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⚔️ 3 Days of Civil War History: Harpers Ferry, Antietam & Gettysburg

Looking to walk through the pages of history literally? This three-day Civil War road trip takes you through some of the most iconic, haunting, and fascinating battle sites and historic landmarks in the Mid-Atlantic.

 You'll hike battlefields, explore charming towns, stand where Lincoln stood, and eat some seriously good food along the way (including vegan finds!).

If you'd like to watch the video of my full trip, you can here:👇



🗓 Day 1: Harpers Ferry – John Brown, Battlefields, and River Views


Leave Richmond at 8:00 AM and hit the road. It's about a 3-hour drive to one of the most significant small towns in American history.



🎯 Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

This place has everything - Civil War history, epic river views, and cobblestone charm. Start at the main parking lot at the Visitor's Center, hop on the shuttle, or hike into Lower Town for scenic views and historical buildings.



  • Wander the buildings - Follow the map inside the National Park guidebook to navigate throughout the town. Highly recommend John Brown Museum!



  • John Brown’s Fort – Where the infamous raid that helped spark the Civil War went down.



  • The Point – Stand where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet and take in views of three states.



  • Storer College – Founded in 1867 and open to everyone, no matter race or gender.



  • Lockwood House – A Civil War-era hospital and headquarters (not open to the public but worth seeing from the outside).



  • Harper Cemetery - Peaceful hillside burial ground overlooking the town and rivers, where many Civil War soldiers and notable Harpers Ferry residents are laid to rest, offering a reflective glimpse into the area’s storied past.



🌿 Bonus Stop:

  • Hike to the Ruins of St. John's Episcopal Church – Used as a hospital during the war, now an eerie stone skeleton.



  • Keep Climbing to Jefferson's Rock - Dramatic rock formation perched above Harpers Ferry, famously visited by Thomas Jefferson in 1783, offering breathtaking views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.



🥗 Lunch & Dinner:

Kelley Farm Kitchen – 100% vegan and 100% delicious. You might end up here twice (we did!). Every local we ran into recommended it, and none of them were vegan - it's that good!



💤 Stay the Night:

Storehouse Bed & Breakfast – Cozy and charming with easy access to everything in town. We stayed in "New Room", which comes with an amazing balcony with town views.


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🗓 Day 2: Maryland Heights Hike & Antietam Battlefield



☕️ Breakfast:

  • Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee – Grab some breakfast and your caffeine fix.



🌄 Morning Hike:

Check out and hit the Maryland Heights Trail - the overlook gives you the best photo op of Harpers Ferry. The 4.5-mile round trip starts from Shenandoah Street and merges with the Appalachian Trail. Comfortable shoes recommended, it's a lot of incline!



🚗 Drive 27 minutes to:

🔥 Antietam National Battlefield (MD)

The bloodiest single day in American history happened right here on September 17, 1862. The site is haunting, humbling, and historically vital.

Must-dos:

  • Visitor Center Movie – Start here for context.





  • National Cemetery – Final resting place for over 4,000 soldiers.


🏛 Nearby Historic Stops:

  • Newcomer House – Used as a Civil War hospital, now a welcome center on weekends.

  • Pry House Field Hospital Museum – Once McClellan’s HQ and a hospital, it tells the story of the aftermath and human cost of the battle.



💤 Stay the Night:

Olinger House Bed and Breakfast – Your cozy base near Gettysburg. (Bathrooms could be improved but owner and location is great!)


🏠 Evening Stroll:

David Wills House – Where Lincoln put the final touches on the Gettysburg Address the night before he delivered it. While we visited this house was closed, but if it is open, make time for it during opening hours!


🍜 Dinner:

Thai Elephant Walk – A flavorful dinner to wrap up a heavy but incredible day.


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🗓 Day 3: Eisenhower, Gettysburg & Lincoln’s Legacy


☕️ Morning Start:

Fuel up at Presidents Coffee - the name is fitting for today’s presidential pilgrimage.



🏡 First Stop:

Eisenhower National Historic Site – Step into the peaceful farm where President Dwight D. Eisenhower relaxed and entertained world leaders. Open for tours Friday through Sunday on the hour starting at 10am.



10 minute drive to:

🔔 Gettysburg National Military Park

The most famous battle of the Civil War happened here, and you can feel its weight in the air.



  • Start with Gettysburg Film & Cyclorama – A a moving film narrated by Morgan Freeman and an epic 360° painting that puts you in the thick of Pickett’s Charge.



  • Go through the Museum - Immersive gateway to the battlefield, featuring powerful exhibits and artifacts that brings the Battle of Gettysburg to life.



Head out on a bus tour (booked or self-guided) to:

  • Little Round Top & Devil’s Den – Strategic, storied, and scenic.

  • Pickett’s Charge & Cemetery Ridge – Where history turned.



🇺🇸 Final Stop:

Gettysburg National Cemetery – Where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. It’s beautiful, somber, and sacred.



This trip is for anyone who wants to connect with the Civil War not just in books, but in real places with real stories. You'll walk where soldiers marched, reflect where leaders spoke, and maybe even feel like you've time-traveled.


History buffs, hikers, and adventurers, add this one to your bucket list. It’s three days of unforgettable stories, stunning views, and moments that changed America forever.


I hope you found this itinerary helpful! There are more blogs on my website about other spots around Virginia, as well as Richmond tips.


You can also follow me on YouTube for my travel videos or Instagram for daily updates. Feel free to DM me with any questions! Have a great trip!


💚Lauren Z Ray

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