3 is passed, but that story is reserved for later. The focus shifts to the second day, where troops on both sides organize and prepare. The effectiveness of their strategies is considered.
10 min
Longstreet Observation Tower
The Longstreet Observation Tower offers a vantage point over the second day’s battlefield.
5 min
Eisenhower National Historic Site
An optional detour off the Auto Road leads to the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which overlooks the battlefield. President Eisenhower frequently stayed here.
5 min
Confederate Assembly Point
Back on the Gettysburg Road, Confederate troops gather to attack a strategic Union outpost. Well-trained Union marksmen are positioned to defend, setting the stage for battle.
5 min
Little Round Top
The drive passes Little Round Top, a key second-day skirmish site where Union forces narrowly hold their position. The route crosses the Valley of Death, named for the intense fighting that occurred there.
5 min
Devil's Den Sharpshooters
Confederate sharpshooters took cover among volcanic rocks at Devil's Den, using the terrain to target Union soldiers effectively.
Wheat Fields Battle Site
Passing the Wheat Fields, the site of the second major skirmish on Day 2. The battle’s intensity is described along with the story of Union soldier JJ Purman.
5 min
Peach Orchard Battlefield
The route continues past the Peach Orchard, where fighting persisted on the second day. The success and failure of various strategies are noted.
10 min
Trostle Farm
Passing the Trostle farm, whose family fled suddenly at the start of fighting, leaving dinner still on the table.
10 min
Plum Run Area
The tour reaches Plum Run, where soldiers who escaped the Peach Orchard skirmish regrouped.
10 min
George Weikert Farm Hospital
At the George Weikert Farm, the family evacuated quickly at battle's start. The farm was later converted into a battlefield hospital. Information about military doctors and war injuries is provided.
10 min
State of Pennsylvania Monument
The Pennsylvania Memorial honors nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanian soldiers who fought here. Their fight was particularly personal, defending their home state.
10 min
Spangler's Spring and Culp's Hill Tower
In the woods, Spangler's Spring is visited, a small yet significant site. The tour continues to Culp's Hill Tower, where Union and Confederate forces fought for control. The Union successfully defended the hill until evening.
10 min
East Cemetery Hill Night Raid
At East Cemetery Hill, night falls on the battlefield. Despite the usual end to fighting, Confederates attempt a nighttime raid after failing to capture Culp’s Hill. The Union narrowly holds the position. After exploring this site, the tour proceeds. Day 2 ends, with Day 3 ahead.
10 min
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, ending General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North. Known as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," it was the bloodiest battle and inspired President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, emphasizing liberty and unity.
10 min
Pickett's Charge Site
On the third day, Union and Confederate troops prepare for Pickett's Charge. From the hilltop, the final battlefield is visible. The "high water mark" shows the farthest Confederate advance toward Union defenses.
5 min
National Cemetery
The final stop is the National Cemetery, where the graves of fallen Union soldiers are honored.
5 min
+ 1 more places this tour can include
Meeting point
Begin from Heritage Center’s parking, lot 297 Steinwehr Ave, PA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
End point
Visit Little Round Top virtually with our tour! Despite ongoing construction, you can still experience the historic site through narrations and pictures of the famous battle that occurred there. Don't miss out on this significant location's fascinating stories and sights.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
by Action Day Trips
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$16.99Overview
Gettysburg was the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a crucial conflict during the American Civil War where Union forces defended against Confederate attackers over three days. This self-guided driving audio tour lets visitors explore the battlefield at their own pace using an app that plays narrated stories triggered by GPS. The tour covers over 19 miles with more than 60 audio segments, taking about 2 to 4 hours to complete. The tour begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center or the National Park Visitor Center and follows the official Auto Tour route. Along the way, drivers will hear detailed accounts of key moments such as the fighting at McPherson's Ridge, the Railway Cut, and the Oak Ridge Observation Tower. The route includes stops at notable memorials like the Eternal Light Peace Memorial and the Pennsylvania Monument, plus optional detours such as the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The app works offline after download, allowing the tour to continue without cellular or Wi-Fi service. The audio automatically plays based on the vehicle’s location, providing hands-free narration. The tour can be started anytime and paused for breaks, photos, or hikes. This is a flexible option to explore Gettysburg’s battlefield history without a guide or bus, but it does not include entrance tickets or reservations.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Gettysburg Heritage Center
A visit to the Gettysburg Battlefield includes a stop at the Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum. The tour starts at either the Heritage Center or the National Park Visitor Center. If not at either location, proceed there now. The official Auto Tour route will be followed from this point. Note: The tour covers over 19 miles, includes more than 60 audio stories, and takes about 1 to 2 hours. Lifetime access is granted with no expiration, usable anytime and as often as desired.
