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Last updated: September 14, 2022

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Action Tour Guide

Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

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Welcome to the gettysburg battlefield self-guided driving tour.

Welcome to the narrated driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most crucial battle of the Civil War! Here, Union forces staged a nearly impossible defense against Confederate attackers–and won! Walk in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, re-live the battle strategies of the key generals, and embark on an adventure that brings this historic three-day battle to life on your Gettysburg auto tour.

This self-guided Gettysburg Auto tour lets you explore Gettysburg’s historical wonders with maximum flexibility, safety, and value. Hop in your car, set up the tour guide app on your phone, and get started. All audio plays automatically based on location.

We are proud to be an official member of the Gettysburg Heritage Center.

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Follow the Battle

The tour follows the intense 3-day battle at Gettysburg chronologically. It begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, where you learn about the lead-up to the battle. Before you start driving, download the Action Tour Guide app and enter your unique password to access the audio tour. Then, you’ll explore McPherson’s Ridge, the site of the first skirmish of the first day. From there, you continue past the Railway Cut, Iverson’s Pits, and Seminary Ridge until you reach the end of Day 1.

As you continue to follow the route on the Gettysburg Auto Tour, begin Day 2 with an exploration of Little Round Top, Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, and Culp’s Hill. Day 3 then starts with the infamous Pickett’s Charge. This comprehensive tour ends at the Gettysburg Cemetery, where you hear Lincoln’s poignant Gettysburg Address. And if you ever have questions, feel free to reach out to us over chat, call, or email – we’re always available and looking forward to helping you!

The Gettysburg Address

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln November 19, 1863

Little Round Top is now open.

Little Round Top is open to visitors again. For more, click here . This historic site was key to the Battle of Gettysburg. Visit to learn about its strategic role, the brave soldiers who fought there and shaped the history. Our tour offers detailed narrations for a rich, in-person experience.

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  • Gettysburg Tours: Embark on the ultimate self-guided drive for $24.99 per person and save 40%.
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  • Valley Forge Tour: By visiting both sites,  you can visualize thecontinuity and evolutionof the fight for freedom, spanning the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

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Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: Gettysburg Heritage Center Parking Lot at 1 Culp Street. Culp St Gettysburg, PA 17325

How Does It Work?

  • Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
  • Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
  • To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
  • The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
  • Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Gettysburg visitor center.

Embark on this journey into the past at the Gettysburg Visitor Center! Get ready to be transported right into the middle of the battlefield... both in time and space. As we begin driving along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road, we step back in time to the eve of battle. Who are the combatants? The generals? What are they fighting for? Why? We'll dive into the history of the United States of America up to the point of the Civil War. That'll help us understand what made Gettysburg such a poignant battle, and why a victory here was so important.

McPherson Ridge (Auto Tour 1)

As we continue driving, dawn breaks on the first day of battle. At McPherson's Ridge, Union and Confederate armies clash and generals on both sides order their regiments into place. We'll be able to imagine the movements of the battle as we look out over the ridge.

The Railway Cut

Our drive takes us over the Railway Cut, where we'll explore the different battle strategies of the generals on both sides of the fight. This was the unlikely site of a major skirmish during the first day. We'll continue forward, diving into the backstories of some of the key battlefield players.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial (Auto Tour 2)

As we drive, we'll pass the first of many memoirals at Gettysburg - the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. This memorial commemorates the reunification of the United States. Maine granite forms the base, while Alabama limestone forms the pillar -- a symbolic unification of north and south.

Oak Ridge Observation Tower (Auto Tour 3)

We'll continue driving along the Gettysburg Auto Road. Our next stop is at the Oak Ridge Observation Tower. Here we'll be able to jump back to that first day of battle -- but by now, it's the afternoon. We'll "join" the fight as Union soldiers try to keep the Confederacy at bay. The top of this tower is a great place to get panoramic views of the historic fields that once saw so much violence and bloodshed.

Battlefield Sallie Memorial

We'll continue driving, following the progress of the first day of battle as we follow the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road. Though we'll pass several more memorials, one in particular stands out: the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Monument. There’s a dog sculpted on the other side of the statue’s base. That’s Battlefield Sallie! She served as a mascot of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry, and accompanied these Union soldiers for most of the Civil War. We'll drive past Sallie and learn a little about the importance of drummers and military music during the war.

Seminary Ridge Museum

Our journey continues along the Gettysburg Auto Road as evening descends on the first day of battle. Union soldiers have paid heavily and lost ground. Is there any hope of success? We'll explore the various plans and strategies the generals come up with as they bunker down after the first day.

North Carolina Memorial (Auto Tour 4)

Our drive takes us past the North Carolina Memorial and Virginia Monument.

Virginia Monument (Auto Tour 5)

We'll continue driving along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road. The infamous Pickett's Charge on Day 3 began at this stop, but we'll save that story for a little later on the tour. Instead, we'll now enter the second day of battle. Troops on both sides have begun to organize and mobilize. Whose strategy will finally succeed?

Pitzer Woods (Auto Tour 6) & Longstreet Observation Tower

Our drive takes us past the Longstreet Observation Tower, which offers a great vantage point over the second day's battlefield.

Eisenhower National Historic Site

Here we can take an optional detour off of the Gettysburg Auto Road to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which overlooks the battlefield. President Eisenhower often stayed here.

Warfield Ridge (Auto Tour 7)

We're back on the Gettysburg Road, following the activities of Day 2 of the battle. Confederate troops assemble here, ready to attack one of the strategic Union outposts. Specially trained Union marksmen are in position to defend. The stage is set....

Little Round Top (Auto Tour 8)

Our drive passes Little Round Top, a critical skirmish site on the second day. Here Union soldiers just barely hold off Confederate troops, maintaining their control of this strategic hill. As we drive around the hill, we'll cross the Valley of Death -- an appropriate name for the site of such a bloody skirmish.

Devil's Den

Here, Confederate sharpshooters set up positions among the volcanic rocks. From the safety of the rocky cover at Devil's Den, they’re able to pick off soldier after soldier on the Union side.

The Wheat Field (Auto Tour 9)

We continue driving along the Gettysburg Auto Road, passing the Wheat Fields. This area represented the second major skirmish site on Day 2. We'll find ourselves in the heat of battle, fighting alongside Union soldiers to defend against the Confederates. We'll also learn about the strange tale of Union soldier JJ Purman.

The Peach Orchard (Auto Tour 10)

Our drives take us past the Peach Orchard, where the battles of the second day continued. We'll start seeing which strategies were successful and which were not as we drive past.

The Abraham Trostle Farm

We'll continue past the Trostle farm. When fighting broke out in Gettysburg, the Trostle family fled their home. They left so abruptly that dinner was still on the table!

