Gettysburg Battlefield

Gettysburg Heritage Center - A trip to the Gettysburg Battlefield is incomplete without visiting the Gettysburg Heritage Center Museum.

The tour starts at either the Heritage Center or the National Park Visitor Center. If you’re not at either location yet, head over now. From there, follow the official Auto Tour route.

Note: This tour spans over 20 miles and covers the key aspects of Gettysburg Battlefield in 2-4 hours.

Purchase once, and enjoy access for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 1 - As we drive, dawn breaks on the first day of battle. At McPherson’s Ridge, Union and Confederate forces clash, with generals on both sides positioning their regiments. We’ll visualize the battle movements as we overlook the ridge.

The Railroad Cut - Our drive takes us over the Railway Cut, where we’ll explore the different battle strategies of the generals on both sides. This was an unexpected site of a major skirmish on the first day. We’ll delve into the backstories of some key battlefield figures.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial - As we drive, we’ll pass the first of many memorials 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 – symbolizing the unification of north and south.

Oak Ridge Observation Tower - We’ll continue driving along the Gettysburg Auto Road. Our next stop is at the Oak Ridge Observation Tower. Here we’ll revisit the first day of battle – but by now, it’s the afternoon. We’ll “join” the fight as Union soldiers try to hold back the Confederacy. The top of this tower offers panoramic views of the historic fields that once witnessed intense violence and bloodshed.

11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument - We’ll continue driving, tracing the progress of the first day of battle along the Gettysburg Battlefield Auto Road. Though we’ll pass several more memorials, one 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, accompanying these Union soldiers for most of the Civil War. We’ll drive past Sallie and learn about the significance of drummers and military music during the war.

Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center - Our journey continues along the Gettysburg Auto Road as evening falls on the first day of battle. Union soldiers have suffered heavy losses and lost ground. Is there any hope of success? We’ll explore the various plans and strategies the generals devise as they regroup after the first day.

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

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 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 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 ultimately succeed?

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 the Gettysburg Auto Road to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site, which overlooks the battlefield. President Eisenhower often stayed here.

Warfield Ridge Observation Tower - We’re back on the Gettysburg Road, following the events of Day 2 of the battle. Confederate troops assemble here, ready to attack a strategic Union outpost. Specially trained Union marksmen are positioned to defend. The stage is set…

Little Round Top - Due to ongoing construction work, Little Round Top is currently inaccessible to visitors. However, you don’t have to miss out on this historic site’s fascinating stories and sights. With our tour, you can still listen to the narrations and view the pictures of the battle that took place at Little Round Top. You will learn about the brave soldiers who fought and died there, the strategic importance of the hill, and the heroic actions that changed the war’s course. Our tour will give you a vivid sense of what it was like to be at Little Round Top, even though you can’t see it in person.

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.

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 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 - Our drive takes 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!

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 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.

State of Pennsylvania Monument - 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 - 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 - 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.

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 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.

Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 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 Memorial - 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.

Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield - Antietam National Battlefield is a National Park Service-protected area along Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Washington County, northwestern Maryland. It commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that occurred on September 17, 1862.

Note: The 19+ mile tour covers the essentials of Antietam Battlefield in 2-3 hours.

Mansfield Monument - Our drive then brings us to a monument dedicated to Major General Joseph Mansfield. Just as the battle is beginning, Mansfield leaves his untrained battalion to scout the cornfield and ascertain the situation. When he comes back, he’s slumped over his horse, having suffered a mortal chest wound. His soldiers, already spooked by the fighting, are aghast. How can they hope to survive without their commander?

West Woods Trail - Our next stop is the West Woods. By now, the Union has a clear upper hand, but the battle is far from over. 5,000 Union soldiers charge into this forest, hoping to repeat the easy victory their comrades found in the East Woods. But Confederate cannons are waiting atop a nearby ridge. The guns rain hellfire on the Union, turning a simple advance into a desperate, life or death struggle.

