The 9/11 Memorial & Museum in Lower Manhattan is a deeply moving tribute to the nearly 3000 lives lost on 11 September 2001 featuring twin reflecting pools etched with victims' names and immersive underground galleries honouring their stories and legacy.
Pennsylvania: Gettysburg National Military Park
🏛️ Gettysburg: Where History Hit the Fan
Gettysburg, tucked away in the quietly unremarkable farmland of rural Pennsylvania, would almost certainly have drifted through American history as nothing more than a dot on a map — the sort of place you drive through without really noticing. It had been a modest market town since its founding in 1786, named after its founder James Gettys, and for most of its existence it had been doing perfectly well at being completely forgettable.
Then the American Civil War came along and absolutely ruined that.
On 1 July 1863, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, under General Robert E. Lee, stumbled into Union forces quite by accident — apparently somebody needed shoes, of all things — and what followed over the next three days became the single bloodiest battle of the entire war. By the time the guns fell silent on 3 July, somewhere between 46,000 and 51,000 soldiers on both sides had lost their lives. To put that in some kind of perspective, that is roughly the entire population of a decent-sized English market town — wiped out in seventy-two hours. Quite staggering, really.
Lee had been attempting a bold second invasion of the North, hoping a major victory on Union soil might break Northern morale and persuade Britain or France to recognise the Confederacy. It didn’t go to plan. Union General George Meade’s Army of the Potomac held firm, and Lee was forced into a humiliating retreat back to Virginia, never seriously threatening Northern territory again. It was, as these things go, a decisive turning point — though nobody seemed entirely sure of that at the time.
Then, on 19 November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln arrived for the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, a newly established burial ground for the Union fallen. He was not even the main speaker — that honour fell to the celebrated orator Edward Everett, who delivered a two-hour address that almost nobody remembers today. Lincoln then stood up and spoke for approximately two minutes. In those two minutes, he reframed the entire purpose of the war — shifting it from a dispute about constitutional rights and secession into something rather more profound: a struggle to prove that a nation built on equality could actually survive. The Gettysburg Address, as it became known, runs to just 272 words. Not bad going, really. We could all learn something from that.
🌾 The Battlefield Itself — Mostly Grass, Obviously
As with virtually every historic battle site we’ve ever visited — and we’ve visited rather too many — there isn’t a great deal left to see, if we’re being honest. Fields, mostly. Trees. The odd ridge. It’s a sprawling site, spread across several distinct locations around the town, covering roughly 6,000 acres in total. There’s Little Round Top, where a desperate Union defence on the rocky hillside on 2 July is credited with saving the entire Union left flank. There’s Cemetery Ridge, site of the catastrophic Pickett’s Charge on 3 July, when nearly 12,500 Confederate soldiers walked across open ground into withering Union fire — an assault so doomed that even Lee later admitted it was his fault entirely. Decent of him.
We did duly drive around to each of the key locations, pulled over, got out, gazed across the open ground, and tried to imagine what on earth it must have been like. Mostly we failed, which is only natural. Standing in a peaceful Pennsylvania meadow with a flask of lukewarm coffee is simply not the same as being shot at.
🎭 The Visitor Centre — Where Imagination Gets a Helping Hand
For those of us who lack the imaginative firepower — and we include ourselves firmly in that category — the Gettysburg visitor centre is an absolute godsend. The whole area falls under the management of the National Park Service, the American federal agency that looks after the country’s national parks, monuments, and historic sites, and frankly those people know what they’re doing when it comes to presenting history. The exhibits are of the highest quality, properly funded, thoughtfully curated, and genuinely informative rather than the sort of laminated-card-in-a-perspex-box affairs we’re more accustomed to back home.
There are extensive videos and documentary footage, a remarkable collection of memorabilia and artefacts — rifles, uniforms, personal effects, the sort of objects that bring the whole business suddenly, uncomfortably close. But the centrepiece, and the thing that really does make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, is the cyclorama.
The Gettysburg Cyclorama is a vast circular oil painting, completed in 1884 by the French artist Paul Philippoteaux and his team. It measures 377 feet in circumference and stands 42 feet high, wrapping entirely around the viewing platform so that you find yourself standing, quite literally, inside the Battle of Gettysburg — specifically Pickett’s Charge at its most desperate moment. It is quite extraordinary. We stood there like a pair of bewildered tourists, slowly turning on the spot, and for once the word “immersive” was entirely justified rather than being marketing nonsense.
If you find yourself in Pennsylvania — and there are worse places to find yourself, we suppose — Gettysburg is well worth the detour.
🏛️ The Memorials
Beyond the visitor centre, there was plenty more to get the legs moving — and frankly, after sitting through the exhibits, the fresh air was very welcome.
