Category: Things to Do with Kids

Finding Lincoln: Abraham Lincoln Statues in Gettysburg

By Austin Poulson

President Abraham Lincoln spent less than 24 hours in Gettysburg, but his brief visit left a lasting mark on the town and the country.

More than 160 years after he delivered the Gettysburg Address, reminders of the 16th president can be found throughout Gettysburg. From downtown and the battlefield to Gettysburg National Cemetery and Gettysburg College, statues and memorials offer different ways to explore Lincoln’s visit, words and legacy.

Some mark places Lincoln actually visited in November 1863. Others commemorate the Gettysburg Address or reflect on his larger legacy as president. Together, ... Read This Story

Haunted Gettysburg: 4 Places Where History and the Paranormal Meet

By: Austin Poulson

Gettysburg is known for its history, but generations of visitors and residents have also shared stories about what may still linger here.

From unexplained footsteps and voices to mysterious figures that seem to disappear as quickly as they appear, ghost stories have become part of the folklore surrounding many of Gettysburg’s historic places.

Some stories have been passed down for generations. Others come from modern visitors and paranormal investigators. And while not every legend can be proven, the real history behind these places is often just as fascinating as the ghost stories.

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All Aboard: Explore Gettysburg’s Countryside by Rail

When people think about Gettysburg, they often picture battlefields, monuments, and the Gettysburg Address. Few realize the railroad helped shape many of those stories.

Long before visitors arrived for weekend getaways, trains carried soldiers, supplies, journalists, and eventually President Abraham Lincoln to Gettysburg. After the battle, the railroad became one of the community’s most important lifelines, helping transport thousands of wounded soldiers to hospitals throughout the region.

Today, trains tell a different story. Instead of rushing people through Gettysburg, they invite visitors to slow down, to watch the countryside roll by, hear stories from the rails, ... Read This Story

Cozy Holiday Getaways in Gettysburg, PA

By: Rick Kennis

Gettysburg transforms into a cozy winter escape each holiday season, with candlelit inns, festive shopping downtown, and events like A Gettysburg Christmas Festival and the Holiday Tuba Carol Fest. Discover warm hospitality, historic charm, and holiday cheer throughout Adams County.

When the first flakes of snow begin to fall and twinkling lights wrap the town square, Gettysburg transforms into a charming holiday destination filled with warmth, wonder, and tradition. Whether you’re planning a festive escape with loved ones or a solo weekend retreat, a Gettysburg holiday getaway is the perfect mix of history, ... Read This Story

Gifts with a Story: Holiday Shopping in Gettysburg & Adams County

By: Tina Klym-Snyder

This Christmas, if you love Gettysburg, give Gettysburg.

This holiday season, plan a getaway to Gettysburg and discover how giving local makes every gift more meaningful. In the season of giving, what better way to show your love of something than by sharing it? And in Adams County, there’s so much to share. From handmade confections, handpicked produce, and heirloom artifacts to dazzling jewelry, stylish décor, charming pop culture, and immersive gaming, From charming downtown boutiques and artisan shops to countryside farm markets and small-town antiques, Gettysburg and Adams County invite visitors to experience the ... Read This Story

Peace, Pottery, and Produce

By Destination Gettysburg Staff, from interviews with David and Junko Young, November 2025

At the foot of Little Round Top, where history shaped the nation, David and Junko Young and their four sons have shaped something quieter: an oasis of handmade pottery, fresh produce, and peace. Their business, The Lion Potter, a Gettysburg pottery studio and farmstand, blends art and farming in a way that feels both surprising and completely natural. It’s not a gallery. It’s not a farmstand. It’s a place where beauty, nourishment, and stillness meet.

The Lion Potter is a Gettysburg pottery studio ... Read This Story

Color Outside the Lines

As seen in the 2026 Destination Gettysburg Getaway Guide

History meets a rainbow of color with the Li’l Lincoln America 250PA Adams County Coloring Contest, a fun, creative way for kids to join the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Designed especially for young artists, this contest invites children to put their own colorful spin on Li’l Lincoln, complete with flags, ribbons, and patriotic flair.

Entering is easy. First, download or pick up the official Li’l Lincoln coloring page. Then let your child color away—neatly, wildly, or anywhere in between. When the masterpiece is finished, complete ... Read This Story

All Hands-On Fun

As seen in the 2026 Destination Gettysburg Getaway Guide

History here isn’t just something you read on a plaque. It’s something you climb, touch, taste, explore, and play. Gettysburg and Adams County are packed with hands-on experiences that invite kids (and curious grown-ups) to step into the story, get a little messy, and make memories along the way. From orchards and museums to nature trails and living history, these adventures turn learning into action and curiosity into discovery.

Hands-On History & Museums

Interactive experiences where kids can step directly into the past.

Sit in the seat of a ... Read This Story

History for Kids

As seen in the 2026 Destination Gettysburg Getaway Guide

Family-Friendly Historic Getaways for America’s 250th

Within a few hours’ drive, families can turn a Gettysburg visit into a road trip filled with places where kids can walk, climb, imagine, and ask questions as highlights of American history come to life.

In Philadelphia, families can stroll the same streets as the Founding Fathers, explore interactive museums, and discover how big ideas were born in small rooms.

Washington, D.C.. invites kids to connect the dots between history and today through hands-on museums, open-air monuments, and wide green spaces ... Read This Story

Elephant-Sized Sweet Surprise

As seen in the 2026 Destination Gettysburg Getaway Guide

Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium

Part roadside attraction, part candy wonderland, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium in Orrtanna has been delighting visitors for generations. What began in the 1970s as a small confectionery stop has grown into one of Adams County’s most unexpected and joyful experiences.

Inside, shelves are packed floor to ceiling with thousands of elephant figurines of every size, color, material, and personality imaginable, creating a playful museum that surprises first-time visitors and keeps longtime fans coming back. The collection has become ... Read This Story

Family-Friendly Things to Do This Summer in Gettysburg

By Austin Poulson

While Gettysburg is best known for its Civil War history, families quickly discover there’s much more to explore. From interactive museums and wildlife encounters to mini golf and hands-on learning experiences, Gettysburg offers plenty of opportunities for kids to stay engaged while parents enjoy a memorable summer getaway.

School is out and Summer is the perfect time to make unforgettable memories with your kids. While you may not think of Gettysburg as a “Summer Getaway”, this small Pennsylvania town might surprise you. From hands-on museums to outdoor adventures, Gettysburg makes it easy to ... Read This Story