Gettysburg isn’t just a battlefield; it’s a town soaked in stories, secrets, and history at every corner. Walking through its streets is like flipping through a living history book. The Gettysburg One-Hour Walking Tour: The Civilian Experience shows us the civilian side of the story, walking through the town’s southern end, highlighting how ordinary folks felt, heard, and smelled the chaos of battle. Meanwhile, the Gettysburg One-Hour Walking Tour: Danger & Courage takes you into the streets of Baltimore and Steinwehr Avenue, where civilians and soldiers faced peril firsthand during the fighting. These tours bring history alive with stories you won’t find in textbooks.
Gettysburg is perfect for walking tours because the town’s historic buildings, streets, and landmarks are all within easy reach—and many tours keep groups small for a more personal experience. Whether you’re interested in the Civil War, ghost stories, or local taverns, there’s something to match your curiosity. Some tours, like the Jennie Wade Baltimore Street Tour, focus on specific stories such as Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle, while others get into ghostly tales like the Haunted Past of Gettysburg – Private Walking Tour. All of them offer an authentic look at Gettysburg’s layered past.
Quick Overview
Our list includes history-focused walking tours, civilian and battlefield perspectives, ghost and mystery stories, and tavern history walks. For a balanced mix of factual insight and storytelling, tours like the Gettysburg One-Hour Civilian Experience and Lincoln’s Visit shine with historical depth and expert guides. If you’re after a spooky twist, the Mystery! Evening Tour and Haunted Past Tours bring ghost stories and paranormal tales to life. For those interested in dating back to specific moments in history, the Jennie Wade or the Tavern tours offer a glimpse into everyday life during the Civil War era.
Below, we’ll go through each of these tours, highlighting what makes them unique and helping you pick the best fit for your visit.
1. Gettysburg One-Hour Walking Tour: The Civilian Experience
This tour offers a vivid picture of civilian life during the Battle of Gettysburg. Led by a licensed town guide, it covers the southern end of town, where civilians faced the chaos of war firsthand. You’ll hear stories of how townspeople felt, listened to gunfire, and dealt with loss. The guide shares intimate details of the 2,300 civilians who cared for the 22,000 wounded soldiers left behind after the armies moved on. The tour complements the 1:00 p.m. Danger & Courage tour, which explores the northern side of town. It lasts about an hour and draws praise for its engaging storytelling and personal touch.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the civilian perspective—a side often overshadowed by the battlefield. It’s perfect for those who want a deeper emotional connection to Gettysburg’s history or have limited time but want a meaningful experience. Reviewers appreciate that even if you’ve visited Gettysburg before, this tour offers fresh insights. The small group size (usually under ten) ensures an intimate experience.
Bottom Line: A concise, emotionally engaging tour that vividly depicts how civilians endured during the battle, ideal for history lovers seeking a personal story.
2. Gettysburg One-Hour Walking Tour: Danger & Courage
This tour takes you into the heart of the street fighting on Baltimore Street and Steinwehr Avenue, which were caught in the crossfire. You’ll learn about Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed in the battle, and hear about the survival stories of Gettysburg’s residents amidst the chaos. The guide shares tales of street fighting, the aftermath, and early town history. It runs for about an hour and is praised for its lively storytelling and unscripted stops, such as a visit to the sculptor G L Casteel.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on street-level action and civilian resilience. It’s best suited for travelers interested in battle stories, local heroism, and the gritty reality of war. Reviews mention guides like Brenda and Brad as enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The tour covers the southern part of town, offering a different perspective from the Civilian Experience tour.
Bottom Line: An energetic and detailed walk through Gettysburg’s street fighting, perfect for those wanting vivid battlefield stories and street history.
3. Gettysburg: Jennie Wade’s Baltimore Street Walking Tour
At two hours, this tour offers a deeper dive into Jennie Wade’s story, the sole civilian casualty during the battle. It explores downtown Gettysburg, with stops at the Jennie Wade House and other historic sites on Baltimore Street. You’ll learn how Jennie’s life was tragically cut short and what her story reveals about civilian life during wartime. This tour is ideal for history buffs interested in personal stories and the impact of war on ordinary people.
