An Attraction that lifts history off the page and leaves you walking away with more in depth knowledge and a different perspective on history is an attraction that's done its job. The truth of the matter is that there are some attractions that do a better job than others.

However, when you visit a destination like Gettysburg, where the town itself is an attraction, it's hard not to get it right. Many buildings date back to the late 18th century with the Dobbin House Tavern being the oldest, built in 1776. Re-purposed as inns, restaurants, museums and the like, Gettysburg's historic sites are functional properties and not just relics of the past.

Even if you were never a fan of your history school lessons, you'll walk away with a different appreciation for Gettysburg. There's something to be said about walking the hallowed ground of the Battlefield; or taking a tour of orchards and fields via horseback or Segway; or visiting a reenactment tent site; or stepping into the home where Lincoln slept before his Address; or looking at the bullet holes in the door of the only civilian casualty in Gettysburg. These and other experiences will leave an impression on you. You may even walk away a bigger fan of history. Whatever your goal in visiting Gettysburg's historic attractions, you won't leave town unaffected.

1.GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

Type: Historic Sites, Military
Neighborhood: Round Top / Greenmount
The National Military Park has one of the largest outdoor collections of monuments in the world.
Local Expert Tip: "If the weather permits, take Segway tour of the park with a licensed battlefield guide. "

2.JENNIE WADE HOUSE

Type: Museums
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
The museum shows the civilian side of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Local Expert Tip: "Stop into the Gettysburg Tour Center first to see about package plans and save money on this museum's admission. "

3.GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD TOURS

Type: Historic Sites, Military, Tours and Excursions
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
Gettysburg Battlefield Tours allows you to take a laid back journey through the battlefield.
Local Expert Tip: "Take a tour and package it with admissions to various museums to save money on your sightseeing budget."

4.SACHS MILL BRIDGE

Type: Historic Sites, Sightseeing
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
This bridge is picturesque and nostalgic of a slower pace of life.
Local Expert Tip: "Make sure your batteries are fully charged before you visit this bridge - you will not tire of taking photographs."

5.THE SOLDIERS' NATIONAL CEMETERY - GETTYSBURG NATIONAL CEMETERY

Type: Historic Sites, Military
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
Nothing pays higher tribute to Civil War history than the graves of the soldiers that rest here.
Local Expert Tip: "You can catch a shuttle bus from the park visitor center to the National Cemetery."

6.SCHRIVER HOUSE

Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Military, Museums
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
The Shriver House Museum shows the civilian experience at Gettysburg.
Local Expert Tip: "Sometimes the museum will stage re-enactments of the home's invasion by Confederates. Call to find when these are scheduled."

7.GENERAL LEE'S HEADQUARTERS MUSEUM

Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Museums
Neighborhood: Airport - Gty
General Lee's Headquarters Museum is one of the few free museums in town.
Local Expert Tip: "From January through February, the museum is only open on the weekends."

8.EISENHOWER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Museums
Neighborhood: Round Top / Greenmount
The home is a beautiful retreat and a living museum; you feel like the Eisenhowers are still there.
Local Expert Tip: "The only way to get to the home is through the Visitor Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park, where you must purchase shuttle bus tickets to the farm."

9.DAVID WILLS HOUSE

Type: Historic Sites
Neighborhood: Borough Center / Lutheran Theolo
This historic house is conveniently located in Lincoln Square and is a perfect stop right before you sit down to eat.
Local Expert Tip: "You can catch a shuttle bus to the Wills House from the park visitor center."

10.SEMINARY RIDGE MUSEUM

Type: Historic Sites
The museum takes a broader look into faith and race issues that led up to the war.
Local Expert Tip: "Re-enactors will often camp outside the museum. Check to see when they'll be in town next."