Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

If you’re headed to Gettysburg and intrigued by its ghost stories as much as its battlefield history, this self-guided driving tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a flexible way to experience some of the most haunted spots while controlling your own schedule — no big tour groups or fixed times required.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the combination of historical landmarks and ghostly tales narrated by Mark Nesbitt, a well-known author in the realm of haunted Gettysburg. The second highlight? The cost, which is quite reasonable at just $14.99 per group of up to four people. It’s a good value for those who want to mix a little spooky storytelling into their history walk.

However, some users have mentioned that the navigation instructions aren’t always perfect, leading to occasional confusion and missed stops. If you’re a stickler for precise directions or don’t want to fuss with technology, this could be a minor downside. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of map-reading and enjoy exploring at your own pace, this tour offers a lot of potential.

This experience is best suited for history buffs who enjoy ghost stories, travelers who prefer flexibility, and those looking for an affordable way to add a spooky element to their Gettysburg visit. It’s perfect for a solo adventurer, a couple, or a small group wanting to avoid the crowds and have control over their itinerary.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided tour that you can start anytime and pause as needed
• Audio download remains valid for one year, great for repeat visits
• Narrated by Mark Nesbitt, an experienced storyteller and author
• Covers key sites like Devil’s Den, Little Round Top, and Eisenhower’s farm
• Uses offline maps, so no cellular signal needed
• A cost-effective alternative to guided bus tours or walking groups

This tour is designed to give you a lively narrative experience about Gettysburg’s most haunted locations. It begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, where you can get a sense of the area’s cultural background before setting off in your car. The tour then guides you through a series of stops, each with its own ghostly tale or historical significance.

The downloadable audio file is the core of the experience. Once you have it, you’re free to explore at your leisure for up to a year. You won’t need a guide standing in front of you; instead, the narration by Mark Nesbitt will accompany your journey, blending history with ghost stories.

Starting Point: Gettysburg Heritage Center

A good first stop, even if just for a quick look at the museum. It’s a convenient launch pad, and with only about five minutes of time needed, it’s a minimal investment to set the tone for the tour. The Heritage Center isn’t included in the ticket, but it’s a worthwhile addition if you want a more complete understanding of Gettysburg.

The Ghostly Stories at Mark Nesbitt’s Candlelight Tour

Mark Nesbitt’s narration is one of the tour’s best features. His stories are based on his own frightening experiences and local tales gathered over decades. Several reviews echo this sentiment, with one noting that the tales “combine town history with the mystery of the spirit world,” making the experience engaging and authentic.

Key Battlefield Sites

The tour covers several significant stops, each offering a different perspective on the battlefield’s ghostly reputation:

• Battle of Gettysburg First Shot Marker: The starting point of the famous three-day fight, this marker sets the historical scene. Visitors can picture the chaos that unfolded here, now infused with ghost stories of mysterious happenings.

• Schmucker Hall: Once a dorm and one of the first battlefield hospitals, it’s reputedly haunted by lingering spirits of wounded soldiers. It’s a short stop, but a poignant reminder of the battle’s human toll.

• Devil’s Den: Known for its treacherous terrain and bloody fighting on July 2, this site’s name alone sparks curiosity. Visitors often find the landscape haunting, with stories of unexplained noises and apparitions.

• Little Round Top: Overlooking the battlefield, this iconic hill is associated with strange sightings and sounds. Some visitors even wonder if the spirits here are fooled by our presence, adding a layer of ghostly humor.

• George Weikert Farm & Codori Farm: These rural sites are linked to specific ghost stories, like unexplained noises and apparitions witnessed by locals. One reviewer noted their surprise at discovering parts of the battlefield they hadn’t seen before, thanks to this tour.

• State of Pennsylvania Monument & Eisenhower’s Historic Farm: The tour includes tales of specters sometimes seen at the monument, and the Eisenhower farm, where the former president chose to retire. These stops blend history with eerie stories, appealing to both patriot and ghost enthusiast.

The Experience in Practice

Travelers can expect a handy app that plays audio automatically based on your location. The app’s offline maps mean you don’t need a cellular connection—ideal for rural Gettysburg. Once you start the tour, you’re free to pause, skip stops, or take breaks without losing your place.

The total route is approximately 10 miles long and takes about 2-3 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. It’s flexible enough to fit into a half-day outing or a leisurely afternoon. Some reviews mention difficulty with navigation; the directions aren’t perfect, and the map may not always align perfectly with the route. But with a little patience, most users find it manageable and worth the effort.

The Price and Overall Value

For $14.99, you’re getting a self-guided experience that can be used multiple times over a year. That makes it particularly attractive for repeat visitors or those wanting to revisit specific sites. Compared to guided tours, this option offers a more personalized and budget-friendly alternative, especially given the inclusion of detailed storytelling and multiple stops.

The True Pros and Cons

Pros
– You control the pacing and timing, making it ideal for flexible explorers
– The stories are told by an experienced narrator familiar with local lore
– Good value for the price, with the audio valid for a full year
– No need for an internet connection after download
– Covers a broad range of battlefield sites, including lesser-known locations

Cons
– Some users report confusing directions and map issues
– The tour won’t take you inside any attractions—entry tickets are separate
– It’s nighttime ghost stories that might not appeal to everyone
– Occasional technical hiccups have been noted in reviews

This self-guided tour hits the sweet spot for history buffs who love ghost stories and want to explore at their own pace. It’s perfect for small groups or couples looking for a budget-friendly way to add some spooky excitement to a Gettysburg trip. If you’re comfortable with technology and don’t mind a bit of map reading, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and storytelling.

On the other hand, if you prefer guided experiences with precise directions or inside access to historic sites, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s a light, entertaining option that complements a broader Gettysburg visit rather than replacing a full tour or museum experience.

How long does the tour usually take?
It covers about 10+ miles and generally takes 2-3 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop or take breaks.

Can I use the tour multiple times?
Yes, once downloaded, the audio file remains valid for an entire year, allowing repeat visits or a leisurely revisit to favorite sites.

Is the tour suitable for kids or families?
While the stories are spooky and geared toward an older audience, families with teenagers who enjoy ghost tales should find it appropriate.

Do I need a guide or appointment?
No, this is a self-guided tour. You start when you want, and there’s no need to meet anyone.

Are tickets for other attractions included?
No, the tour does not include entry tickets to sites like the battlefield or museums. Those are purchased separately.

What if I experience technical issues?
Support is available if you face audio or app problems. Make sure to download the app and tour content in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Can I pause and resume the tour?
Absolutely, you can pause at any time, and the app will remember your place.

Is it more cost-effective than guided tours?
Yes, at $14.99 per group, it offers excellent value, especially for those wanting a personalized, flexible experience.

The Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour offers a compelling combination of history and haunting tales, told by an expert storyteller. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore Gettysburg on your own terms, perfect for those comfortable with technology and looking for a bit of spooky fun. Even with some minor navigation quirks reported by users, the overall experience delivers a satisfying mix of education and entertainment.

This tour is especially useful for visitors who want the freedom to explore at their own pace or those returning to Gettysburg and eager to revisit favorite sites with a ghostly twist. It’s also a good choice for families or small groups seeking a memorable adventure without the expense of guided tours.

If you’re open to a bit of spooky storytelling while learning about the battle’s historic sites, this tour offers good value, flexibility, and a chance to see Gettysburg through a different lens. Just remember to download the app beforehand, follow the map as best you can, and keep an open mind for some ghostly encounters.