Antietam National Battlefield, Maryland: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

The Battle of Antietam remains the bloodiest single day in American history, with over 23,000 casualties in just 12 hours on September 17, 1862. This pivotal Civil War battle not only halted the Confederate Army’s advance into the North but also gave President Lincoln the victory he needed to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, changing the course of American history. Today, the beautifully preserved battlefield offers visitors a profound connection to this defining moment in our nation’s past.

Getting to Antietam National Battlefield

Located near Sharpsburg in western Maryland, Antietam National Battlefield is easily accessible by car from several major cities. From Washington D.C., the battlefield is approximately a 90-minute drive. From Baltimore, expect about a 75-minute journey. If you’re coming from Philadelphia, plan for about a 3-hour drive.

The official address for GPS navigation is 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, MD 21782. Most visitors arrive via Interstate 70, then take MD Route 65 south for approximately 10 miles. Watch for signs directing you to the Visitor Center after passing Sharpe Lane.

If you’re using public transportation, options are limited. The closest major train stations are in Martinsburg, WV (about 20 miles away) and Frederick, MD (about 25 miles away). From either location, you’ll need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to reach the battlefield.

Best Time to Visit Antietam

Antietam National Battlefield is open year-round, with each season offering a unique experience. The grounds are accessible during daylight hours every day, while the Visitor Center operates from 9 am to 5 pm daily (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day).

Seasonal Highlights

Planning Your Visit

Entrance Fees

A pass is required to access the battlefield and is valid for three consecutive days:

• $20 per private vehicle (covers all occupants)
• $15 per motorcycle
• $10 per person for pedestrians or cyclists
• Annual passes for Antietam are available for $35
• America the Beautiful passes, Lifetime Senior Passes, and other federal passes are accepted

Children under 16 enter free. For convenience, you can purchase digital park passes in advance through Recreation.gov.

What to Bring

Top Attractions at Antietam National Battlefield

1. Visitor Center

Begin your journey at the Visitor Center, where you’ll find informative exhibits, a 26-minute introductory film, and a battlefield map. Park rangers are available to answer questions and help plan your visit. The observation room on the second floor offers a panoramic view of the battlefield.

2. Self-Guided Auto Tour

The 8.5-mile self-guided auto tour includes 11 stops at key battlefield locations. Pick up a map and audio guide at the Visitor Center. The tour begins at the Dunker Church and provides insights into the battle’s progression and its impact on local farmers and the nation.

3. Dunker Church

This simple white brick church became the focal point of the battle’s opening phase. Restored to its 1862 appearance, it stands as a symbol of peace amid the battlefield’s violence. The contrast between its peaceful purpose and the carnage that surrounded it is particularly moving.

4. Bloody Lane (Sunken Road)

Perhaps the most haunting location on the battlefield, this sunken farm road became the site of horrific fighting. In just three hours, over 5,500 soldiers were killed or wounded along this 800-yard stretch. Today, the peaceful setting belies its bloody history. The nearby observation tower provides an excellent vantage point.

5. Burnside Bridge

This picturesque stone bridge became the site of intense fighting as Union General Ambrose Burnside’s troops attempted to cross Antietam Creek. The bridge and surrounding area are now among the most photographed spots on the battlefield. The steep slopes leading to the bridge illustrate the difficult challenge faced by Union troops.

6. Antietam National Cemetery

The final resting place for 4,776 Union soldiers, the cemetery offers a solemn opportunity for reflection. The peaceful grounds include monuments and a private walking path. While Confederate dead were initially buried in local cemeteries, many were later reinterred in Hagerstown and Frederick.

7. Pry House Field Hospital Museum

This fascinating museum occupies the house that served as Union General George B. McClellan’s headquarters and later as a field hospital. Exhibits detail Civil War medicine and the evolution of battlefield care. The authentic setting provides insight into the challenges faced by doctors treating wounded soldiers with limited resources.

Trails and Activities

Hiking Trails

Antietam offers several hiking trails that combine historical significance with natural beauty:

• Snavely Ford Trail: A 2-mile path following Antietam Creek through Snavely’s Woods, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Cornfield Trail: A 1-mile loop through the site of the battle’s opening phase, where thousands fell in the first hours of fighting.
• Final Attack Trail: A 1.7-mile trail tracing the Union advance toward Burnside Bridge and the final Confederate counterattack.
• Union Advance Trail: A 0.7-mile path following the route of Union soldiers as they approached the Bloody Lane.
• Three Farms Trail: A scenic route connecting the Pry, Roulette, and Sherrick farms that were caught in the battle’s path.

Family-Friendly Activities

Antietam offers several programs designed specifically for younger visitors:

• Junior Ranger Program: Children can complete activity booklets to earn a badge and certificate.
• Family-Friendly Track Trail: A one-mile loop with interpretive exhibits about each farm and its Civil War history.
• Scavenger hunts: Pick up the Mumma and Roulette Farms Scavenger Hunt, Nature’s Hide and Seek, Antietam Birds, and the Need for Trees guides at the Visitor Center.
• Living history demonstrations: Seasonal programs feature weapons firing, camp life, and medical care demonstrations.

Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Antietam hosts special events that provide unique experiences:

• Independence Day Commemoration: Held the first Saturday in July, featuring the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and fireworks.
• Battle Anniversary: Mid-September events commemorate the battle with special programs, weapons demonstrations, and guided hikes.
• Memorial Illumination: First Saturday in December, featuring 23,000 luminaries representing each casualty, creating a moving nighttime experience.
• Ranger-led Programs: Throughout the summer, rangers offer specialized tours focusing on different aspects of the battle and its significance.

Nearby Attractions and Dining

Local Attractions

Extend your visit by exploring these nearby points of interest:

• Antietam Creek Vineyards: Adjacent to the battlefield, this winery offers tastings in a retrofitted barn on a former dairy farm.
• Sharpsburg Ghost Tours: Evening walking tours sharing stories of the town’s haunted history and Civil War connections.
• Washington County Rural Heritage Museum: Located in nearby Boonsboro, featuring vintage automobiles, rare bicycles, and agricultural exhibits.
• Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Just 30 minutes away, this historic town was the site of John Brown’s famous raid.
• C&O Canal National Historical Park: Offers hiking and biking along the historic canal towpath that runs parallel to the Potomac River.

Dining Options

After exploring the battlefield, refuel at these local establishments:

• Captain Benders Tavern: A Sharpsburg staple since 1936, offering hearty American fare like the popular Crab Cake Sandwich and Cannonball Burger.
• Nutter’s Ice Cream: Renowned for hand-dipped ice cream in numerous flavors, perfect for a sweet treat.
• Burkholder’s Baked Goods: Fresh pies, donuts, and other baked treats that locals rave about.
• Pete’s Tavern: Casual dining with a good selection of local beers and comfort food.
• Old South Mountain Inn: Historic restaurant dating to 1732, offering fine dining with battlefield views.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Experience the Turning Point of American History

Walking the grounds of Antietam National Battlefield offers more than a history lesson—it provides a profound connection to a pivotal moment that shaped our nation. From the strategic vantage points where commanders made life-or-death decisions to the peaceful creek that witnessed so much bloodshed, every acre tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and the ongoing journey toward freedom.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or family seeking an educational experience, Antietam offers something meaningful for every visitor. The battlefield’s well-preserved landscape, informative exhibits, and ranger-led programs bring the past to life while honoring those who fought and fell on this hallowed ground.

As you stand in the quiet fields where history was forged, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of war and the enduring importance of the values for which so many gave their lives. Let Antietam’s stories reshape your understanding of courage and inspire reflection on our shared American heritage.