The battlefield where, over three days in July 1863, more than 165,000 men fought what is widely considered the turning point of the American Civil War, with 51,000 casualties when the smoke cleared. The park is run by the National Park Service and is open year-round, free of charge.
The auto tour — 24 miles, 16 stops, on a one-way road — is the most efficient way to see the ground. Better still, hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Visitor Center for a two-hour driven tour in your own car. The guides are excellent and the personal narrative makes the difference between a confused drive past statues and a real understanding of what happened.