Scattered across the battlefield are numerous memorials and markers, erected over the decades following the battle as states, regiments, and various worthy committees decided that what Gettysburg really needed was more stone and bronze. They were not wrong. The sheer number of monuments here — over 1,300 at last count — makes it one of the most densely commemorated patches of ground on earth. You’d be hard pressed to swing a musket without hitting one.
⚔️ The Pennsylvania State Memorial
The undisputed heavyweight of the lot is the Pennsylvania State Memorial, and it really does earn that title. This is not a modest little plaque bolted to a rock. This is a full-blown dome-and-columns affair that would look perfectly at home in Washington DC, though presumably at considerably less expense to the taxpayer.
Pennsylvania’s claim to the grandest memorial here is not mere state vanity — it’s actually rather well justified. The Commonwealth sent more troops to Gettysburg than any other Union state, with something in the region of 34,000 Pennsylvanian soldiers taking part in the three days of fighting from 1st to 3rd July 1863. Inevitably, Pennsylvania also suffered the most casualties. It was, after all, fighting on home soil — the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee had invaded Pennsylvania itself, which must have concentrated minds wonderfully.
The memorial is properly impressive. At its peak, the tip of the sword held aloft above the dome sits 110 feet above the ground — which is about the height of an eleven-storey building, if you’re the sort of person who measures things in buildings. Around the base, bronze tablets record the names of the Pennsylvanian soldiers who fought here: more than 34,000 names in total. It’s quite sobering, even for those of us who tend to glaze over at military history.
The whole structure was dedicated on 27th September 1910 — forty-seven years after the battle itself — in a ceremony attended by survivors of the fighting, some of whom must have been getting on a bit by then. It was designed by the architects W. Liance Cottrell and Sons, and no expense appears to have been spared, which makes a pleasant change.
Planning your visit to Gettysburg National Military Park
📍 Location
Gettysburg National Military Park is situated in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The park’s Museum and Visitor Centre is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325. The site lies approximately 80 miles (130 km) north of Washington D.C. and around 55 miles (88 km) south-west of Philadelphia, making it accessible from several major cities along the eastern seaboard.
The park encompasses the grounds of the Civil War battlefield itself, the Gettysburg National Cemetery (also known as Soldiers’ National Cemetery), and related historic sites including the David Wills House in downtown Gettysburg, where President Abraham Lincoln stayed on the eve of delivering his famous Gettysburg Address on 19th November 1863.
🌐 Website
The official park website, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), is: www.nps.gov/gett
The Gettysburg Foundation, which operates the Museum and Visitor Centre, can be found at: www.gettysburgfoundation.org
📞 Contact Telephone Number
The main contact number for Gettysburg National Military Park (National Park Service) is:
(717) 334-1124
For the Museum and Visitor Centre (Gettysburg Foundation Guest Relations):
(877) 874-2478 or (717) 334-2436
✉️ Email
Enquiries can be directed via the NPS Contact Us page at www.nps.gov/gett/contacts.htm. The park does not widely publish a single direct email address for general visitor enquiries; contacting the park by telephone or through the NPS online contact form is the recommended route for visitor questions.
💷 Entry Fees
Access to the battlefield grounds and to the Visitor Centre building itself is entirely free of charge. However, tickets are required for the Film, Cyclorama and Museum Experience, which comprises three paid attractions:
The film A New Birth of Freedom, narrated by Morgan Freeman, provides an overview of the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. The Gettysburg Cyclorama is the iconic, large-scale painting by French artist Paul Philippoteaux depicting Pickett’s Charge. The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War houses eleven galleries of artefacts and interactive exhibits relating to the conflict.
Current ticket prices for all three experiences are as follows:
Adults: $20.75 Seniors (aged 65 and over): $19.75 Veterans: $19.75 Youth (aged 6 to 12): $15.75 Active military personnel: Free Children aged 5 and under: Free
Tickets covering only the museum (without the film and Cyclorama) are also available at a reduced price, ranging from $12.75 to $14.75 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Gettysburg Foundation ticket desk inside the Visitor Centre, or in advance via the Gettysburg Foundation website.
Please note that National Park Service America the Beautiful Annual and Senior Passes are not valid for Museum, Film, or Cyclorama fees. However, visitors receiving food assistance through the SNAP programme may be eligible for free admission under the Museums for All scheme — a valid EBT card and photo ID must be presented at the ticket counter.
🕐 Opening Times
Battlefield Grounds and Roads (including Gettysburg National Cemetery)
The battlefield and park roads are open daily from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset, weather permitting. This applies year-round.
Museum and Visitor Centre
March through November: open daily, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm December through February (winter season): open daily, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
The facility is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. It closes at 1:00 pm on Christmas Eve.
