Ghosts of the Gettysburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

Getting a glimpse of Gettysburg’s haunted past is a compelling idea for many visitors, especially those fascinated by ghost stories woven into historic landmarks. This self-guided driving tour offers a flexible way to explore Gettysburg’s most haunted spots at your own pace, with narration by the well-known author Mark Nesbitt. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a blend of history and a dash of the supernatural without the constraints of a guided group.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its affordability—at just $14.99 per car, it’s a budget-friendly option that offers a full year of usage once purchased. Plus, the offline maps and hands-free audio are designed to keep your focus on the sights and stories, making it ideal for those who prefer exploring independently. On the flip side, some reviews point out that navigation can be tricky at times, which might frustrate first-time users unfamiliar with the route or app use.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, ghost story lovers, and anyone who enjoys exploring at their own rhythm without scheduled tours or group sizes. It’s particularly useful if you want to revisit Gettysburg multiple times, as the audio file remains valid for a full year. If you’re comfortable with technology and a bit of self-navigation, this could be a memorable way to experience the battlefield and its spooky legends.

• Flexible self-guided touring allows you to explore at your own pace.
• One purchase covers your car for a full year, perfect for multiple visits.
• Narration by Mark Nesbitt adds authenticity and local flavor to each story.
• Includes landmarks like Devil’s Den and Little Round Top, plus lesser-known sites.
• Offline maps and hands-free audio ensure smooth navigation without internet.
• Technical hiccups have been noted, so patience with app navigation might be needed.

If you’re considering this tour, you’re probably drawn to the idea of seeing Gettysburg through a different lens—one filled with ghost stories, mysterious sightings, and historic landmarks. This self-guided driving experience positions itself as a flexible way to soak in Gettysburg’s haunted reputation, while also offering the historical context that makes the site legendary.

Starting Point and First Impressions

You’ll begin at the Gettysburg Heritage Center, a favorite among visitors for its comprehensive museum and rich history. From there, the tour kicks off with Mark Nesbitt’s storytelling, blending the town’s history with tales of the supernatural. The audio guide is designed to play automatically once you launch it in the app, which means you can focus on driving and observing the sights rather than fiddling with technology.

While many reviews praise the engaging storytelling and narrator’s voice, some users have expressed frustration at navigation issues early on. For example, one reviewer mentioned, “The map wouldn’t stay up,” which can make it hard to stay on track. The map is meant to guide you through more than 10 miles of battlefield, key landmarks, and haunted sites, but if the map isn’t clear or if directions are confusing, you might find yourself wandering or missing some stops.

The Stops and Highlights: What You’ll See and Hear

Stop 1: Gettysburg Heritage Center – Not just the starting point, this museum provides a great introduction to the battlefield and its history. Though admission isn’t included, it’s worthwhile to spend some time here before or after your tour.

Stop 2: Mark Nesbitt’s Ghosts of Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours – This segment offers a taste of Nesbitt’s ghost stories, rooted in his personal experiences and town legends. Based on his own frightening encounters, these stories blend local history with supernatural intrigue.

Stops 3-4: Battle of Gettysburg First Shot Marker & Schmucker Hall – These sites are infused with history and ghost stories alike. Schmucker Hall, notably, was used as one of the first hospitals during the battle, giving it a naturally eerie atmosphere with stories of suffering and unrest.

Stops 5-6: Devil’s Den & Little Round Top – These well-known battlefield landmarks are not only historically significant but also reputed to be hotspots for ghostly activity. One review mentions, “Is it possible that whoever or whatever creates these images could be fooled by our presence?” hinting at the ongoing mystery surrounding these sites.

Other Notable Stops: The George Weikert Farm and the Pennsylvania Monument are sprinkled through the route. The Woman in White is said to be seen here, adding to the overall haunted vibe. The Eisenhower National Historic Site offers a peaceful contrast but has its own ghostly tales. The Codori Farm and the fields along West Confederate Avenue give the experience a more expansive, open-air feel, perfect for those who enjoy scenic drives with a spooky twist.