Mumma Farm and Cemetery - Keep driving until you see the Mumma farmstead. As Confederate troops retreat past this point, they light the place on fire so the Union can’t use it for cover. The Mumma family had already fled, but they’ll come home later to find nothing but ashes.

Irish Brigade Monument - Next, we’ll arrive at the Irish Brigade monument, which honors the Irish Americans who fought at the Bloody Lane. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice for their country right here. Then, we’ll hear about the importance of this battle, and how everything hinges on a Union victory.

Piper Farm - Continue driving until you reach Piper Farm. While the fighting rages across the battlefield, Confederate generals use this farm as their headquarters, planning each attack, each defensive line, looking for a way to emerge victorious.

Burnside Bridge - Our drive takes us next to Burnside Bridge, where another wildly unbalanced struggle is taking place. 13,000 Union soldiers try to take the bridge while a mere 500 Confederates try to hold them back. But the Union men are sitting ducks trying to cross the bridge. Bodies pile up on the bridge as the Confederates mount a fierce defense.

Monument to William McKinley - Antietam - Next, we’ll arrive at the McKinley Monument, which honors the future 25th President of the United States, and recalls a story of the boy’s odd brand of heroism following the brutal struggle on the bridge.

Burnside Bridge - Fun fact! Sideburns are named after General Burnside. Once you look at his portrait, there’s really no need to guess why!

Final Attack Trail - Next, we’ll arrive near the site from which the Union forces assemble and launch their final attack against the Confederate lines, which by now have been forced to fall back repeatedly. We will watch the tumult of battle and gunfire, hear the beating of drums and the war cries, and, finally, see what is left after the dust clears.

Hawkins’ Zouaves Monument - This optional detour takes us to a monument honoring the 9th New York Infantry, who almost broke through the final Confederate line in an attack which could have changed the rest of the war–but didn’t quite succeed.

Tolson’s Chapel and School - Another detour takes us to Tolson Chapel, built by Black Americans just one year after the war ended.

Good-Reilly House - Our next optional stop is Piper House, one of Sharpsburg’s oldest houses. It gives us a glimpse into what the town was like even before the Civil War put it on the map.

Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery - This detour brings us to the Mount Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, which dates all the way back to 1768. During the battle, Confederates used the now-demolished church next to this cemetery to send orders and information to troops across the battlefield. And afterward, the Union used the same church as a field hospital!

Antietam National Cemetery - The final optional stop is the Antietam National Cemetery, where the remains of 4,776 Union soldiers rest alongside about 200 dead from the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

Yorktown National Battlefield

Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center - Our tour begins outside the Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center at 1000 Colonial National Historical Pkwy, Yorktown. If you’re not there already, you should head there now.

Note: This 10+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Yorktown Battlefield in 2-3 hours.

Washington’s Headquarters at Yorktown - This ground is still an important part of American history. It’s here where plans were drawn for the final battle of the American Revolution.

French Artillery Park - Just as the French Navy made a large contribution to the success of the American Revolution, so did the French artillery.

Grand French Battery - Grand French Battery, the location of the largest concentration of French Artillery during the Battle of Yorktown.

Yorktown National Cemetery - You might be surprised to find that this isn’t actually a Revolutionary War cemetery. Instead, this is a Civil War burial ground!

Yorktown Victory Monument - We end our journey at a fitting place, the Yorktown Victory Monument. This monument was conceived soon after Cornwallis’s surrender.

Vicksburg Battlefield

Vicksburg National Military Park - Welcome to the Vicksburg Battlefield! To President Abraham Lincoln, this site was the key to winning the entire Civil War. Confederate President Jefferson Davis felt the same! So let’s find out why it was so important, what happened here, and what it all meant.

Note: This 15-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Vicksburg Battlefield in 2-3 hours.

Memorial Arch - Drive toward the Memorial Arch, built after a veterans reunion was held here in 1917. Former soldiers from both sides of the war sat side by side at this historic 4-day event. This time they sat in peace. It was certainly a bittersweet moment and one the veterans wanted to commemorate. So they built this arch!