David Wills House
Typically open Thursdays through Sundays in June until mid-August, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. From late August through the rest of the year, it is generally open Fridays through Sundays, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Hours may vary, so visitors are advised to check the NPS website before travelling.
The Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state of striking contrasts — rolling farmland, forested mountains, historic cities, and quiet lake shores. Knowing when to go, and where, makes all the difference.
🌸 Spring (March–May)
Spring arrives unevenly across Pennsylvania. The south-east warms first, while the northern tier and Pocono Mountains can hold frost well into April. By May, the entire state blooms into colour, making it one of the most rewarding — and underrated — times to visit.
South-East & Philadelphia Philadelphia in spring is excellent. Temperatures climb from the mid-teens Celsius in March to the low twenties by May. Cherry blossoms line the parkway, and the city’s outdoor café culture re-awakens. Valley Forge National Historical Park is ideal for walking before summer crowds arrive. The Main Line suburbs are lush and uncrowded. Easter weekend brings festivals to Lancaster County’s Amish communities.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Lancaster & Berks Counties) Spring is arguably the finest season here. Farms come alive with planting activity, farmers’ markets reopen, and the landscape offers soft greens against red-barn backdrops. Temperatures are mild, and tourist numbers remain manageable compared with summer.
Pocono Mountains & North-East Early spring can still feel wintry, with snow possible in March and even early April at elevation. By late April and May, waterfalls are at their most dramatic from snowmelt, and hiking trails dry out progressively. Ideal for those who enjoy quieter trails before summer campers descend.
Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s spring is lively. The city’s hillside neighbourhoods — Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Mount Washington — are beautiful as trees leaf out. The Carnegie museums attract fewer crowds than in summer. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece near Mill Run, is spectacular surrounded by spring foliage.
Susquehanna Valley & Central PA State College and the surrounding ridge-and-valley landscape make for excellent spring hiking. Bald Eagle State Park and Raystown Lake are peaceful before the summer boating season begins.
What to pack for spring: Layered clothing is essential — mornings can be sharp while afternoons grow warm. A waterproof jacket, walking shoes, light fleece, and a mid-weight jumper cover most days well. Bring an umbrella; spring showers are frequent. Sun cream becomes useful by May.
☀️ Summer (June–August)
Summer is Pennsylvania’s busiest season. Heat and humidity build across the lowlands, but the mountains and lake regions offer genuine relief. School holidays drive high demand at popular destinations, so booking well ahead is advisable.
Philadelphia & South-East Philadelphia summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching 30°C or above in July and August. The city remains vibrant — Independence National Historical Park, Reading Terminal Market, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are all popular. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to explore on foot. The Jersey Shore is a short drive east for a coastal break, though this is firmly New Jersey territory.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Lancaster in summer is busy with tourists drawn to Amish farm tours, outlet shopping, and roadside farmstands overflowing with sweet corn, tomatoes, and peaches. Early booking for B&Bs is essential. The heat can be oppressive in July; aim for early mornings at outdoor markets.
Pocono Mountains The Poconos are at their most popular in summer, offering lake swimming, whitewater rafting on the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, hiking, and zip-lining. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is superb for walking, paddling, and wildlife spotting. Temperatures are noticeably cooler than in Philadelphia, making this an appealing escape for city dwellers.
Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s summer festival scene is exceptional — the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, and a packed outdoor events calendar make June and July particularly lively. Fallingwater requires advance booking. Ohiopyle State Park’s rapids are at their best for whitewater rafting.
North Central & Elk Country Pennsylvania’s “elk country” around Benezette is spectacular in summer. Elk can be spotted at dawn and dusk in open meadows. The Allegheny National Forest offers miles of uncrowded trails and outstanding fishing. This region rewards those willing to venture off the main tourist routes.
What to pack for summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing is the priority. Pack shorts, T-shirts, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream, and sturdy walking sandals or trainers. A light rain jacket is wise — afternoon thunderstorms are common. Insect repellent is essential in wooded and lake areas. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned museums and restaurants.
🍂 Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is widely regarded as Pennsylvania’s finest season. Foliage colour sweeps south from early October in the north to mid-October across central and southern regions. The weather is crisp and clear, the crowds thinner than in summer, and accommodation prices often more reasonable.
Pocono Mountains & North-East (Peak colour: late September–mid-October) The Poconos and the northern tier reach peak colour earlier than anywhere else in the state. The Delaware Water Gap is especially dramatic. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton hosts one of North America’s greatest raptor migrations from September through November — a remarkable spectacle.