Plum Run (Auto Tour 11)

Our journey along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road now takes us to Plum Run, where we catch up with the soldiers who just escaped the skirmish at the Peach Orchard.

The George Weikert Farm

We'll continue towards the George Weikert Farm. Like the Trostles, the Weikert's hastily evacuated when the battle erupted. But they returned to a grislier scene -- their farm had been converted into a battlefield hospital. As we drive, we'll learn a little about military doctors and the effects of war.

Pennsylvania Memorial (Auto Tour 12)

Our path brings us to the Pennsylvania Memorial. This monument commemorates the nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanian soldiers who fought in this battle. While the stakes were high for everyone, they were particularly intense for these men of Pennsylvania: they weren’t fighting for an abstract idea, they were fighting for their very state.

Spangler's Spring (Auto Tour 13)

The Gettysburg Auto Road brings us deeper into the Gettysburg woods, where we'll come across Spangler's Spring. We'll dive into the significance of this small but mighty site and then continue forward to Culp's Hill Tower. Here, Union and Confederate soldiers clashed again, fighting for control of this strategic outpost. Luckily for the Union, they are able to defend the hill until evening finally descended.

East Cemetery Hill (Auto Tour 14)

We continue the driving tour to East Cemetery Hill. Night has fallen across the battlefield, and ordinarily, this would mean an end to the fighting. But the Confederate failure to fully capture Culp’s Hill bothers them, so they try a nighttime raid. This was the moment the Union came closest to losing. Through a mixture of perseverance, skill, and luck, the Union prevailed. Once we explore this historic site and understand what was at stake, we'll continue driving. Day 2 has come to a close; the third and final day of battle is ahead.

The High Water Mark (Auto Tour 15)

The third-day dawns, and the Union and Confederate troops prepare for a final, epic battle. This is the infamous Pickett's Charge by the Confederates. We'll stand at the top of the hill, looking down at the empty expanse of the final battlefield. As we follow the progress of this last charge, we'll take a look at the "high water mark" -- the spot that marks the farthest the Confederacy advanced up the hill, towards the Union defenses.

National Cemetery (Auto Tour 16)

We'll follow the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road to the final stop: the National Cemetery. Here we visit and honor the graves of the fallen Union soldiers who defended their country and morals.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

This is also the site of President Abraham Lincoln's famed Gettysburg Address. Given the monumental nature of the battle, most people expected President Lincoln to deliver quite a lengthy speech. But Lincoln didn’t want to steal attention that he believed belonged to the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives here. Our tour officially ends at this final, poignant stop.

Preview The Tour

  can you tour gettysburg without a guide.

These days, there are much better options for touring a historic site like this than the type of Gettysburg guide you might have in mind. More specifically, you can get a rich, exciting, and complete tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield by using an app!

  Can you drive through the Gettysburg Battlefield?

While the roads through the park will take you close to the major battlefields, in many areas, you’ll have to get out of the car to actually stand on the fields where the combat took place, such as Little Round Top. A Gettysburg Driving Tour app will help you locate the specific battlefield sites so you can get up close and personal with history.

  Is Gettysburg open in the winter?

Now, folks generally associate the Gettysburg Battlefield with the hot, humid days of summer, especially since the battle itself took place on the first three days of July 1863. Ironically, that’s exactly what makes winter such a good time to visit Gettysburg.

  Can you tour Gettysburg by car?

Absolutely you can! In fact, I’d say a Gettysburg driving tour is the absolute best way to experience this historic battlefield. Sure, you could pay to hop on a tour bus, but then you’re on someone else’s schedule and won’t have the chance to really explore the key sites across the field.

  What’s the weather like in Gettysburg?

Luckily for traveling history buffs, the weather in Gettysburg is fairly predictable, even during the peak days of summer. The average temperature maxes out at around 85 degrees fahrenheit. That said, if you’re used to dry heat, the humidity on the Gettysburg Battlefield is something to keep in mind.

  What is the best time of the year to visit Gettysburg?

If you’re going for authenticity, summer is the season for you. The heat and yellowing grass will give you a great idea of the conditions under which the Union and Confederate soldiers fought all those years ago. For comfort, however, spring or fall are more temperate, have smaller crowds, and offer more pleasant scenery.

  What are 3 facts about the Gettysburg battlefield?

The battle itself stretched for three days and involved more than 160,000 soldiers. There were a staggering 120 generals present on the battlefield, of whom nine were mortally wounded or killed. But despite the size of the struggle, only one civilian was killed during the fighting.

  What was unique about the Battle of Gettysburg?

The Battle of Gettysburg served as a major turning point in the Civil War. Many historians consider it the closest the Confederacy ever got to defeating the Union and winning the war.

  How many died at Gettysburg per day?

There were nearly 50,000 casualties during the Battle of Gettysburg, including almost 8,000 dead. The first day saw 15,000 casualties, and the third saw nearly as many, but the second day remains the bloodiest day of the battle. Over 20,000 men were killed, injured, or went missing on that second day of fighting.

  Why is the Gettysburg Battlefield important?

The Battle of Gettysburg marks the point where the Confederate invasion of the North came to an abrupt end, signalling the beginning of the end for the rebellion. Had Lee emerged victorious at Gettysburg, he would have marched on other Northern cities, and perhaps even Washington, D.C., changing the course of history.

  Are there still bodies at Gettysburg?

There are still bodies buried in unmarked graves across the Gettysburg battlefield, but don’t worry about accidentally stumbling upon one of these grisly sites. It happens quite rarely, and always makes for big news when it does. For more details, read our blog post .

  Can you walk Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg?

Walking Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg is an experience like no other, and you should absolutely do it if you have the chance! Following in the footsteps of all those men who rushed to their untimely end, looking up at the same ridge they hoped to take… It makes this historic battle feel a whole lot more real.

  Why did people fight at Gettysburg?

Confederate and Union forces battled at Gettysburg during General Lee’s invasion of the North. The Union decided to engage Lee’s forces here in order to prevent him from advancing any farther toward key strategic positions like Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.

  How long did the battle of Gettysburg last?

The Battle of Gettysburg lasted for three long, bloody days. It began on July 1st, 1863 and raged until the late afternoon of July 3rd.

  How many days do you need to tour Gettysburg?

A single day is sufficient to tour the Gettysburg battlefield, even if you’d like to explore the town of Gettysburg afterward. Still, it’s a good idea to start in the morning to make sure you have enough time to see everything.

  What is a must see when I travel to Gettysburg?

When visiting Gettysburg, you’ll definitely want to see crucial battlefield landmarks like Cemetery Ridge, Little Round Top, and Devil’s Den. Luckily, the Auto Tour Route which weaves throughout the park leads directly past all these important sites.

