Getting to Antietam National Battlefield
Antietam National Battlefield is located in the small town of Sharpsburg in Western Maryland. It’s about 1.5 hours from both Washington D.C. and Baltimore. I do not recommend this site on its own unless it’s an easy day trip, or you are a Civil War buff. Save this park for if you are passing through the area, or combine it with other nearby parks like Monocacy National Battlefield, Catoctin Mountain Park, or Harpers Ferry NHP.
Fees and Cancellation Stamp
It costs $20 for a personal vehicle with a family to enter the park. It is only $10 for a solo visitor, and $15 for a motorcycle; however, your pass is good for 3 consecutive days. The America the Beautiful pass is accepted here, so if you have one be sure to use it!
The cancellation stamp is located in the Visitor Center.
*As of April 2022, both the Visitor Center and whole front entrance are being redone. Use the temporary Visitor Center across from the original building, and be mindful of how to enter and exit.
Time Required at Antietam
If you truly want to see all parts of the park and walk a short trail or two, I recommend a half day. If you have limited time, it would be easy to pop into the Visitor Center and then hit up a few of the main sites. However, I recommend carving out the time to see as much as you can!
Things to see at Antietam
Above is a map from the NPS website of the hiking trails and driving tour stops. I recommend stopping at every stop; Antietam is small, so it’s all important. However, if you’re short on time make sure to stop at Bloody Lane and the tower, Burnside Bridge, and Dunker Church.
Hiking
I have done the Bloody Lane, Sherrick Farm, and Burnside Bridge trails. Also, Antietam is about 5 minutes away from Shepherd University, my Alma Mater, so I used to come here and run during college. There was a nice 3 mile loop I would do around the cornfield and Miller Farm.
Antietam National Cemetery
Antietam’s cemetery is not nearly as grand as Gettysburg, but definitely still worth a visit! It’s part of the driving tour, but if you don’t have time for the whole tour, be sure to stop here on your way out.
Special Events at Antietam
Memorial Illumination
The Memorial Illumination takes place on the first Saturday of every December. Volunteers help place and light the luminaries all day and visitors are able to drive through the battlefield once the sun goes down. This event draws thousands of people, so expect to spend a few hours in your car.
Battle Anniversary Programs
Every year on the anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the park hosts a plethora of Ranger talks, hikes, and demonstrations. I have yet to attend any anniversary programs, but I’m hoping to go some year. To give an idea, here is a list of everything offered in 2021.
Freedoms Run
The Freedoms Run is a local race based out of Shepherdstown, WV. It does not technically have anything to do with the National Park Service; however, a good portion of the marathon course goes through the battlefield. If you are a runner and National Park enthusiast, be sure to time your visit accordingly. The race normally happens sometime in October.
Local Favorites
Antietam is my “backyard park.” Since it is so close to my hometown, it’s the park I grew up visiting the most and know my way around the best. If you come here to visit, be sure to check out a few local favorites!
- Nutter’s Ice Cream (.3 miles away, the main street in Sharpsburg)
- Maria’s Taqueria (4.4 miles away in Shepherdstown, WV)
- Battleview Market (a couple hundred feet away, right next door!)
- Bonnie’s at the Red Byrd (2.6 miles away)
- Bavarian Inn (3.9 miles away in Shepherdstown, WV and my former employer!)
Last updated: April 7, 2023
Leave a Reply