10 min
McPherson's Ridge Battle Site
At McPherson's Ridge, dawn breaks on the first day of battle. Union and Confederate forces engage, with generals on both sides positioning their regiments. Observers can visualize the battle movements while overlooking the ridge.
5 min
Railway Cut Skirmish Site
The route crosses the Railway Cut, the location of a significant skirmish on the first day. The battle strategies of generals from both sides are examined here, along with background on key battlefield figures.
5 min
The Eternal Light Peace Memorial
Passing the Eternal Light Peace Memorial, which honors the reunification of the United States. The base is made of Maine granite, and the pillar is Alabama limestone, symbolizing the union of north and south.
10 min
Oak Ridge Observation Tower
At Oak Ridge Observation Tower, the battle’s afternoon phase on the first day can be revisited. Union soldiers attempt to hold back the Confederate forces. The tower provides panoramic views of the historic battlefield.
5 min
11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument
Continuing along the Auto Road, the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument is notable. A dog sculpture named Battlefield Sallie, the regiment's mascot during the Civil War, is on the statue’s base. Information about drummers and military music during the war is shared.
5 min
Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center
As evening falls on the first day, Union troops have suffered losses and retreated. Various plans and strategies devised by generals as they regroup are discussed.
North Carolina and Virginia Monuments
The drive passes by the North Carolina Memorial and the Virginia Monument.
5 min
Start of Second Day Battle Site
Along the Auto Road, the location where Pickett's Charge began on Day 3 is passed, but that story is reserved for later. The focus shifts to the second day, where troops on both sides organize and prepare. The effectiveness of their strategies is considered.
10 min
Longstreet Observation Tower
The Longstreet Observation Tower offers a vantage point over the second day’s battlefield.
5 min
Eisenhower National Historic Site
An optional detour off the Auto Road leads to the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which overlooks the battlefield. President Eisenhower frequently stayed here.
5 min
Confederate Assembly Point
Back on the Gettysburg Road, Confederate troops gather to attack a strategic Union outpost. Well-trained Union marksmen are positioned to defend, setting the stage for battle.
5 min
Little Round Top
The drive passes Little Round Top, a key second-day skirmish site where Union forces narrowly hold their position. The route crosses the Valley of Death, named for the intense fighting that occurred there.
5 min
Devil's Den Sharpshooters
Confederate sharpshooters took cover among volcanic rocks at Devil's Den, using the terrain to target Union soldiers effectively.
Wheat Fields Battle Site
Passing the Wheat Fields, the site of the second major skirmish on Day 2. The battle’s intensity is described along with the story of Union soldier JJ Purman.
5 min
Peach Orchard Battlefield
The route continues past the Peach Orchard, where fighting persisted on the second day. The success and failure of various strategies are noted.
10 min
Trostle Farm
Passing the Trostle farm, whose family fled suddenly at the start of fighting, leaving dinner still on the table.
10 min
Plum Run Area
The tour reaches Plum Run, where soldiers who escaped the Peach Orchard skirmish regrouped.
10 min
George Weikert Farm Hospital
At the George Weikert Farm, the family evacuated quickly at battle's start. The farm was later converted into a battlefield hospital. Information about military doctors and war injuries is provided.
10 min
State of Pennsylvania Monument
The Pennsylvania Memorial honors nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanian soldiers who fought here. Their fight was particularly personal, defending their home state.
10 min
Spangler's Spring and Culp's Hill Tower
In the woods, Spangler's Spring is visited, a small yet significant site. The tour continues to Culp's Hill Tower, where Union and Confederate forces fought for control. The Union successfully defended the hill until evening.
10 min
East Cemetery Hill Night Raid
At East Cemetery Hill, night falls on the battlefield. Despite the usual end to fighting, Confederates attempt a nighttime raid after failing to capture Culp’s Hill. The Union narrowly holds the position. After exploring this site, the tour proceeds. Day 2 ends, with Day 3 ahead.
10 min
Gettysburg National Military Park
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, ending General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North. Known as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion," it was the bloodiest battle and inspired President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, emphasizing liberty and unity.
10 min
Pickett's Charge Site
On the third day, Union and Confederate troops prepare for Pickett's Charge. From the hilltop, the final battlefield is visible. The "high water mark" shows the farthest Confederate advance toward Union defenses.
5 min
National Cemetery
The final stop is the National Cemetery, where the graves of fallen Union soldiers are honored.
5 min
+ 1 more places this tour can include
Meeting point
Begin from Heritage Center’s parking, lot 297 Steinwehr Ave, PA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
End point
Visit Little Round Top virtually with our tour! Despite ongoing construction, you can still experience the historic site through narrations and pictures of the famous battle that occurred there. Don't miss out on this significant location's fascinating stories and sights.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.