  Where can I find comfort stations at Gettysburg National Military Park?

Comfort stations are conveniently located throughout Gettysburg National Military Park and are accessible during regular park hours. You can find more information here.

  Are there portable toilets available at Gettysburg, and where are they located?

Portable toilets are available seasonally within the park to accommodate visitors, especially during the busier months. You can locate these portable toilets at:

McMillan Woods (near Auto Tour Stop #4) Amphitheater (near Auto Tour Stop #6).

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HereStory Gettysburg Auto Tour 4+

Battlefield driving gps guide, designed for ipad.

  • 4.7 • 198 Ratings
  • Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Top-selling driving tour at Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center & Museum since 2013 + companion to the stunning documentary film The Gettysburg Story. This Gettysburg Auto Tour offers a gripping journey through the Gettysburg Battlefield following the official marked National Park Auto Tour route. • Top-selling driving tour at Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center & Museum since 2013. • Narrated dramatically by Stephen Lang, the renowned Hollywood actor is best known for his starring roles in James Cameron’s Avatar, Don’t Breathe and as Stonewall Jackson in Gods & Generals and General Pickett in Gettysburg. • Covers all three days of the battle and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. • Short, Medium & Full audio tour versions ranging from 2 to 3 hours covering the Gettysburg National Military Park official Auto Tour Route. • Experience a Gettysburg driving tour from the comfort and control of your own car, at your own pace. • Works offline (after initial download of tracks). • Film companion The Gettysburg Story is made by Jake Boritt and broadcast nationally on Public Television and available for streaming. This documentary is a perfect introduction to your battlefield tour. • Based on works of top historian Gabor Boritt, founder of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, The Gilder-Lehrman Lincoln Prize and published 16 books on Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War. • Virtual tour, the app works off-site to tour the battlefield remotely. “A thrilling experience. The whole battle comes alive in telling detail and superb overview. I can't recommend it enough.” - KEN BURNS, Filmmaker "This brilliant and moving story will fascinate the first-time visitor and the history buff alike." - DORIS KEARNS-GOODWIN, Author Download today and experience America's greatest battle as you've never seen it before!

Version 1.19

Fixes minor issues and improve stability

Ratings and Reviews

198 Ratings

Unequivocally amazing. 2-3 hours for the tour is way too short. Maybe it’s me being sentimental but I only got through to “little round top” in three hours. The weather was iffy but every stop was instructional and educational. I learned so much more than what I thought. There were some “misty” times along the route because of the desire of the union and confederates loosing so many for a cause and me being there with my oldest’s (17yo) first trip, a LOT of emotion. As for the app it took three times to get it to go because It had to download (update) 36 files. Some of the negative reviews this could have been the problem [not a normal download]. The app worked flawlessly, even when I stopped and restarted along the route. I returned to Maine to relisten and relive the moments and there were no issues. I can’t wait to do it again with my youngest.

Developer Response ,

"Unequivocally amazing." is high praise. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review. This helps the Gettysburg Story reach more visitors - and hopefully they too can be moved by power of "what they did here" on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg. Glad you even listened to it on the trip back home! Be sure to check out the companion film too!

SO WORTH the $9.99!

My family and I had MLK Day off and wanted to do something social-distant and educational as a family. This app took us to all these slots and gave us a great history of each stop. This $10 spent was without a question worth it and, although directions may seem confusing at first in-app, for the most part you can just follow the red “Auto Tour” signs marking the roads and get to the various stops. I highly recommend this app.

Great family tour option - flexible & affordable

Great tour experience for our family during this socially distanced era. Spent several hours driving on the battlefield with this easy to use app. Listen to the story of the battle and get gps directions to each tour stop in this amazing National Park. Also we suggest you see the companion film to make the experience even more awesome and informative & get the kids guide that goes with the tour.
"Great family tour option - flexible & affordable" is an excellent way to describe our app - thanks for posting. Glad your family had a great time!

In-App Purchases

App privacy.

The developer, HereStory , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

  • Gettysburg Story Tour Guide $9.99
  • Gettysburg Story Kids Guide $3.99
  • Developer Website
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

gettysburg audio tour free

Family Sharing

Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., you might also like.

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Gettysburg Connection

Gettysburg Driving Tour

The “Gettysburg Driving Tour” app guides you through the National Park Service “Auto Tour” route.  The auto tour route is marked by red and black signs with a white star in the middle.  There are 16 stops on the self-guided auto tour and each of them gives a unique perspective on the 3-day battle.

Gettysburg Driving Tour is a GPS audio tour app available for Android and Apple smartphones.  As you drive the auto tour route, Gettysburg Driving Tour will play audio, prompt you to watch reenactment videos, and give you direction reminders. The driving tour is adjustable, you can choose between optional and recommended auto tour stops on the map.  By choosing between the auto tour stops that interest you, you can complete the tour in 2-4 hours.

gettysburg audio tour free

Website: https://www.gettysburgapp.com

Address: Begins at National Park Visitor Center Gettysburg

Telephone: 717.508.7793

Email: [email protected]

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A Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour How To: Easy + Free!

  • Post author: Rachel Means
  • Post last modified: 2023-12-12

The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal turning point in the American Civil War. Known as the High Water Mark of the Rebellion, the bloody battle lasted for three intense days and forever put the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on history’s map.

Take a self-guided, free Gettysburg driving tour today and see the battlefield where brother fought brother for the future of America.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Experience Gettysburg in One Day with a Self-guided Driving Tour

The town of Gettysburg has not ignored its place in American history; the town’s civil war battlefield history industry is thriving .

A cannon peers through tall yellow grass across Gettysburg Battlefield under a blue sky

Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming when planning your first visit to Gettysburg.

Not only is the battlefield a National Military Park encompassing 6000 acres, but the town itself also has museums and historical homes and tour companies around every corner.

If you only have one day in Gettysburg, opt for a self-guided auto tour of the battlefield. It’s FREE and can be tailored to your individual time needs!

gettysburg audio tour free

How to Day Trip to Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg, PA is an easy day trip from several states as well as from the US’s capital city of Washington, DC. Any of the following are good starting points for a day trip to Gettysburg, or it makes a great one day stop on an eastern US road trip .

  • 45min south of Harrisburg, PA
  • 1hr northeast of Harpers Ferry, WV
  • 1.25hrs northwest of Baltimore, MD
  • 1.5hrs north of Washington, DC
  • 2hrs west of Wilmington, DE
  • 2.5hrs west of Philadelphia, PA
  • 3 hrs east of Morgantown, WV
  • 3hrs north of Richmond, VA or Charlottesville, VA
  • 3.5hrs east of Pittsburgh, PA

Personally, I’m willing to drive 2-3 hours each way for a day trip or even up to 4 hours if it’s a place I really want to go and/or I’m not likely to be in the area again for a while.

