Downtown Gettysburg Self-Guided Walking Tour

Think you know the whole story of Gettysburg? Think again! This self-guided walking tour of downtown Gettysburg brings to life the civilians swept up in the chaos of the Civil War’s deadliest battle. Discover tales of hardship and heroism as ordinary people found themselves caught in extraordinary times.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

As Confederate troops advanced on Gettysburg in 1863, Jennie Wade and her mother fled here to stay with Jennie’s sister Georgia. They were terrified of the coming battle and what it would mean for their town. When the fighting erupted a few days later, the family huddled together and prayed no one would break down their door with bayonets drawn.

Teams of soldiers went out and buried these men where they had fallen, Union and Confederate alike. Most graves were only 12 inches deep. The army had other battles to fight and no time to properly bury their dead.

When Hettie Shriver fled to her parent’s farm, she wasn’t alone. She also took her family and her 15-year-old neighbor Tillie Pierce. Pierce was enthralled by the prospect of battle and had stood outside to watch Union soldiers ride by. Once the cannons began booming she realized she wasn’t safe. But even after fleeing with Hettie to the farm, she couldn’t escape the horrors of battle.

While the Civil War battle here made a name for this town, there are far more stories to tell than just those of soldiers and armies. With this walking tour, get ready to find out what the Civil War Gettysburg meant for everyday people caught up in it all.

Note: This 1+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Downtown Gettysburg in 1-1.5 hours.

This is one of the largest private collections of Civil War artifacts in the entire country, featuring more than 4,000 total artifacts.
Collections like this one were obtained legally, but Gettysburg has seen its fair share of looting over the years. Even with the joint effort of residents and the government in 1863, some bodies and bits of gear were left on the battlefield. Whether they were in shallow graves or just hard-to-find places, those remains simply disappeared over time.

The battle isn’t the only reason this tree is special. Abraham Lincoln also rode directly past this tree on his way to deliver the Gettysburg Address.

As the battle raged around the residents of Gettysburg and the wounded piled up, any and all available buildings became hospitals. Wounded soldiers were rushed into shelters like this courthouse, where doctors did everything they could to tend to their wounds.

This was home to Hettie Shriver, a mild-mannered woman whose story was all too familiar to Gettysburg residents after the battle. When the fighting first broke out, Hettie decided to flee with her family to her parents’ farm three miles south of town.

David Wills was an attorney and a pillar of the Gettysburg community. He was also the man responsible for organizing the creation of the Gettysburg National Cemetery!

This building dates all the way back to 1797, though it wasn’t always the Gettysburg Hotel. It started out as a humble tavern which for a time was owned by the prominent McClellan family.

The man standing next to Lincoln doesn’t have a name — and that’s exactly the point! He’s “the common man.” The idea is to illustrate the continued importance of Gettysburg and Lincoln to everyday folks in the modern era.

This is the Grand Army of the Republic Building or GAR for short. The government established it after the war to support Union veterans. Here, veterans would gather, share stories, and look after one another in times of need.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
• How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
• Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.

• Downtown Gettysburg Self-Guided Walking Tour
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• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Trending Gettysburg Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

You’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased.

Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite.

1. Find the tour setup instructions:

>> Email: search for the phrase “Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now.” If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail.

>> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator

>> TripAdvisor App Messages:
open the app, check Account, select Messages

>> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997

>> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/

2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later:

>> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal.

>> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date.

>> If you’ve reserved the tour for multiple participants (e.g., four people), the same password can be redeemed multiple times (e.g., four times).

3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial

⚠️ Important Note:
Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions.

Have a question – We’re here to help! For quick answers, visit the app’s FAQ section or our website at actiontourguide.com/faq. If you need further assistance, please call us at +1 412-205-8152, chat with us online, or email us at support@actiontourguide.com. We’re committed to providing you with the support you need every step of the way!

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Action Day Trips.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/New_York.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 3.5 Stars based on 8 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.