Eisenhower National Historic Site
While visiting Gettysburg, take a tour of the historical Eisenhower National Historic Site to see the 189 acre farm that President Eisenhower purchased in 1950. This farm served as a presidential retreat for President Dwight D. Eisenhower as well as a temporary White House and a place for meetings with world leaders. President Eisenhower retired to the farm which was home to a herd of Angus cattle and is adjacent to the Gettysburg Battle Field. Today, the Eisenhower National Historic Site is still maintained as a working farm and has grown to nearly 700 acres.
A number of tours, both guided and self-guided, are available through this historical site. The Eisenhower National Historic Site offers a 15 minute orientation tour that explores the grounds and farming operations used by President Eisenhower. Enter the home of President Eisenhower and see the furnishings used by Ike and Mamie during the years they lived on the farm. After taking a guided tour of the Eisenhower National Historic Site, head through downtown Gettysburg on a walking tour with a ranger. This tour takes you through Eisenhower’s life within the community. Summer is the only season this tour is offered.
If you’re more interested in touring the Eisenhower National Historic Site on your own, a brochure offers you a self-guided tour. Follow the numbered stops and tour the rose gardens, guest house, P.G.A. putting green. Get a close up look of Eisenhower’s jeep, station wagon and golf cars located in the garage. The Eisenhower National Historic Site also offers a self-guided tour of the farm to explore the cattle operation and equipment used in the barn and in the fields.
When you’re finished with your tour, take a stroll through the Reception Center and learn about Eisenhower’s life. Exhibits and video take you through Eisenhower’s life as a young man to the years he served in the military. From there, you’ll learn about his life as President of the United States and into his retirement. The Eisenhower National Historic Site offers visitors an opportunity to learn about one of the well known and highly studied presidents of our country.