Some of you shudder at the thought of being in the car for 3 hours total, let alone one way. That’s fine.

Turn a day trip into an overnight trip. Drive up the night before or stay the night after to give yourself enough time to appreciate all the Gettysburg National Military Park has to offer.

Or, perhaps you need a weekend trip to make the most of your time at Gettysburg! Everyone gets 24 hours in a day. It’s up to you how you divide that time between sleeping, driving, and exploring. 😉

Seated bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln with his hat at his side and the Gettysburg Address in his hands, on a bench at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center

How Long Does It Take to Drive the Gettysburg Battlefield?

The most important thing to know about visiting Gettysburg is that it’s HUGE . The second most important thing to know is it’s POPULAR , especially in the summer.

During non-peak season, a Gettysburg auto tour takes about 2 hours with only a couple quick stops to get out of the car.

If you prefer to get out and take a lot of pictures and read all the exhibit plaques, it’ll take 3-4 hours, or longer, with stops at all 16 waypoints and at Barlow Knoll, Culp’s Hill, and the National Cemetery.

Our first trip to Gettysburg was November 2020, so crowds were low, as we had hoped.

I’m a huge history buff, so we read the map and exhibit plaques, watched the virtual tour video for each auto tour stop, and got out to take ALL the pictures.

All told, it took us about 5 hours to complete the entire battlefield auto tour loop.

It was a very thorough first visit to Gettysburg, and did I mention it was completely FREE! 😎

All bets are off during peak season , generally May to October but especially in early July around the anniversary of the battle.

Gettysburg National Military Park hosts over a million visitors to the battlefield each year, and the majority visit during the summer months.

Best advice : leave buffer in your time table for your day trip to Gettysburg.

Pro Tip: The anniversary of the battle is July 1-3 so the Independence Day holiday is always a particularly busy time.

Brown brick and white stone sign for the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

Where to Start the Gettysburg Auto Tour

A self-guided auto tour covers all areas of the battlefield in more or less chronological order, from beginning to end of the battle.

Start at the national park visitor center and pick up a free map with the driving tour directions clearly marked.

The visitor center also has a museum, cyclorama painting, and historic film offered by The Gettysburg Foundation for a fee, if you’re interested in learning all the history ahead of your driving tour.

The map is invaluable throughout the day as it also has the restrooms marked! 😆

Car tour CDs and books abound, or you could purchase a guided bus tour or personalized guided driving tour at the visitor center, but the national park service website for Gettysburg National Military Park has a free virtual tour that corresponds to each stop of the battlefield car tour.

These national park ranger-narrated videos are typically 2-3 minutes , with a few longer ones, and walk through the Battle of Gettysburg as you progress from stop to stop. These videos are like having your own personal park ranger in the car with you, and it doesn’t cost a dime!

This is also a great way to visit Gettysburg virtually when you can’t travel!

Is the Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour Easy to Follow?

Yes. The free maps have directional arrows and the roads are marked with signs throughout. Each driving tour stop has its own numbered marker.

Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour Auto Tour Stop 6 sign, marked with a white star on a red background

Roads for the Gettysburg driving tour route are mostly one-way.

Once you start down West Confederate Avenue and into McMillan Woods on Seminary Ridge to Stop #4, there are very few options to get out of the one-way traffic loop until you get to Stop #12 in the middle of Cemetery Ridge.

Remember, there are restrooms available along the route but how fast you can get there is at the mercy of the cars in front of you. Don’t wait until it’s an emergency! 😅

Map of Gettysburg Driving Tour Waypoints

Use the official map from the Gettysburg Visitor Center when you’re driving around the battlefield. The map below is only for reference while you’re reading this article.

Driving Tour Waypoints at Gettysburg: A Journey in Pictures!

The Gettysburg car tour includes 16 stops that walk you through the geography and timeline of the battle.

1. McPherson Ridge

The battle begins on July 1 st , 1863.

White and brown McPherson Barn surrounded by green fields, wooden fences, and a blue sky at Gettysburg Battlefield

2. Eternal Light & Peace Memorial on Oak Hill

Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 3, 1938, the 75 th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, this memorial symbolizes the unity of a once divided nation.

The base is Maine granite and the column is Alabama limestone, topped by an eternal flame. A quarter million people attended the dedication, including many of the last Civil War veterans, both Union and Confederate.

The inscription in the stone base of the Eternal Peace and Light Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield proclaims, "Peace Eternal in a Nation United" as another stone column rises from the center and is topped with an eternal flame

3. Oak Ridge

Climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of this portion of the battlefield.

Intricately carved stone and metal memorial made to look like a solider's pack hanging on a tree remembers Union soldiers at Oak Ridge at Gettysburg

Barlow Knoll

This area doesn’t have a numbered waypoint marker, but it is part of the official driving tour.

A stone memorial to Civil War soldiers, topped by a bugler soldier, sits atop Barlow Knoll at Gettysburg Battlefield

4. North Carolina Memorial

One in four of every Confederate soldier killed at the Battle of Gettysburg was a North Carolinian.

Bronze statue of four weary soldiers forging on through battle at the North Carolina Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park

5. Virginia Memorial

Confederate General Robert E. Lee sits atop his favorite horse on the top of this memorial, but this memorial is also meant to remember the everyday Virginian sons that fought and died here at Gettysburg. The picture below is the portion of the monument dedicated to them.

Bronze statues of Virginia soliders on granite base at Gettysburg Battlefield

6. Pitzer Woods

Confederate Lt. Gen. Longstreet was General Lee’s “Old War Horse ” and reliably followed Lee’s command.

However, at Gettysburg, Longstreet disagreed with Lee’s strategy and reluctantly carried out orders, asking for a reassignment after the battle.

Metal statue of Confederate Lt Gen Longstreet astride his horse, gazing intently towards the battlefield at Gettysburg

7. Warfield Ridge

The Confederates spent most of the second day of the battle trying to outflank the Union troops dug in on the high ground at Cemetery Ridge. Warfield Ridge was the launching point for the fight over Little Round Top.

Little Round Top hillside at Gettysburg, PA, covered in fall-colored trees

8. Little Round Top

Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac Warren came to Little Round Top to find it unoccupied and a gaping hole in the Union’s flank .

His quick action in diverting troops to this location just in time to repel a Confederate flanking movement likely saved the outcome of the battle for the Union.