Minnesota Memorial - Park near that pillar memorial coming up ahead on our left. That’s the Minnesota Memorial. The statue at the base of the pillar is a statue of peace. She holds a sword and shield that have since been laid down by both armies. They’re in her hands for safe keeping, preventing any future battles on this soil.

Michigan Memorial - That soaring obelisk around the bend and to our left is the Michigan Memorial. The statue at its base is “The Spirit of Michigan.” This memorial honors the Michigan men who fought here, but its location is of particular importance. One of their leaders, Captain Samuel DeGolyer, was mortally wounded near here during the fighting on the 28th of May. I’ll talk in more detail about that soon.

Illinois Memorial - The man who designed this monument was W. L. B. Jenney, a veteran who actually fought in the battle here! Inside, we’ll find the names of every Illinois soldier who fought here. Jenney intended to create not just a memorial, but a temple to those brave souls, many of whom gave their lives for their country on this battlefield.

Logan’s Approach - The trench beyond this parking lot is known as Logan’s Approach. Here, Union engineers tried an unusual tactic to advance on a Confederate position during the fighting. Under General Grant’s orders, they dig a trench to the Confederate fort. Then they place a mine laden with 2,200 pounds of gunpowder in the trench and light the fuse!

Wisconsin Memorial - Drive around the bend ahead, then pull over across from the grand column atop a staircase. That’s the Wisconsin Memorial. Direct your eyes at the top of this monument, and there’s ‘Old Abe,’ war eagle and official mascot for the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. Believe it or not, Old Abe was a real bird! The 8th Wisconsin would carry him proudly onto the battlefield, tethered to a five-foot poll painted red, white and blue. He was a good old bird, granted honorable discharge in 1864. A true war veteran who witnessed 42 battles!

West Virginia Monument - The bust we’re about to pass on our right is the West Virginia Monument, which honors Major Azra Goodspeed. Goodspeed was born in Ohio, but served and was killed fighting for West Virginia. Quite a few men from Ohio and Pennsylvania actually fought under the West Virginia flag. That’s because when recruitment numbers were filled, new recruits looked for other states with open positions.

African American Monument - In a minute, we’ll see a statue of three men on our right. Pull over and park when you see it. This memorial honors the thousands of African-American soldiers who fought for the Union and for their freedom. And yet, all was not equal, even in the Union army. Units were segregated and Black soldiers were paid less and given worse equipment. But still they fought shoulder to shoulder with their white comrades in the heat of battle.

Major General Ulysses S. Grant Memorial - In just a minute, we’ll see a statue of a man on horseback with a rugged face and eyes lasered in on his surroundings. Park in the lot when you see it. It’s impossible to miss! That statue depicts none other than the man himself, Major General Ulysses S. Grant.

106th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment Monument - We’re about to pass a monument honoring the 106th Volunteer Infantry Regiment from Illinois. It’s the small granite obelisk coming up on our right. These men trained in Lincoln, Illinois, where Abraham Lincoln once worked as a lawyer!

U.S. Navy Monument - The tallest monument in the park is coming up soon. It’s the US Navy Monument, honoring the officers and sailors who fought in Vicksburg. Grant’s army gets most of the credit for the siege of Vicksburg, but he couldn’t have done it without help from the Navy. The gunboats brought Grant’s men down the Mississippi. They sneaked past rebel defense lines in the dead of night. They carried Grant’s army across the Mississippi at Bruinsburg.

Fort Hill - This is Fort Hill, and what a view it offers! It’s not hard to imagine why Confederates were stationed here. Open landscape, clear views of the river, and a bend that caused warships to slow down. A perfect lookout point. In fact, Fort Hill was so well fortified that no land battle ever took place here. It was that secure.

