History Underfoot: A Seminary Ridge Self-Guided Tour

Immerse yourself in the historic Seminary Ridge Trail with this self-guided walking tour. Experience the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg and learn from the perspectives of generals, soldiers, and civilians.

Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lutheran Theological Seminary - You’re standing in the Lutheran Theological Seminary’s campus. Long before it became the site of some of Gettysburg’s most heated clashes, it had a much more peaceful purpose as the oldest Lutheran seminary in the country. Samuel Simon Schmucker founded it in 1826, which makes it older than prestigious universities like NYU or Cornell!

Note: The 1+ miles tour covers the essentials of Seminary Ridge in 30 minutes.

  • Samuel Simon Schmucker Artillery House - See that big brick house on the corner to your right? The one with the gray roof and white accents. That’s the home of Samuel Simon Schmucker, founder of the seminary here at Gettysburg.
  • Valentine Hall - You’re walking past Valentine Hall, and it’s a striking reminder that the Battle Of Gettysburg did NOT spell the end of the seminary. Why not? Well, because this hall didn’t appear until 25 years AFTER the battle!
  • Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center - Today, this impressive brick building is the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center, which features Civil War exhibits, fascinating wartime accounts, and visits to the cupola on top.
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Welcome to the self-guided walking tour of Seminary Ridge Trail, where the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg unfolded! Union and Confederate soldiers fiercely contested this strategic ridge and its makeshift hospital. This walking tour takes you back to July 1863, allowing you to experience the battleground through the perspectives of the commanding generals, the soldiers fighting for survival, and the civilians caught in the chaos.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. Follow the audio instructions and the designated route from there.

New extended validity — now available for an entire year! Use it multiple times across different trips!

This is not an entrance ticket. Please check the opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Schmucker Hall
Seminary Ridge
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
3.4
(8 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Amackel428
May 15, 2024
Enjoyable Tour - A very complete and interesting tour. It followed the walking trail perfectly. The gps map was accurate as well and worked off line.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia
Jul 18, 2023
Echoes of History - Step back in time and embark on an immersive journey through the hallowed grounds of Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg. With the self-guided audio walking tour, let the powerful narratives and vivid soundscapes guide you through this significant Civil War site. Immerse yourself in the stories of bravery, sacrifice, and pivotal moments that shaped our nation's history. Uncover the hidden gems and gain a profound understanding of the events that unfolded on these historic fields.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
316tamib
Oct 11, 2021
Tour worked well with younger grandchildren - This stop was on my bucket list. Had younger grandchildren with, and this tour worked well. The adults were satisfied and grandkids were able to run off some energy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debbie
Sep 29, 2021
Very nice - We very much enjoyed the walking tour. Very educational and learned some things that we didn't know.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertsl5232dm
Nov 22, 2023
Civil War - Siloam - Gettysburg - The American Civil War was the military conflict that lasted from 1861 to 1865 between the southern states that had seceded from the United States and joined the Confederacy, and the northern states that remained in the Union. The Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle that took place from April 6 to 7, 1862. We drove around the extensive grounds, visited the cemetery, the chapel and various monuments. 6,000 dead and 30,000 wounded!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hersheytravelers
Apr 27, 2023
Couldn’t access the tour - Extremely difficult to access. We tried Viator.com for help; after many tries, they said to contact TripAdvisor. Waste of time, waste of money. We could not access the tour we paid for. So, no tour for us. Will never deal with this company again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_m
Apr 2, 2022
Don't book through Trip Advisor - We booked and paid for admission through Trip Advisor. When we presented our pass at the admissions desk, we were told our Trip Advisor pass was not valid and would not be accepted. We traveled 8 hours round trip to see Gettysburg and were not going to leave without the full experience. We were forced to pay another $60 admission and told to deal with Trip Advisor on our own. Very unsatisfying for a visitor to have this experience at a national treasure.
Review provided by Viator
Katrina_t
Aug 1, 2021
Boring unfinished - It’s was so boring But easy to follow everything was closed and Desolate we didn’t even finish it because it was to boring was also with my 10 yo and 2 teenagers
Review provided by Viator
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