Spend A Day in Haunted Gettysburg

Jennie Wade House Museum

Address: 548 Baltimore Street

Among the most storied and haunted spots in Gettysburg stands the Jennie Wade House Museum—a modest brick home forever marked by tragedy and known as one of the most haunted houses in the country. Jennie Wade, just 20 years old, became the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg when a stray bullet ended her life as she prepared bread for Union soldiers. Her grieving mother later baked that very dough, and Jennie’s body was buried in the garden out back before being relocated to the German Reformed Church’s cemetery. Today, the house stands much as it did in 1863. Visitors claim to hear whispers, feel cold spots, and even see Jennie’s ghost creeping through the rooms she once knew. With original bloodstains still on the floor and a door pierced by the fatal bullet still in place, the Jennie Wade House offers a powerful brush with history—one that gently unsettles the soul and lingers long after you leave.

National Homestead Orphanage

Address: 777 Baltimore Street

After the Battle of Gettysburg, a quieter tragedy unfolded—one marked not by cannon fire, but by silence. The National Homestead Orphanage rose from the rubble of war to care for children left parentless by the carnage. It began as a sanctuary, even graced by the presence of President Ulysses S. Grant, but soon fell into darkness under the iron rule of headmistress Rosa J. Carmichael. Stories still circulate of the “dungeon” in the basement, where children were chained for days as punishment—echoes of their cries are said to still drift through the cold stone walls. Today, visitors report glimpses of small figures darting through shadows, orbs of mysterious light, and the faint laughter—or sobbing—of spirits long departed. Touring the orphanage quietly reminds us of the cost of conflict and the souls—both young and old—left in its wake.

Sachs Covered Bridge

Address: Water Works Road

By day, Sachs Covered Bridge stretches gracefully over Marsh Creek. But by night, the shadows linger a little longer, and the air carries the weight of a tragic past. The wooden bridge provided passage to both Confederate and Union forces, and an execution site for at least three Southern soldiers who were hanged for impersonating Union soldiers. Today, visitors report more than just the creaking of old wood—some claim to smell phantom cigar smoke, feel invisible fingers tap their shoulder, or hear ghostly gunfire and cannon blasts echoing in the distance. Others speak of three disembodied heads drifting silently through the mist. If you dare, a visit to Sachs Covered Bridge offers a hauntingly unforgettable glimpse into Gettysburg’s enduring legacy—where even silence speaks.

Brickhouse Inn

Address: 452 Baltimore Street

Built in 1837, the Brickhouse Inn and the adjacent Welty House stood squarely between Confederate and Union forces during the Battle of Gettysburg. The home was struck by cannon fire twice and later overtaken by Confederate sharpshooters. Unspeakable chaos ensued as residents huddled in the basement, praying through the thunder of war. After the battle, 36 Union and Confederate soldiers were temporarily buried at the home, soldiers who today appear in ghostly form wandering the halls in full uniform. At the same time, disembodied voices call out at night. With bullet marks still visible and countless eerie encounters reported, this remains a chilling testament to the battle’s lingering presence.

Baladerry Inn

Address: 40 Hospital Road

Baladerry Inn is one of Gettysburg’s most storied and mysterious stays. Located near the battlefield, what is now a charming bed and breakfast was once a Civil War field hospital. Those brave enough to stay here might encounter Confederate soldiers at the door. Some claim to encounter the ghost of a woman standing at the foot of the bed in the Marigold Room or the flirtatious spirit “Geoffrey” rubbing feet in the Primrose Room. With 19th-century charm and a dash of the supernatural, the Baladerry offers a uniquely spirited getaway in one of America’s most historic towns.

Federal Pointe Inn

Address: 75 Springs Avenue

Just blocks from Lincoln Square, the Federal Pointe Inn blends boutique luxury with rich Gettysburg history. Housed in a former 1896 school building, stories of ghostly children, mysterious footsteps, and a silent woman in gray match its restored charm. While modern guests enjoy upscale comfort, echoes of the past linger in the halls. Whether you’re drawn by Civil War lore or curious about paranormal tales, the Federal Pointe Inn invites you to experience history—perhaps even a haunting—firsthand.

Farnsworth House Inn

Address: 401 Baltimore Street

With ties to the Battle of Gettysburg and more than 200 years of history, the Farnsworth House Inn is one of the town’s most paranormally active places to stay. The Inn even made Thrillist’s The Creepiest and Most Haunted Hotels in Every State list. Believed to house up to 16 spirits, including soldiers, a midwife, and a cranky cook, this 19th-century inn offers a spine-tingling experience for overnight guests. From mysterious music in the attic to sightings in the famously haunted Sara Black Room, the Farnsworth’s eerie encounters make this a must-stay for ghost-curious travelers.

Lightner Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast

Address: 2350 Baltimore Pike

Set on 18 peaceful acres just outside Gettysburg, the Lightner Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast is as serene as it is storied. This beautifully preserved 1862 Federal-style home once served as a hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg—and some say echoes of that past still linger. Guests have reported ghostly sightings, adding a touch of mystery to their stay. Just two miles from the National Military Park and steps from local shops, this charming inn offers a perfect blend of history, hospitality, and a hint of the paranormal.

Battlefield Bed & Breakfast Inn

2264 Emmitsburg Road

The 19th-century fieldstone farmhouse that is now the Battlefield Bed and Breakfast Inn has a history that is etched deep into the soil. Built in 1809, this place once sheltered abolitionists and served as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. Though the inn welcomes travelers with quiet charm today, there’s a sense that not all of its guests have checked out, with many reporting orbs drifting in the night, shadowy figures, and even the gentle push of unseen hands.

You may want to sleep with one eye open in case you have some ghostly visitors!

Head to An Adams County Distillery for More Spirits

Next, head to one of the town’s distilleries for a different kind of spirit. Enjoy craft cocktails, vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, wine, and more spirits for some liquid courage for your next venture.
The Adams County Pour Tour offers a flavorful detour with stops at local distilleries like Mason Dixon Distillery, Gettysburg Moonshine Company, Chicken Hill Distillery, and Adams County Winery. Sign up for the free mobile passport, check in as you go, and earn points toward fun prizes. It’s a perfect way to savor the spirits — both in your glass and around Gettysburg.