How far is Antietum from Gettysburg?

Is it do-able for a day trip. We have family vacation in Gettysburg over the July 4th and are thinking of foregoing Lancaster in lieu of Antietum for a day- thoughts/suggestion

Thanks!

You can easily go to Antietam as a daytrip from Gettysburg. It should take just over an hour each way. Antietam can easily be visited in some detail in less than half a day, even two hours if you are a casual visitor. It is even more authentic than Gettysburg on the whole because of lower crowds, and the battlefield has not been commercialized. You will see many of the same farms that were there during the battle. In fact the adjoining town of Sharpsburg is not all that changed since 1862. You will find it a refreshing change from Gettysburg. Gettysburg's battlefield is first rate. The town is very touristy, but there is a lot to do and see. If you want to learn more about Antietam or Gettysburg, see my Web site at www.oneeyed.homestead.com.

If you don't find enough to occupy your time for the whole day, the city of Frederick, Maryland (on the route between the two battlefields) has a museum dedicated to medicine in the Civil War, or you could spend a few afternoon hours in Harpers Ferry, WV, which is about 40 minutes from Antietam. Of course, the latter would put you about two hours away from Gettysburg on the return trip.

Dan-
Thanks so much for the valuable info! We will be traveling with 2, 11 year old boys and I think they might enjoy Antietam more than Lancaster.

They are both very interested in the Civil War and I am afraid that although my husband & I would enjoy the Amish, the boys may find it boring. Thoughts?

I will definately check out the website!

Well, I have not been to Amish country yet, but I would guess they would like Antietam more (my child is only three now). Antietam has lots of cannons, but it also has cemeteries, a bridge and creek, and a tower to climb. It offers good opportunities at some spots to get out and roam around a bit. It's too bad the new Civil War movie, "Gods and Generals," doesn't come out until the fall. It includes the battle of Antietam. If they haven't seen the movie "Gettysburg," they should see it before the trip. It seems like kids that age might really like the medical museum, but I have not visited it.

If they want interesting souvenirs, there is a shop in Sharpsburg that sells real Civil War items. Most are going to be outlandishly expensive, but you can buy bullets for a few dollars (don't worry - no powder included). There are also shops in nearby Shepherdstown, WV (a good place to find food) that sell replica caps and such things, but you will also find those in Gettysburg. The Horse Soldier and Union Drummer Boy shops in Gettysburg are great. The former is incredible - almost a museum. I also like the Graystone's American History Bookstore if they are into toy soldiers or books, and there is another shop just down the street a couple of blocks that specializes in toy soldiers.

sounds wonderful! thank you so much for the tips! i think if we do go there, whrn "Gods & Generals" comes out, they will enjoy it all that much more!

They have seen Gettysburg and enjoyed it. They are Civil War buffs.

Grew up in Pennsylvania and researched a trip last year to take a dear friend to visit eastern part of the state. Unfortunately, our plans fell through. We were more interested in Lancaster Co. and the summer playhouses and the Amish, but I found a place in Gettysburg called Farnsworth Inn that has ghost walks and a dinner in the cellar with ghost tales. That might be fun for everyone. Lancaster is wonderful if you have extra time---think 11 year old boys would like pigging out at Miller's in Lancaster.

I've been to all 3 and my advice would be to take them to on ebattlefield and then something different - such as Amish country.

Do Gettysburg then go to Lancaster county.

Great! Thanks so much for all the responses! Farnsworth Inn looks great! On our last day, depending how "battlefied-out" we are, we aill make the Lancaster/Antietam decision. Will be tough one I am sure! Thanks again for all the advice!