The tour’s strength lies in its storytelling, bringing Jennie Wade’s life and death into sharp focus. The guide shares details about her family, her final moments, and how her story has become a symbol of civilian sacrifice. It’s a perfect fit for those wanting an in-depth look at Gettysburg’s civilian side.
Bottom Line: A thorough, emotionally charged walk that personalizes Gettysburg history through Jennie Wade’s story, recommended for those who love detailed storytelling.
4. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Visit: An Evening Walking Tour
This tour is an excellent choice for Lincoln enthusiasts, focusing on his visit during the dedication of the National Cemetery. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Lincoln, visiting key sites like the Gettysburg Train Station and David Wills House. The guide discusses the planning, speeches, and civilian reactions to Lincoln’s historic address. It’s a one-hour tour, perfect for those who want to connect with the president’s visit on a personal level.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Lincoln’s few hours in Gettysburg, emphasizing the significance of his speech and the people who witnessed it. Reviewers mention the guide’s personable approach and the chance to see the places Lincoln saw. It’s ideal for history buffs and those interested in presidential history.
Bottom Line: An intimate walk through Lincoln’s visit, ideal for visitors wanting a focused exploration of his time in Gettysburg.
5. Battle in the Street in Gettysburg: An Evening Walking Tour
This tour uniquely highlights the street fighting that erupted on July 1, 1863, as Union and Confederate troops clashed in the town itself. You’ll hear stories of civilians caught in the crossfire, including the frantic scenes of soldiers and townspeople seeking refuge. Walking past homes and buildings, guides narrate the personal stories of those who lived through the violence.
What makes this tour compelling is its focus on the urban combat and civilian sacrifices during the battle’s early phase. It’s well suited for travelers interested in soldier and civilian interactions and the chaos of street battles. Reviews note the guide’s storytelling ability and the vivid picture it paints of those tense days.
Bottom Line: A gripping walk through Gettysburg’s streets during combat, perfect for those who want to visualize the battle’s chaos at street level.
6. Mystery!: A Gettysburg Evening Walking Tour
Step into the unknown with this ghostly tour that blends history and mystery. You’ll hear about unsolved murders, missing bodies, and strange circumstances surrounding Gettysburg’s past. The guide weaves tales of secret meetings, folklore, and paranormal activity, leaving you to decide what’s fact and what’s fiction.
What makes this tour stand out is its storytelling style, blending history with ghost stories. It’s perfect for travelers who crave a little spooky fun alongside their history. The guide Kevin is praised for his engaging narrative, making this tour a favorite among those interested in Gettysburg’s haunted reputation.
Bottom Line: A fun, eerie walk that mixes history with ghost stories, ideal for those who enjoy a spooky twist on Gettysburg’s tales.
7. Gettysburg: Beer, Wine, and History Guided Walking Tour
For a different kind of history, this tour combines Civil War stories with visits to Gettysburg’s best breweries, wineries, and cideries. Over about 1.5 hours, you’ll stop at five local establishments, learning about how beer and Civil War history intertwine. Expect to taste local brews and learn behind-the-scenes secrets of brewing, all while soaking up the historic atmosphere.
While the price ($98) is higher than most, it includes multiple stops and a focus on culinary history. It’s best suited for those who enjoy local food and drink with their history, and aren’t worried about a longer, more social experience. Reviewers appreciate the chance to mingle and learn about civilian life through beer.
Bottom Line: A lively, tasting-focused tour for those who want to combine Civil War history with local brews and a relaxed pace.
8. Gettysburg: The Wonder Women’s Hidden Valor Walking Tour
This tour explores women’s contributions during the Civil War, covering 1.7 miles of stories about unsung heroines. You’ll learn about women who disguised themselves as men, cared for the wounded, and kept Gettysburg running during the chaos. Highlights include a cemetery caretaker who dug 105 graves while pregnant and the stories of women haunted by their wartime experiences.
The tour’s strength lies in illuminating forgotten stories of women who kept the town functioning and fought alongside men in disguise. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in gender roles and women’s history. The reviews note the engaging narration and eye-opening stories.
Bottom Line: An inspiring walk highlighting women’s bravery and sacrifice, perfect for those interested in the overlooked stories of Gettysburg.
