Visit Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites for a historic family vacation. If you have a history buff in your family this may be one of the best getaways that your family can take. Driving along a Civil War trail gives you an appreciation for the sacrifices soldiers on both sides made.
My family visited Pennsylvania years ago. We saw the Hershey’s Kisses on the lampposts in Hershey rode the carriage in Philadelphia and walked in the footsteps of history. One day, we’ll hopefully get back there to explore parts of the state that we missed. And yes, that includes the battlefields and sites of the War Between the States that we missed.
Here is a list of a few Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites. Naturally, the Battle of Gettysburg is the battle that comes to everyone’s mind first. There were lots of other battles in the state. Although all of them were smaller than the Battle of Gettysburg they were still important.
If you are thinking of visiting Pennsylvania take a look at this list of 3 top Civil War sites. You may want to print it out for reference later. The state has a lot to offer. This list might just be what you need to get started.
#1 Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg, PA
Admission is not charged for the park.
Admission fee is for visitor center only. (See below).
The Battle of Gettysburg became the crucial turning point of the Civil War that the Union Army needed. The Gettysburg National Military Park offers a free self-guided auto tour. This helps visitors gain a better understanding of what happened July 1-3, 1863.
The park is filled with monuments and memorials. You won’t want to miss one. Be sure to stop by the museum visitor center to pick up a brochure or download one online.
There is no charge to visit the park. However, there is an admission fee for the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center inside the park. National Park Passes are not accepted for entrance into the center.
Visit the link above for directions to the entrance of your choice.
#2 Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites.
National Civil War Museum
Reservoir Park
Harrisburg, PA 17103
Phone: (717) 260-1861
Admission fee: Yes
There is only one site in the nation that provides a balanced representation of both sides of the war. This is it. Their mission is to offer lifelong learning opportunities of the Civil War.
Museum tours are self-guided so you may move at your own pace. Visitors should also walk the grounds. It is here that you will find the “Walk of Valor”. Red bricks provide the pavement. Descendants of Civil War soldiers were able to place names on the bricks to immortalize those who fought so valiantly.
#3 Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 574-0380
Admission fee: Yes
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is a member of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliation Program. Their use of multimedia and many educational programs makes this museum a must-see.
Here you can not only learn about the history of the Civil War Underground Railroad but about other contributions of people of African descent. Visitors can immerse themselves in arts and culture in a way not found in any other museum.
Visiting Pennsylvania Civil War battlefields, museums and sites are the perfect blend of history and education.
Sources:
Personal Experience
National Park Service
Visit PA.com
AmericanCivilWar.com
National Civil War Museum
African American Museum in Philadelphia