Metal statue of Union engineer and Brigadier General Warren stands atop Little Round Top hillside, gazing down at Devil's Den and the Gettysburg Battlefield

9. The Wheatfield

Remember, this area was largely farm fields at the time of this battle. Soldiers were fighting in and around fields and orchards and peoples’ homes and barns.

Brown grass and a bare large oak tree with a white farmhouse and barn in the distance

10. The Peach Orchard

Bare peach trees surrounded by wooden fences and green grass

11. Plum Run

Green field and tall yellow grass surround Plum Run At Gettysburg Battlefield with the white stone Pennsylvania Memorial in the distance

12. Pennsylvania Memorial

Confederate memorials are typically one per state. Union memorials are typically per regiment, so there are more of them throughout the park.

All together there are over 1300 monuments and memorials preserved at Gettysburg, making it one of the largest collections of outdoor sculpture in the world .

The Pennsylvania Memorial lists every Pennsylvania solider, from private to general, who fought at Gettysburg. It is the largest monument in the park.

Large white stone memorial to the Pennsylvania soldiers that fought at Gettysburg, crowned with a bronze statue of Victory

13. Spangler’s Spring

Confederates repeatedly tried to flank the Union forces on Cemetery Ridge. This spring was controlled by both armies at different points throughout the battle.

Stone marker and steps to Spangler's Spring natural freshwater spring at Gettysburg Battlefield

Culps Hill & Observation Tower

Another observation tower for amazing view s of this side of the battlefield. Unfortunately, during our visit all observation towers were closed. 😕

14. East Cemetery Hill

15. high water mark.

Pickett’s Charge on July 3 rd , 1863 saw 12,000 Confederate soldiers charge across an open field and uphill to try to dislodge the Union forces on Cemetery Ridge.

Decimated by Union artillery, the Confederates managed to briefly breach the low stone wall at The Angle but were unable to hold the position and eventually fell back to cover at Seminary Ridge before withdrawing completely.

This area is known as the High Water Mark of the Confederacy because it’s the furthest north the Confederate army ever reached.

After the Battle at Gettysburg, General Lee withdrew his forces and his northern campaign for the Army of Northern Virginia ended.

Civil War cannon aimed along the length of a low stone wall at a lone tree marking The Angle at Gettysburg Battlefield

16. National Cemetery

The Battle of Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War , over 51,000 casualties in three days. ( Common confusion: the Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest single-day battle with almost 23,000 casualties.)

Stone and metal Louisiana Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield where a fallen solider lies on his back looking out across the battlefield

The aftermath of the battle was horrendous. Where do you bury that many people at one time? The summer heat and fears of disease meant most were hastily buried in shallow graves across the farm fields where they fell.

The governor of Pennsylvania quickly heeded the call from Gettysburg residents to establish a central cemetery.

Land was purchased by the state of Pennsylvania and thousands of Union soldiers were exhumed from their hasty graves and reburied with proper grave markers at the newly created National Cemetery on the ridge they had died to protect.

The Confederate graves were mostly relocated to southern states’ cemeteries in the decade after the end of the war. However, a few still remain in Gettysburg.

Array of small square white headstones marking unknown soldiers at Gettysburg National Cemetery

The national cemetery also has a monument to President Abraham Lincoln and features a bust in the center and the words of his Gettysburg Address inscribed in the stone behind him.

Lincoln did not give the speech at this site, but the brick stage across from his monument has been used by many Presidents since to give speeches.

Other Things to Do at Gettysburg National Military Park

There is so much to do at Gettysburg, but with one day to spare a self-guided driving tour is a great option!

Have more time to spend in Gettysburg? You could:

  • View the Museum, film, and Cyclorama painting at the Visitor Center
  • See the David Wills’ House and the Gettysburg Train Station in town
  • Take a guided bus tour or personalized licensed battlefield guide around the battlefield
  • Visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site , right next to the Gettysburg Battlefield

Looking for other things to do near Gettysburg?

  • Explore Antietam National Battlefield
  • 15 Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
  • First-Timer’s Guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Take a Self-Guided Tour of Washington, DC’s Monuments at Night

Happy Travels!

Headshot of Rachel Means at Clingmans Dome in Smoky Mountains

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 38 US states and 17 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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This post has 2 comments.

I love history and would definitely like to do this tour.

That was a very descriptive blog on Gettysburg and it’s historical significance! Loved reading it.

Comments are closed.

Gettysburg Story Tour + Film

gettysburg audio tour free

  • Jake Boritt - Filmmaker
  • Stephen Lang - Narrator
  • Gabor Boritt - Historian
  • Production Team
  • Cinematography
  • Maryland Public Television
  • American Public Television
  • Press Releases
  • Before Battle
  • July 1, 1863
  • July 2, 1863
  • July 3, 1863
  • After Battle

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Battlefield Auto Tour

The Gettysburg Story: Battlefield Auto Tour  is the most-popular self-guided audio tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park. The best-selling Auto Tour takes visitors around the actual battlefield - dramatically and accuratley telling the story at the exact place where events occurred. The Auto Tour is available on the HereStory app for Apple iOS and Android as well as Compact Disc (3 CDs). The companion film is also available.  Find it at at the Gettysburg National Park Visitor Center bookstore and online.

Buy the Tour (guidebook+app+CDs) from our shop here.

To redeem your app code tap here., too purchase the gettysburg story tour standalone app tap below for:, apple ios iphone, google android.

The tour covers all three days of the battle and Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at the Soldiers' National Cemetery. It follows the official Gettysburg National Military Park Auto Tour Route, making up to 14 stops.There are 3 tour options ranging from 2 to 3 hours. The companion 72 page full color guide is packed with art, photos, text and more. The 14 full color maps are stunning, easy to understand and feature panoramic orientation guides to help visitors quickly get their bearings.  Streamed bonus video content is available for your mobile device.

Both the tour and film are narrated by actor Stephen Lang ( Avatar , Gettysburg , Gods & Generals , Tombstone ) It is based on the works of Civil War expert Professor Gabor Boritt - a historian, author and Founder of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College. For 30 years he has given battlefield tours to people ranging from Moses (aka Charlton Heston) to the President of the United States. It is written and produced by filmmaker Jake Boritt, creator of the groundbreaking Gettysburg Story film.

Depending on whether you choose the full, medium, or short version listed in the companion guidebook, your tour should last between two and three hours including driving time between stops. You'll hear The Gettysburg Story both at tour stops and as you drive between stops.

Hear Audio Excerpts:

The Wheatfield (Stop 9) Excerpt

The High Water Mark (Stop 15) Excerpt

While our tour doesn’t require that you leave your car, your visit will be more rewarding if you get out and explore this magnificent place. For children especially, hearing the stories of Gettysburg, following in the soldiers’ footsteps, and walking the hallowed ground will ensure that they will remember The Gettysburg Story for the rest of their lives.