9. Secrets of Gettysburg Walking Tour by Junket
This tour uncovers little-known facts and untold stories about Gettysburg, backed by thorough research. The guide shares tales about historic taverns, burials, Jennie Wade, and local legends with a focus on “secrets” you won’t find elsewhere. It’s a 1 hour and 25 minutes journey through the town’s fascinating hidden corners.
Reviewers love the informative approach and the extra details, calling the guide knowledgeable and engaging. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to learn something new about Gettysburg beyond the mainstream stories.
Bottom Line: An engaging, research-backed tour that reveals Gettysburg’s lesser-known stories, ideal for history buffs looking for depth.
$18.75 per person
10. Gettysburg’s Historic Taverns: An Evening Walking Tour
This tour takes you to historic taverns where stories of Presidents, fires, and Civil War activities unfold. Although reviews mention it’s not a visit to actual taverns but more of a walk past the sites, the guide recites stories from notable watering holes like the Globe Inn and Samuel Gettys Tavern. It’s a brief, hour-long walk with a focus on the buildings’ stories rather than inside visits.
It’s suitable for those interested in local legends and historic buildings, but expect a more conceptual tour rather than a pub crawl. Reviewers appreciate the guide’s knowledge, especially if it’s her first outing.
Bottom Line: A quick, storytelling walk through Gettysburg’s tavern history, best for those interested in architecture and legends rather than tasting.
11. Haunted Past of Gettysburg – Private Walking Tour
This private tour offers a personalized exploration of Gettysburg’s paranormal sites, including the Dobbin House, Jennie Wade House, and historic inns. The focus is on ghost stories and haunted legends, with a guide sharing chilling tales about apparitions and lingering spirits. You’ll visit the Adam’s County Prison, the Brickhouse Inn, and more, learning about the dark side of Gettysburg’s history.
The private setup means a more intimate experience, ideal for those fascinated by paranormal stories and who want an exclusive experience. Reviews mention the guide’s ability to enhance the spooky stories with authentic history.
Bottom Line: A spooky, private adventure into Gettysburg’s ghostly tales—perfect for fans of supernatural stories seeking an exclusive experience.
$1,195 per group up to 4
12. Haunted Past of Gettysburg Private Walking Tour
This exclusive 2-hour tour is tailored for those seeking a personalized ghost-story experience. With your own guide, you’ll visit haunted sites like the Dobbin House, Jennie Wade House, and the Witness Tree, hearing about apparitions, spirits, and eerie legends. The tour explores stories involving Alexander Dobbin, spirits in the house, and sightings of slaves still believed to haunt their former homes.
While this tour is the priciest on our list, it offers a comprehensive and private look at Gettysburg’s haunted history. It’s best suited for serious paranormal enthusiasts or those wanting a customized ghost tour experience.
Bottom Line: A fully private, dark tour into Gettysburg’s most haunted locations, ideal for ghost hunters and supernatural enthusiasts.
$611.98 per person
How to Choose the Right Gettysburg Walking Tour
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you love deep dives into civilian life, the Civilian Experience offers emotional storytelling in a short time. For history enthusiasts, the Lincoln Tour and Jennie Wade experience provide detailed insights into pivotal moments. Ghost lovers will find the Mystery Tour and private haunted tours perfect for spooky stories.
Consider your budget—most tours are under $30, but the private ghost tour at $1,195 is for groups wanting an exclusive experience—and your interest focus. If you’re short on time, a one-hour tour can offer a lot; for those with more time, tours like the Jennie Wade Tour or the Tavern Walk give a richer experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours or private experiences, to guarantee your spot in Gettysburg’s fascinating walking history.
Gettysburg’s walking tours span from personal stories and battlefield insights to ghostly legends and local taverns. Whether you want to walk in Lincoln’s footsteps or uncover haunted secrets, the variety ensures there’s a perfect tour for every history lover. For a comprehensive experience, consider combining a couple—such as the Civilian Experience with a ghost tour—to get a full picture of this remarkable town. Remember, early booking helps secure your place in these evocative, intimate explorations of Gettysburg’s past.