Central Pennsylvania & Susquehanna Valley (Peak colour: mid-October) The Appalachian Trail corridor through central Pennsylvania offers some of the finest autumn hiking in the north-east. Hyner View State Park near Lock Haven provides sweeping ridge views ablaze with colour. State College and Penn State University’s campus are lively in September and October — football weekends attract large crowds, so plan accommodation accordingly.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Peak colour: mid–late October) Harvest season transforms Lancaster County. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, and cider mills are in full operation. The Ephrata Cloister and other historic sites are less crowded than in summer. Autumn light on farmland is simply beautiful.
Philadelphia (Peak colour: late October–early November) Philadelphia’s parks — Fairmount, Wissahickon Valley, and Pennypack — are lovely in autumn. The city itself remains lively through October with cultural events and food festivals. November brings cooler weather and the lead-up to the holiday season.
Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh (Peak colour: mid–late October) Pittsburgh’s hillside setting means autumn colour surrounds the city in every direction. Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle State Park are at their most stunning. The Pennsylvania Wilds — a vast swath of undeveloped forest in the north and north-west — offers genuine wilderness walking at this time of year.
What to pack for autumn: Comfortable layering is key. A warm, packable down jacket, light fleece, long trousers, and sturdy waterproof walking boots cover most conditions. Mornings and evenings can be cold by October. Gloves and a hat are useful from late October onwards. A small day rucksack is handy for trail walks.
❄️ Winter (December–February)
Winter in Pennsylvania varies enormously. Philadelphia and the south-east have relatively mild winters by north-eastern US standards, while the north and mountains receive heavy snowfall. It is a season that rewards those seeking quiet, low-cost travel or winter sports.
Philadelphia & South-East Philadelphia is surprisingly appealing in winter. The Christmas market along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway draws visitors in December, and the city’s world-class museums — the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, Eastern State Penitentiary — are far quieter than at other times of year. Restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and hotel rates drop considerably. Temperatures typically range from -3°C to 6°C in January.
Pennsylvania Dutch Country Lancaster in winter is peaceful and atmospheric. Amish communities continue their traditional way of life regardless of the season; seeing horse-drawn buggies against a snowy landscape is an evocative experience. Several cosy inns and B&Bs offer off-peak rates.
Pocono Mountains The Poconos become a ski destination from December through February, with several resorts including Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Snowfall is generally reliable. This is the one region where winter draws deliberately larger crowds.
Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh in winter has a moody, industrial charm. The city’s indoor attractions — Carnegie Mellon University’s museums, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the National Aviary — provide plenty of interest. Snowfall is moderate, and the city’s hills can be treacherous in icy conditions, so careful driving is needed.
North Central & Allegheny National Forest This region receives the heaviest snowfall in the state. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. It is a destination for those genuinely seeking winter wilderness, but services are limited — forward planning is essential.
What to pack for winter: A heavy, insulated and waterproof coat is non-negotiable in northern and mountain areas. Thermal base layers, thick woollen socks, warm boots with grip, a hat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Philadelphia winters are milder but still cold; smart-casual winter layers work well there. Pack an ice scraper if hiring a car.
📊 Summary Table
See the accompanying JPEG summary table for a quick at-a-glance comparison by season and region.
🗺️ The Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania Overall
If a single season must be chosen, autumn — specifically the first three weeks of October — offers the most consistently rewarding experience across all regions of Pennsylvania. The foliage is spectacular, the weather is stable and pleasant, the summer crowds have thinned, and the harvest season adds colour and character to rural areas. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh remain vibrant without the summer heat, and the state’s vast forests and parks reach their visual peak. Travellers seeking lower costs, greater tranquillity, and a less-hurried experience may find that spring — particularly May — runs autumn very close, offering fresh landscapes, mild temperatures, and a sense of the state awakening. Winter is best suited to those with specific interests in skiing, city culture, or quiet escapes, whilst summer, despite its crowds and humidity, delivers the widest range of outdoor activities and the fullest festival calendar.
Where to stay near Gettysburg
1. The Inn At White Oak
The Inn at White Oak offers accommodations in Gettysburg.
Each room at this bed and breakfast is air-conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience. All rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a hot tub. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer.
You will find a shared kitchen at the property.
Enjoy the billiards, swim in the indoor heated pool or request spa treatments at the Spa located on the property.
2. Lightner Farmhouse B&B
3. The Inn at Lincoln Square
The Inn at Lincoln Square sits right at the centre of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, occupying a brick colonial building that dates to around 1820. It is one of four original Civil War-era structures on the square — the same ground held by Confederate forces for three days in July 1863. The inn offers five self-contained units: three individually decorated suites named after the Danner family, who once lived here, and two townhouses that suit small groups or families well. Rooms come with kitchens, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, with free on-site parking too. The David Wills House is next door, the Gettysburg Museum of History is a short walk away, and the National Military Park is less than two miles from the front door. Rates start at around $120 per night.
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