There are road trips where you chase mountain views, and there are others where you chase stories—Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is one of those places where history lingers in every corner. For RVers and history lovers alike, this stop goes beyond monuments and museums. It’s the only home President Dwight D. Eisenhower ever owned, and walking the grounds feels like stepping into both a presidential archive and a family living room.
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If you’ve come to Gettysburg to trace the Civil War, Eisenhower’s farm adds another powerful layer. It tells the story of a five-star general turned president, who chose this quiet countryside to recover, entertain world leaders, and live an everyday life away from the White House spotlight.
Let’s explore why this historic site belongs on your travel list.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s life reads like a history book in motion. Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces during World War II, he led D-Day and shaped the course of the war in Europe. Later, he served two terms as the 34th President of the United States, steering the nation through the Cold War, civil rights beginnings, and an era of interstate highway expansion.
Yet through all of this, Eisenhower longed for a place to settle down. In 1950, he and his wife Mamie purchased a 189-acre farm adjacent to Gettysburg Battlefield. This land carried deep meaning—Eisenhower had trained nearby in 1918 as a young officer. The couple restored the 19th-century farmhouse, turning it into both a private home and a gathering space for global leaders.
World leaders such as Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, and Nikita Khrushchev walked the same halls you can visit today. For Eisenhower, the farm was both a retreat and a stage for diplomacy, where conversations over dinner sometimes carried the weight of peace.
Best Time to Visit
The Eisenhower National Historic Site is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want out of the experience:
- Spring: The farm comes alive with blooming fields and mild weather, perfect for wandering the grounds.
- Summer: Long days mean more time outdoors, but prepare for crowds since it pairs easily with a Gettysburg trip.
- Fall: Golden leaves drape the rolling landscape, adding a rustic charm that feels especially fitting for farm tours.
- Winter: A quieter experience with fewer visitors—ideal if you prefer reflective, slower-paced touring.
Because the site is tied closely to Gettysburg National Military Park, pairing the two works best in spring and fall when the weather is comfortable for long days of exploration.
Things to Do at Eisenhower National Historic Site
Tour the Eisenhower Home
The centerpiece of the site is the Eisenhowers’ farmhouse. Inside, you’ll find rooms preserved much as they were in the 1950s and 60s, complete with mid-century décor and touches of Mamie Eisenhower’s signature pink. Walking through the living room or the kitchen feels surprisingly familiar—as if the First Lady might pop back in at any moment.
Explore the Grounds and Farm
The farm wasn’t just for show. Eisenhower used the property as a working cattle farm, raising prize-winning Angus cattle. You can still stroll the barns, pastures, and walking paths that he loved. The land itself reflects his deep appreciation for conservation and rural life.
Learn at the Visitor Center
Exhibits dive deeper into Eisenhower’s military leadership, presidency, and personal life. Artifacts, photos, and short films give context to what you see on the grounds.
Special Programs and Ranger Talks
Rangers often host living history programs, guided tours, and discussions that bring Eisenhower’s era to life. Keep an eye out for seasonal events that focus on Cold War history, leadership, and farm life.
Combine with Gettysburg Battlefield
Because the site is directly adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park, many visitors tour both. The juxtaposition is striking: the battlefield that defined Lincoln’s presidency shares ground with the home of another wartime leader who later shaped the 20th century.
Eisenhower National Historic Site FAQs
How do I get to Eisenhower National Historic Site?
The site is located just outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Visitors access the farm via shuttle bus service from the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.
Is the site dog-friendly?
Pets are welcome on the grounds and trails but not inside the farmhouse or visitor center buildings.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Allow 2–3 hours to fully explore the house, farm, and exhibits. If pairing with Gettysburg Battlefield, plan for a full day.
Is the house wheelchair accessible?
Yes, accessibility improvements have been made to ensure visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy much of the home and grounds.
Visiting Eisenhower National Historic Site isn’t just about checking off another presidential home. It’s about connecting with a man who carried the weight of both war and peace, yet chose to spend his quiet moments on a Pennsylvania farm. Standing on his porch, you’re reminded that history isn’t only made in the White House or on battlefields—it’s also made in the places leaders choose to call home.
If your travels bring you to Gettysburg, don’t stop with the Civil War. Spend time with Eisenhower, the general who became president, and the farmer who found solace in the rolling fields of Pennsylvania.