Travel and Practicalities

The tour typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for most day trips. It’s designed to be completed during daylight hours—officially from sunrise to sunset—since some parts of the battlefield close at sunset. Several users noted that the app can be a little tricky to operate at first, with some difficulty getting the audio started or following the route properly. The key is to download the app and content in advance and ensure your phone is fully charged.

The price of $14.99 per group offers pretty good value for a mix of history and ghost stories, especially given the reusability of the download for a full year. This makes it perfect for visitors who want to revisit Gettysburg multiple times or who prefer exploring independently instead of joining guided tours.

What We Love

We appreciate that this tour offers rich storytelling from a local author with decades of experience. His tales add a layer of authenticity that’s hard to find in generic ghost stories. The self-guided format also means you can set your own pace, take breaks, or linger longer at sites that pique your interest.

The offline maps and hands-free audio are great features, especially in a rural area where cell service might be spotty. Many reviews highlight how well the audio works once you’ve downloaded everything, and how convenient it is to just listen and drive without distractions.

Here’s Where It Gets a Little Bumpy

While the overall concept is strong, some users have encountered navigation issues. One review said, “The directions were not the easiest to follow,” and others mentioned missing some sites because the map didn’t align perfectly with the route. There were also complaints about app crashes or losing service, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to follow a specific route through historic and haunted sites.

It’s worth noting that technical glitches appear to be the most common downside. If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting technology or don’t like relying solely on audio cues, this might not be the perfect fit. Still, with proper preparation—like downloading everything beforehand—you can minimize these issues.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just under $15, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering it can be used multiple times within a year. For history buffs or ghost enthusiasts, it’s a fun way to add a spooky dimension to your Gettysburg visit without paying for guided tours or entrance fees. Some reviewers have called it “well worth it,” especially for those who want a personalized experience and enjoy stories told by a seasoned local author.

This self-guided tour is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy exploring at their own pace and don’t mind some technical challenges. It’s perfect if you’re interested in ghost stories, haunted sites, and local history, and want a budget-friendly option that you can revisit anytime. If you’re new to Gettysburg or prefer guided tours with a group, you might find this format less structured, but for those who love discovery, it offers a lot of freedom.

It’s also a good choice for repeat visitors—since you can use the tour multiple times—making it a practical souvenir of your trip. However, be prepared for some navigation quirks, and remember that some sites might be closed or less accessible at sunset.

This Ghosts of Gettysburg self-guided driving tour offers a unique blend of history and hauntings that can make a day in Gettysburg even more memorable. Its affordable price, storytelling quality, and flexibility appeal to many travelers, especially those who enjoy a bit of mystery mixed with their history.

While navigation and app functionality have been problematic for some, the overall experience provides a rich tapestry of stories and sights that are worth trying. It’s particularly suited for adventurous, tech-savvy visitors who don’t mind troubleshooting a bit and want to explore Gettysburg on their own terms.

If you’re keen on ghost stories, historical sites, and having control over your visit, this tour could turn an ordinary battlefield trip into something truly memorable—and perhaps a little spooky.

Is this tour suitable for children? Since it features ghost stories and haunted sites, it’s more geared toward teens and adults. The content is generally appropriate, but parents should use their discretion.

How long does the tour take? Expect about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you linger at each stop and how many side explorations you do.

Can I use this tour multiple times? Yes, once purchased, the audio file is valid for a full year, so you can revisit as often as you like.

What if I experience technical problems? The app provides troubleshooting tips, and customer support is available. Download the content beforehand to minimize issues.

Are attraction tickets included? No, entry to sites like the Gettysburg Heritage Center or Eisenhower Historic Site isn’t included and must be purchased separately if desired.

Is this a guided tour? No, it’s a self-guided experience, giving you the freedom to explore without a guide or group.

Can I start the tour at any time? Yes, you can begin whenever you’re ready, as long as it’s within park hours (sunrise to sunset).

Is the tour suitable for a family trip? It’s suitable for older children and teenagers who enjoy ghost stories, but may not be ideal for very young children due to the spooky content.

In brief, if you love ghost tales and want a flexible, budget-friendly way to explore Gettysburg’s haunted history, this tour offers a lot of value—and a few navigation quirks. With some prep, it can turn your visit into a memorable adventure filled with stories, history, and a touch of the supernatural.