Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

The Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour offers a unique way to explore the historic and allegedly haunted areas of Gettysburg at your own pace. Priced at $14.99 per group of up to four, this tour is delivered via a mobile ticket, making it easy to download and use over a full year, offering multiple visits if desired. With an estimated duration of 1 to 2 hours, the tour provides a flexible experience, perfect for those who prefer to avoid rigid schedules.

Starting at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, this tour guides visitors through key landmarks and ghost stories narrated by local author Mark Nesbitt, known for his ghost storytelling expertise. While some reviews mention occasional technical glitches and confusing directions, many praise its affordability, engaging narration, and ability to combine historic sites with tales of the paranormal.

This self-led tour is best suited for visitors who enjoy history, ghost stories, and want to explore Gettysburg independently. It requires downloading the Actions Tour Guide App in advance and offers the convenience of offline navigation, so signal issues won’t disrupt your experience.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided driving experience with audio narration by Mark Nesbitt
• Price of $14.99 covers up to 4 people, with one purchase valid for a year
• Starts at the Gettysburg Heritage Center and covers notable sites like Devils Den and Little Round Top
• Includes stops at historic landmarks and haunted locations such as Schmucker Hall and the Pennsylvania Monument
• Works offline, suitable for travel where cellular service may be limited
• Some reviews mention occasional navigation issues and technical difficulties

Starting Point at the Gettysburg Heritage Center

This tour begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center located at 297 Steinwehr Ave. Here, travelers purchase the mobile ticket, download the app, and access the audio content using a password sent via email or text. The center itself is a hub for Gettysburg history, making it an ideal launch point.

The experience is entirely self-guided, meaning no guides or group setups — just start the tour at your convenience and follow the directions. The map and audio cues work together to direct you along a 10+ mile route through the battlefield.

Exploring the Haunted Battlefields and Landmarks

The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete, covering essential sites of the battle and ghost stories. Stops include Devil’s Den, a rugged rocky area associated with the second day’s deadly fighting in July 1863, and Little Round Top, famous for its strategic importance during the battle and reportedly ghostly sightings.

Schmucker Hall, one of the first hospitals during the battle, and the George Weikert Farm are also part of the route. The farm has reports of unexplained noises, adding a ghostly dimension to this historic site. Along the way, you’ll see the Pennsylvania Monument, where the Woman in White has been spotted, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the retired home of President Dwight Eisenhower.

The Codori Farm offers lush fields and stonewalls that witnessed intense fighting, now peaceful but rich with stories. The route also passes along West Confederate Avenue, marking the Confederate lines from the historic battle, with cannons and monuments long gone but the landscape still evocative.

Landmark Stops with Historic Significance

Devil’s Den is a notable stop where the name’s origin remains uncertain but the site’s reputation for ghost stories persists. The rocky terrain saw heavy fighting, and visitors report a palpable sense of history.

Little Round Top is another key location, where the unexplainable sights and sounds are part of the experience. The area’s strategic importance makes it a highlight, especially for those interested in Civil War history and ghost lore.

Schmucker Hall served as a hospital during the battle, and its history of suffering is woven into the ghost stories shared during the tour. The George Weikert Farm has reports of unexplained noises when it was watched over by an overnight guest.

The Pennsylvania Monument is well-known for sightings of the Woman in White, a ghostly figure said to appear near this memorial. The Eisenhower National Historic Site offers a peaceful retreat from battlefield chaos, with fields that contrast the intensity of the fighting.

Tips for a Smooth Experience and Technical Considerations

Download the Actions Tour Guide App and the audio content while connected to strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal to avoid interruptions during the tour. The app offers offline maps, so signal loss is not an issue once downloaded.

The tour is designed for hands-free listening, with audio cues guiding the route and stories. Travelers should be aware that some reviews mention challenges with navigation, particularly with the map not aligning perfectly with the route, or difficulty in following directions.

It’s recommended to start the tour at least two hours before sunset because the battlefield and roads close at sunset, and certain stops may not be accessible afterward. The tour’s flexibility allows you to pause and resume as needed, making it adaptable to your pace.

The Route and Stops: From the Battlefield to Historic Homes

The tour covers more than 10 miles of Gettysburg battlefield and historic sites, including Devil’s Den and Little Round Top. It guides visitors through key strategic points, memorials, and haunted locations, weaving ghost stories with historical facts.

Stops like Schmucker Hall reveal the horrors endured during the battle, especially as one of the first hospitals. The Codori Farm provides a lush setting with dark history, while the Pennsylvania Monument offers eerie sightings of the Woman in White.

The Eisenhower National Historic Site adds a modern historical layer, showing where a president chose to retire after his service. The route also includes West Confederate Avenue, where the silence today contrasts the violent history once etched into the landscape.

Practical Details: Booking, Duration, and Accessibility

The tour is booked an average of six days in advance and is suitable for most travelers. Since it is a self-guided experience, it requires no physical guide or group. The duration is approximately 1 to 2 hours, but travelers can extend or shorten their exploration based on their interest.

The meeting point is at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, and the end point is at the 1st Delaware Infantry Monument on Hancock Ave. The battlefield is open from sunrise to sunset, and the tour should be completed during daytime hours to avoid missing sites or encountering closures.

Value and Additional Resources

For $14.99, the tour offers great value, especially considering that it is valid for one full year, allowing multiple uses. The price covers a self-guided experience for up to four people, making it a budget-friendly option compared to guided bus tours or licensed guides.

While attraction tickets are not included, the tour enhances the experience at sites like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top by adding ghost stories and historical insights. Many reviews highlight the narration by Mark Nesbitt as engaging, with some noting his storytelling style as a highlight.

Final Thoughts on the Gettysburg Ghosts Tour

The Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore Gettysburg’s historic and haunted sites. Its standout feature is the detailed narration by Mark Nesbitt, who combines ghostly tales with battlefield history, appealing strongly to those interested in ghost stories or Civil War landmarks.

The tour’s main limitations involve occasional navigation issues and technical glitches, as some users have experienced difficulty following directions or accessing the map. However, these can often be mitigated by careful preparation, such as downloading content in advance.

Most suited for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and independent travelers, this tour is an excellent way to add a spooky twist to a Gettysburg visit, especially if you appreciate the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is self-guided and can be enjoyed by families with children interested in history and ghost stories.

Do I need to purchase attraction tickets separately?
Yes, attraction passes or entry tickets are not included in the tour price.

Can I do this tour at night?
No, the battlefield and roads close at sunset, and the tour is designed for daytime exploration.

How long does the tour take?
The estimated duration is 1 to 2 hours, but you can take longer based on stops and interest levels.

Is the tour accessible offline?
Yes, once downloaded, the map and audio files work offline, and signal loss should not be an issue.

What should I know before starting?
Download the app and audio content beforehand, and plan to start at least two hours before sunset to complete all stops.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely, the audio content is valid for one year, so you can use it multiple times.

What are some sites included?
Stops include Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, Schmucker Hall, Codori Farm, Pennsylvania Monument, and Eisenhower National Historic Site.

Is parking available at the start point?
Yes, the tour begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, which offers parking nearby.

How do I start the tour on-site?
Once at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, launch the app, enter the password, and follow the audio cues to begin your journey.