Gettysburg College is a small liberal arts school located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, one of our country’s most historic towns. Consistently voted as one of the most beautiful campuses, it resonates with history. During the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought nearby with Pennsylvania Hall serving as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Centrally located, its one hour from Baltimore, 90 minutes from D.C., two hours from Philadelphia and approximately three hours from NYC.

Visitor Information: Tour Gettysburg

Transportation: The closest and most convenient airports are Harrisburg International Airport (a 45-minute drive) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (a 75-minute drive). Traveling by train; the Harrisburg Amtrak Station is about 45 minutes from campus, and Penn Station in Baltimore is about 75 minutes away.

Stay: Owned by Gettysburg College; the recently renovated Gettysburg Hotel is located in the heart of historic downtown Gettysburg within walking distance to campus. Another good choice is The Wyndham, less than a 10-minute drive away. Other close-by options include Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Federal Pointe Inn, and the Best Western Gettysburg.

Coffee: Gettysburg Baking Company is a morning favorite for their fresh brewed coffee and homemade bread. Students also steered us towards The Ugly Mug Café just two blocks from the town center and one block from the main entrance of the school. On campus, the Commons Cafe serves Starbucks coffee as well as a variety of pastries, soups, salads, and snacks, located on the first floor of the College Union Building. 

Breakfast: Order the pancakes or french toast at The Lincoln Diner.  If you are staying at the Wyndham, 1863 Restaurant is a natural choice for breakfast and a favorite at dinner with visiting families. The Ragged Edge Coffee House has tasty breakfast sandwiches; in the warmer months enjoy eating in their garden.

Lunch: Gettysburg’s Dining Facilities are recognized as some of the best campus dining experiences. The main dining hall is Servo, a hub of student activity and the most frequented place to eat on campus. The Dive in the John F. Jaeger Center serves a menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads, as well as freshly made smoothies. At the Bullet Hole, located in the newly renovated College Union Building, you’ll find an array of food choices for everyone’s taste, including Abe’s Faves, Kazue, Higher Bred, Pi, or Root! In town, our first choice would be to head to Food 101. Students rave about the truffle parmesan fries, order alongside a creative menu of sandwiches, salads and artisan pizza. (Food 101 is also a good option for an early dinner, but note that it closes early during the week at 8 pm, 9 pm on the weekends.) Celebrate America’s favorite pastime at Gettysburg Eddie's a restaurant & sports bar honoring local baseball Hall of Famer Edward Plank. Milkshakes and cheesesteaks are what students order at Hunt's Cafe. Both above mentioned morning spots, The Ugly Mug and Ragged Edge offer an array of lunchtime options, good for a quick meal after your tour.

Dinner

Casual: Find a menu of pub grub and traditional Irish Fare at Garryowen Irish Pub, fondly called “The Go” by regulars. There’s also a selection of over 80 Irish whiskeys and the best of Ireland’s draft beers. Depending what side you’re on order a specialty Battlefield Burger named after Union and Confederate Generals at Blue and Gray or other elevated bar food from its large menu. 

A Step Up: Located at the Gettysburg Hotel, One Lincoln ranks high among parents and students alike. With a mural of the Gettysburg Address on one of its walls, the restaurant pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln while the menu offers a modern take on traditional classics. (One Lincoln is also open for breakfast and lunch.) Travel back in time and dine at Dobbin House Tavern, one of Gettysburg's oldest, colonial homes, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Local Attractions: Gettysburg is a historic town that attracts history lovers from around the globe. Learn all about the Civil War and the three-day battle of Gettysburg during your stay with a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Their website has all the different options for the touring the battlefields from Ranger-led programs to self-guided tours.  Afterward, honor the war heroes at Soldiers National Cemetery where many Union soldiers are buried.  Other interesting activities include Eisenhower National Historic Site, the David Wills House, American Civil War Museum and the Gettysburg Diorama.

Views From a College Counselor: Stuart Nachbar of Educated Quest remarks on his recent visit to Gettysburg: “Gettysburg’s profile has risen among liberal arts colleges, in part because of its strong ties to American history and politics. But it is also one of only ten National Liberal Arts colleges that has its own music conservatory. It also has a strong Global Studies program that combines languages, the social sciences and study abroad and a STEM Scholars program for students interested in the sciences. Overall, Gettysburg College has 60 majors, more than most schools of its size, including very well developed programs in Economics, Environmental Studies, Music and Psychology, among others.” To see Stuart’s full profile of Gettysburg click here. Be sure to click on the extended profile link at the bottom of the page to see a comprehensive guide that includes facts on SAT and ACT mid ranges, comparable colleges, curriculum, the alumni network, safety on campus and costs—just to name a few.