Vital to your understanding of the battle is knowing where you are at any given moment, and we’ll take time at each stop to make sure you have your bearings. The maps provided in the companion guide will also help you visualize your position relative to important battlefield locations. Then, after a brief summary of what happened at each stop, we’ll delve into the heart of our tour: bringing to life the people and events that made the Battle of Gettysburg a pivotal event in American history.

The Auto Tour begins at the Park Visitor Center, though the first 3 audio segments may be listened to anywhere. Auto Tour Stop One is about a three mile drive through the town from the Visitor Center. Continue listening to the audio as you drive. Be sure to follow the Auto Tour signs. Please attach the window-cling safety sign included with your guidebook to let other drivers know you are enjoying the Auto Tour. Please drive carefully and obey all traffic laws.

Always remember—you are on hallowed ground—the exact place where events changed the course of American history. Though it is the bloodiest place in America there is a deep peace to be found here at Gettysburg.

If you let it, this land will speak to you.

Now let’s go!

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Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Welcome to the narrated self-driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle of the Civil War! Here, Union forces staged a nearly impossible defense against Confederate attackers and won! Drive in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, re-live the battle strategies of the key Gettysburg generals and embark on an adventure that brings this historic three-day battle to life. This self-guided audio & GPS tour allows you to explore Gettysburg’s historic wonders with maximum flexibility, safety, and value. After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit. New, extra validity — now, it’s yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $24.99

Ticket Information

  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
  • One per booking

What's Included

  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • 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!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

What's not Included

  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Cancellation Policy

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

  • 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 and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action's Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, 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.
  • Amazing savings: • Driving Tours: Save money by purchasing a single tour for the entire vehicle, avoiding individual fees per person like on a bus tour. Connect your phone to the car speakers to share the audio.
  • 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.

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A collage of American Battlefield Trust apps

Mobile Apps

Available for free on android and ios.

Whether you're a seasoned battlefield explorer or just beginning your heritage tourism journey, the American Battlefield Trust's mobile apps have you covered. We have developed everything from specific Battle App(R) guides and Driving Tour Apps to Augmented Reality experiences that take you back in time. Each of our mobile apps are free and available for both Android and iOS devices. Download one of our apps today and let us be your guide on your next historical adventure.

Featured Apps

Fort Watson AR App Logo and a scene from the app showing an encampment at Fort Watson

Fort Watson AR

Road to Freedom TN App Icon

Road to Freedom: TN Tour Guide

gettysburg audio tour free

Yorktown Tour Guide

American battlefield trust mobile apps.

This is an image of the Antietam App icon.

The Antietam Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Antietam battlefield. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this 1862 Civil War battlefield — from the initial fighting...

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The Antietam Trail Map App is the perfect companion for your visit to Antietam National Battlefield. Produced with the help of park rangers and historians, this app provides you with a personal tour of the park that is concise and easy to use.

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The Appomattox Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Civil War landscape at Appomattox Court House. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on the battlefield, the town, and...

This is an image of the Atlanta Campaign Battle App Icon.

The Atlanta Campaign Battle App ®  is the perfect touring partner for your visits to North Georgia’s Civil War battlefields. Our GPS-enabled tour application allows you to discover the great historical sites associated with this pivotal 1864 campaign. Using...

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The Brandy Station Battle App ®  is the perfect touring partner for your visits to site of the largest cavalry battle in North America. Our GPS-enabled tour application allows you to discover the great historical sites associated with this pivotal Civil War...

This is an image of the Bull Run App Icon placed on a landscape photograph of Bull Run.

The Bull Run Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Bull Run battlefield. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this Civil War battlefield - from the Union crossings at...

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The Cedar Creek Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Cedar Creek battlefield in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this 1864 Civil...

This is an image of the Chancellorsville Battle App Icon.

The Chancellorsville Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Chancellorsville battlefield. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this Civil War battlefield - from the...

Image of the Fredericksburg Battle App icon

The Fredericksburg Battle App ®  is the perfect touring partner for your exploration of the Fredericksburg battlefield. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you through four detailed tours that cover the entire Civil War battlefield — from the...

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Step onto the battlefields of Gettysburg and witness history as it happened through virtual recreations and augmented reality technology. Interact with soldiers and civilians who experienced what it was like to be at the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Be...

Image of the Gettysburg Battle App icon

The Gettysburg Battle App ® is the perfect tour partner for your visits to the Gettysburg battlefield. Our GPS-enabled tour application allows you to discover all of the great historical sites associated with this landmark Civil War battle.

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The Gettysburg Battle App ® : July 2 is the perfect tour partner for your visits to some of the Gettysburg battlefield’s most famous places: Devil's Den and Little Round Top. This GPS-enabled tour application focuses exclusively on the July 2, 1863 fighting...

The Liberty Trail app icon

The Liberty Trail App—made in a partnership between the American Battlefield Trust and the South Carolina Battleground Trust—connects Revolutionary War battlefields across South Carolina and tells the captivating and inspiring stories of this...

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The Malvern Hill Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Malvern Hill battlefield near Richmond, Virginia. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this 1862 Civil War...

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The Overland Campaign Battle App ®    is the perfect touring partner for your visits to Virginia’s most famous 1864 Civil War battlefields. Our GPS-enabled tour application allows you to discover the great historical sites associated with this pivotal 1864...

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Discover Ox Hill Battlefield Park, its interpretive trail and other battlefield points of interest beyond the park using this GPS-enabled mobile tour. Learn about the battle that was fought in the late afternoon on September 1, 1862, during a severe...

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The Petersburg Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Petersburg Campaign battlefields. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots across the entire campaign landscape — from the...

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The Richmond Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your visits to Richmond, Virginia, and its area Civil War battlefields and historic sites. Our GPS-enabled touring application allows you to discover the great historical sites...

The Road to Freedom Tour VA Guide App

The Road to Freedom Tour Guide highlights Virginia’s Civil War-era African American experience, encouraging visitors and Virginians alike to uncover these little-known stories of strife, growth, community, and more. It unleashes the power of both...

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The Second Manassas Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of the Second Manassas battlefield. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this 1862 Civil War battlefield — from the...

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The Shiloh Battle App ®  is the perfect tour partner for your visits to the Shiloh and Corinth battlefields. Our GPS-enabled tour application allows you to discover all of the great historical sites associated with these crucial Civil War battles. This app...

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The Vicksburg Battle App ®  is the perfect Civil War touring partner for your exploration of one of the more remarkable campaigns of the American Civil War. Our GPS-enabled touring application will guide you to all the historic spots on this Civil War...