The Missouri State Memorial - On our left stands the Missouri Memorial, representing both sides of the Civil War. Missouri was a state divided. Both the Union and the Confederacy recognized it as their own. 109,000 men joined the Union, 30,000 joined the Confederacy. Neighbors turned against one another.

Mississippi Monument - The stone obelisk coming up on our right is the Mississippi monument. Like a few other memorials on this battlefield, the base of this one is adorned with the figure of a woman. But who is she, and why is she here? The women on these monuments serve as protectors to the warriors. They’re modeled after Greek or Roman goddesses representing peace and reconciliation.

Alabama Monument - The bronze monument coming up on our right commemorates troops from the state of Alabama. The men depicted here are being led forward by a woman who represents the state of Alabama itself.

Fort Garrott - The hill on our left was the site of Fort Garrott. Who’s the fort named after? Colonel Isham W. Garrott that’s who! He was the commander of a volunteer regiment from Alabama. Fort Garrott is never blasted like other forts. But Union snipers hide behind trees, waiting to shoot any sign of movement. One day, Garrott himself moves. A bullet kills him instantly. He never knew he’d just been promoted to Brigadier General.

Kentucky Monument - Park in the turnout just ahead. From here we can see the Kentucky Monument. This iconic memorial depicts two essential figures: Abraham Lincoln and Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Both men were born in Kentucky, so the bluegrass state honors them both. Feel free to walk up the path to get a closer look at the monument, and click Learn More to hear more about it.

Shiloh National Military Park

Shiloh Battlefield Visitor Center - Welcome to Shiloh! Today, we’ll learn all about the Civil War battle that once razed these fields and about the landmarks that testify to its ferocity. Your starting point is the Shiloh Visitor Center, at 1055 Pittsburg Landing Road. If you’re not there already, you should head there now.

Note: This 12-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Shiloh National Military Park in 2-3 hours.

Iowa State Monument - The monument to our right is the Iowa State Monument. Feel free to walk up to it for a closer look! The soaring bird atop this granite tower is an eagle caught in mid-flight, representing the freedom of the soul. That bronze figure in the flowing robe depicts Fame. The 12-foot statue holds a quill pen to the monument, carving an elegy on the battlefield for posterity. Though many men who journeyed to Shiloh never returned, Fame will remember their sacrifice.

Grant’s Last Line - These cannons mark the site of Grant’s Last Line. Picture this: Dusk is about to fall on a warm April day. Men drag iron siege guns that are so heavy, they usually require oxen to move. 20,000 troops mustered from all different brigades gather right here. This is General Ulysses S. Grant’s Last Line, the desperate last-ditch attempt to hold back the relentless surge of the Confederate side.

Michigan State Memorial - Shiloh - Up ahead, there’s an awkward intersection. Ignore the intersection road and simply continue straight along Confederate Road. You’ll know it’s the correct path when the monument of the soldier passes on your left. The soldier commemorates the 353 troops from Michigan who were killed, wounded, or missing during the battle of Shiloh.

Daughters of the Confederacy Monument - Pull into the turnout just ahead, across from the big monument. This is the Daughters of the Confederacy Monument. In the center of that monument, below the central statues, you’ll see a bronze plaque depicting a man’s face. That’s General Albert Sidney Johnston, who led the Confederate forces here in Shiloh.

Shiloh Church - Coming up is the Shiloh Church and Cemetery. Turn into the parking lot on our left and park. Today, we’ll see two structures here: A modern church, and an authentic replica of the original. The new one is a large 1950s building with green shingles, brick and stone siding, and a tall white steeple. The replica is a one-room log cabin. It’s around this cabin where General Sherman and his men have made camp.

• 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!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

This engaging collection of self-guided audio tours takes you through the historic battles of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Yorktown. Explore how the Americans ultimately triumphed over the formidable British Empire in the pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War. Then, fast forward to two of the Civil War’s most intense battles, where family members found themselves on opposing sides. Learn about the generals, unsung heroes, and detailed accounts of these significant events.

Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle so everyone can enjoy the experience simultaneously!

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

Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.

Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

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