Park Overview
Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, purchased this home and farm in 1950. It is located in Adams County, PA, just outside of Gettysburg. Friends of theirs had also recently purchased a home and recommended the area. Many years prior, he had visited the battlefield with his graduating West Point class, and was assigned his first officer job at nearby Camp Colt. The recommendation combined with his history of the area is what motivated him to choose Gettysburg as his home.
The home served as a weekend retreat for the president and was used as a meeting place for world leaders. The Eisenhower’s donated it to the National Park Service in 1967, under the condition that the president had lifetime living rights. President Eisenhower died in 1969, but his wife did not wish to move so she was granted federal permission to stay in the home. She died in 1979 and the house was opened to the public in 1980.
Getting to the Eisenhower House
The Eisenhower House is located in Adams County Pennsylvania, which is about 2 hours from Washington D.C. or 2.5 hours from Philadelphia. It is approximately 5 miles from the Gettysburg NMP. There is parking on the farm or you can take a shuttle that leaves from the Gettysburg Visitor Center at specific hours. Tours are run through the Gettysburg Foundation.
Fees & Cancellation Stamp
Entrance and self-guided tours to the Eisenhower house and farm are free. However, if you wish to shuttle from Gettysburg NMP, that cost $9. I took the shuttle because I went on July 4th and figured it would be much easier than being in and out of my car all day on a busy holiday. The shuttle workers did provide some information on the drive there and back. You pick a departure time from the Visitor Center but you can return on any shuttle.
Cancellation stamps are located at the Eisenhower House and the Gettysburg Visitor Center.
Time required at the Eisenhower House
I under-estimated the time it would take to see the house and grounds. I went on a guided tour of the house which I believe was 45 minutes long. You can also do a self-guided tour of the guest house, rose gardens, skeet range, and farm. They offer ranger programs covering varying topics at both the house and farm.
The farm is a little bit of a walk (not far) from the house so take that into account. I did not have enough time to see the farm on my first visit. Luckily, I live close to Gettysburg so I went back another time.
I would allow 2 hours at the house if you are driving. If you are shuttling from Gettysburg NMP I would allow 3 hours.
Know before you go
I recommend staying at least one night in Gettysburg and splitting up the Eisenhower NHS and Gettysburg NMP. Take one full day to see the battlefield and museum, and spend the next day at the Eisenhower house/farm, and any remaining parts of the battlefield you might have missed the day before.
There is a lot to see and do and it’s impossible to do it in one day if you really care about seeing everything. Gettysburg offers more ranger programs than any other park I’ve been to, and they also host reenactments and special programs often.
Last updated: September 25, 2022