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Produced in partnership with partnership with the National Park Service's Yorktown Battlefield, the Yorktown Tour Guide is your complete guide to Yorktown, Virginia – site of the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War and witness to...

Road to Freedom TN App Icon

The Road to Freedom: NC encourages visitors and North Carolinians alike to uncover histories of Black contributions, agency, and sacrifice in the cause of freedom during the broadly defined Civil War-era (1830-1890).

Fort Watson AR App Logo and a scene from the app showing an encampment at Fort Watson

Travel back in time to the American Revolution and to a pre-contact Santee Indian village with augmented reality. Use the app at home, school, or on-site at the Fort Watson battlefield in South Carolina.

Image of the Gettysburg Battle App icon

Gettysburg Battle App

The Liberty Trail app icon

The Liberty Trail App

gettysburg audio tour free

Gettysburg AR Experience

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Civil War Battle Maps App

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Vicksburg Battle App

American Battlefield Trust

Six apps to help you get around Gettysburg: Gettysburg 150

  • Updated: Jun. 28, 2013, 1:20 p.m. |
  • Published: Jun. 28, 2013, 12:20 p.m.
  • Chris Mautner | [email protected]

Whether you're traversing the Gettysburg battlefield by car, by bike, on foot, horse or segway, it always helps to have a guide.

Of course, getting your own personal, in-person expert to take you on a tour of the park isn't always a financial option. The good news is that modern technology is here to help. In other words, there's an app for that. Several apps in fact. Here's a quick run-down of some of the more notable ones.

gettysburg audio tour free

This GPS-enabled Gettysburg Battle app provides an excellent and thorough overview of the battle with a chronology, list of key facts, an interactive map and even some challenges to attempt to enrich your visit.

2. Gettysburg 150 Facts about the 150th (MediaNews Group, for iPad, $1.99). Put together by MediaOnePa, this app breaks down the important facts of the battle into a friendly, interactive and easy-to-read format (Example: "Five sparks of the Civil War"). It also offers his fascinating facts about the daily life of the average Civil War soldier, a list of other Gettysburg sites to see and much more, all highlighted with some wonderful photos of modern-day re-enactors.  1. Gettysburg Battle App (NeoTreks, for iPhone and Android, free). The Civil War Trust has put out a number of apps on famous Civil War sites. Its GPS-enabled Gettysburg app provides an excellent and thorough overview of the battle with a chronology, list of key facts, an interactive map and even some challenges to attempt to enrich your visit. (Example: "Stand where six generals stood.") The inclusion of video lectures by a park guide and audio files of actors recounting first-person stories make it a fully interactive and informative resource.

3. Gettysburg 1863 (Amber Books, for iPhone and iPad, free). An informative but dry app that details the basics of the battle. If you don't feel like reading, you can listen to a British voice recite the text aloud in a dull, sonorous voice. The best part of the app is an animated slideshow that shows the Confederate and Union troop movements. Illustrations and photos help break up the reams of prose and there is the occasional interesting tidbit, like the side note on the 114th Pennsylvania Zouaves regiment, known for their distinctive clothing. Considering the price, it's still worth checking out, but avoid the iPhone version, as the text is so small on that device that it's all but unreadable.

4. Pocket Gettysburg (SegTours, for iPhone and iPad, $9.99 or $.99 for the lite version). The heart of this app is an interactive map and database that shows the location of all the significant monuments in the Military Park and greater Adams County. While great for helping you get around the park, it is a bit bare bones. The full, $10 edition includes information about every military units and the people that participated in the battle.

5. Historic Gettysburg Walking Tour (Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, for iPhone, free). This particular app focuses on downtown Gettysburg instead of the battlefield, offering a good guide for those looking to traverse the town's streets after touring the park. Some of the most historical stops, like the Fahnstock House and the David Wills House come with an audio supplement as well. Archive photos from the late 19th and early 20th centuries add a historical flavor. The app also provides a list of area events and attractions, such as the Majestic Theater, downtown ghost tours and various places to shop.

6. Gettysburg 150 (SmartDoc Technologies, $2.99). There's little chance of getting lost in the battlefield with this app. Information on each official auto stop is provided, along with audio snippets. You can find out which monuments are closest to your location using the app's GPS feature.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

The Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Tour

As entertaining as it is educational

Available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

gettysburg audio tour free

It's like a personal tour of Gettysburg

gettysburg audio tour free

  • Over 1-1/2 hours of narration and sound effects
  • Customized map that follows the classic Gettysburg tour
  • Views for easily switching between tour stops
  • Take the tour on your own time
  • Intuitive user interface

Destination Gettysburg, PA

Trails & Tours

Plan Your Gettysburg Trip

   CLOSE TRIP PLANNER   

gettysburg audio tour free

Community Free Day

Time: During Open Hours

address

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center 111 Seminary Ridge Gettysburg, PA

email

On Sunday, June 30, Seminary Ridge Museum will host a Community Free Day. Through the generosity of The Robert E. Hoffman Charitable Endowment Trust, all Adams County residents will enjoy free Museum Admission. Please bring a valid ID (one per party is fine). Museum Admission does not include guided Cupola Tours, which can be purchased separately at a discounted rate.

Director of Education and Museum Operations Codie Eash will lead a series of interactive children’s programs throughout the day, including “Life in a Cavalry Camp” at 11:30 a.m., “Civil War Signal Corps” at 1:30 p.m., and “Mending the Wounded” at 3:30 p.m., each of which is recommended most for students in grades 5-12. We will also host a sunset walking tour at 6:30 p.m. for all ages, titled “The Eve of Battle: June 30, 1863.” Each of these programs is free to all visitors.

A full schedule of our Battle of Gettysburg 161st Anniversary on the Ridge programming, June 28 through July 5, is available here.

Additional Community Free Days will occur on September 14 and November 16 of this year, and January 20, 2025. Free programming presented on these days will emphasize how Gettysburg and south-central Pennsylvania fit into larger narratives, drawing a connection between local and national history.

We hope that all Adams County residents will take advantage of this opportunity to have a truly special connection to the past as we help make history more accessible for all. We look forward to seeing you on the Ridge!

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Get the Gettysburg, PA Inspiration Guide

Check out our Inspiration Guide online or have us send you one. Have an immediate question? Call us at 1.800.337.5015

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IMAGES

  1. Gettysburg: Battlefield Audio Tour for Driving and Walking

    gettysburg audio tour free

  2. Gettysburg: Battlefield Audio Tour for Driving and Walking

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  3. Gettysburg: Battlefield Audio Tour for Driving and Walking

    gettysburg audio tour free

  4. The Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Tour

    gettysburg audio tour free

  5. Gettysburg: Battlefield Audio Tour for Driving and Walking

    gettysburg audio tour free

  6. Gettysburg Audio Tour App Download [Updated Jul 19]

    gettysburg audio tour free

VIDEO

  1. A tour of Gettysburg

  2. Gothenburg Historical Audio Tour

  3. RBM Studio's Gettysburg

  4. Gettysburg Tour 2014 Part Eight

  5. The Rocks of Gettysburg

  6. Gettysburg EVP

COMMENTS

  1. Virtual Tour

    Experience the Battle of Gettysburg online with this virtual tour led by a park ranger. Learn about the history, the battlefield, and the monuments at each of the sixteen Auto Tour stops.

  2. Gettysburg Battle Self-Guided Auto Tour App

    Explore the Civil War battlefield with a narrated audio and GPS tour app. Download the app and enter the password to start your tour at the Gettysburg Heritage Center.

  3. Auto Tours & Apps!

    Explore the Battle of Gettysburg with self-guided audio and GPS tours by Action Tour Guide. Download the app or purchase CDs and a guide book for more features and flexibility.

  4. Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

    Explore the historic sites of the Civil War's most crucial battle with narrated audio that plays automatically based on location. Download the app, enter your password, and start your tour at the Gettysburg Heritage Center for $24.99 per person.

  5. Gettysburg Audio Tour

    Begin at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, or start the tour wherever you like. When finished with the introduction, drive to the first tour stop and tap play. When the audio is complete, drive, bike, or walk to the next tour stop and tap play again. There is no need to select tour stops as you go.

  6. Gettysburg Battle Auto Tour 4+

    Experience the Civil War battlefield with this self-guided audio tour app. Download the free demo to try it out, or purchase the full access to get more stories and features.

  7. ‎Gettysburg Audio Tour on the App Store

    A battlefield tour guide app that lets you experience the Battle of Gettysburg with narration and sound effects. Follow the tour map or list of 17 audio stops and learn about the 3 day battle that changed American history.

  8. Gettysburg Battle Auto Tour

    About this app. Welcome to the narrated driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle of the Civil War by Action Tour Guide! Experience the drama, the heroism, the triumphs and defeats of a conflict during which the very fate of the nation hung in the balance with this self-guided audio tour of the Battle of Gettysburg ...

  9. Gettysburg Story Tour + Film

    The companion film, broadcast on Public Television and available on video, shows Gettysburg as never seen before. The audio tour is downloaded to the HereStory GPS enabled mobile app for Apple iOS or Google Android smartphones and mobile devices along with 3 compact disks. The tour covers all 3 days of the battle with 3 tour options ranging ...

  10. HereStory Gettysburg Auto Tour 4+

    This Gettysburg Auto Tour offers a gripping journey through the Gettysburg Battlefield following the official marked National Park Auto Tour route. • Top-selling driving tour at Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center & Museum since 2013. • Narrated dramatically by Stephen Lang, the renowned Hollywood actor is best known for his ...

  11. Gettysburg: Battlefield Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle

    These steps require strong wifi/signal. Once at the starting point at Gettysburg Heritage Center 297 Steinwehr Ave, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA, the tour audio will automatically begin. Follow the audio instructions and the route.

  12. Gettysburg Driving Tour

    Gettysburg Driving Tour is a GPS audio tour app available for Android and Apple smartphones. As you drive the auto tour route, Gettysburg Driving Tour will play audio, prompt you to watch reenactment videos, and give you direction reminders. The driving tour is adjustable, you can choose between optional and recommended auto tour stops on the ...

  13. Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Tour by Action Tour Guide

    This self-guided audio and GPS tour allows you to explore Gettysburg's historical wonders with maximum flexibility, safety, and value. The Action Tour Guide Gettysburg Battlefield self-guided driving tour, priced at $9.99, has 1,000+ reviews on the app stores, Tripadvisor and Viator. Customer Reviews. Great way to see the battlefield, it was ...

  14. THE TOP 10 Gettysburg Audio Guides (UPDATED 2024)

    Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. 617. Fully immerse yourself in Gettysburg—site of one of the Civil War's most important battles—with a self-led audio driving tour. This flexible option, which includes a GPS map, audio narration, and online support, can be downloaded after purchasing, and valid for entire year.

  15. A Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour How To: Easy + Free!

    Learn how to take a self-guided driving tour of the Gettysburg battlefield for free. Find out where to start, how long it takes, and how to use the virtual tour videos on the national park service website.

  16. Gettysburg Story Tour + Film

    Gettysburg Story Tour + Film brings the Battlefield alive for new visitors and buffs alike. The self-guided, driving, audio auto tour offers a gripping journey through the Gettysburg Battlefield following the official National Park Auto Tour route. ... The audio tour is downloaded to the HereStory GPS enabled mobile app for Apple iOS or Google ...

  17. Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

    This self-guided audio & GPS tour allows you to explore Gettysburg's historic wonders with maximum flexibility, safety, and value. After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access.

  18. Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour 2024

    Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Welcome to the narrated self-driving tour of the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle of the Civil War! Here, Union forces staged a nearly impossible defense against Confederate attackers and won! Drive in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers, re-live the battle strategies of the key Gettysburg generals and embark ...

  19. Mobile Apps

    Download the Gettysburg AR Experience app for free and step onto the battlefield with augmented reality technology. Witness history as it happened through virtual recreations and explore the stories of the Civil War.

  20. Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

    5.0 of 5 bubbles. Echoes of History. Step back in time and embark on an immersive journey through the hallowed grounds of Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg. With the self-guided audio walking tour, let the powerful narratives and vivid soundscapes guide you through this significant Civil War site.

  21. Six apps to help you get around Gettysburg: Gettysburg 150

    6. Gettysburg 150 (SmartDoc Technologies, $2.99). There's little chance of getting lost in the battlefield with this app. Information on each official auto stop is provided, along with audio snippets.

  22. The Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Tour

    Over 1-1/2 hours of narration and sound effects. Customized map that follows the classic Gettysburg tour. Views for easily switching between tour stops. Take the tour on your own time. Intuitive user interface. As entertaining as it is educational, the Gettysburg Battlefield Audio Tour is the best choice for your Gettysburg tour. Buy it today ...

  23. Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

    5.0 of 5 bubbles. Echoes of History. Step back in time and embark on an immersive journey through the hallowed grounds of Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg. With the self-guided audio walking tour, let the powerful narratives and vivid soundscapes guide you through this significant Civil War site.

  24. Community Free Day

    We will also host a sunset walking tour at 6:30 p.m. for all ages, titled "The Eve of Battle: June 30, 1863." Each of these programs is free to all visitors. A full schedule of our Battle of Gettysburg 161st Anniversary on the Ridge programming, June 28 through July 5, is available here.