7 Day Civil War Road Trip Itinerary: Battlefields, History & Hidden Gems

If you’ve ever wanted to step back into the 1860s and really see where the Civil War played out, a road trip is the way to do it. In one week, you can stand where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, walk across Antietam’s Bloody Lane, and even step inside the farmhouse where Lee surrendered to Grant. It’s powerful stuff.

This 7-day Civil War itinerary loops you through D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Everything is fairly close together, so you won’t spend endless hours in the car. Instead, you’ll actually be out walking fields, touring historic homes, and soaking in the stories. Ready? Let’s hit the road.

Day 1: Washington, D.C. – Where It All Began

Washington was the Union’s nerve center during the war. The entire city was shaped by it — from fortifications on the outskirts to the political intrigue in the Capitol.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House – Walk through the theater where Lincoln was shot, then step into the boarding house across the street where he died. The exhibits here are excellent, with everything from Lincoln’s coat to John Wilkes Booth’s escape story.
Lincoln Memorial – Yes, it’s iconic and often crowded, but reading the Gettysburg Address etched into stone feels completely different once you’ve started a Civil War road trip.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History – The Civil War collection includes soldiers’ personal items, uniforms, weapons, and the actual chairs Grant and Lee sat in during the Appomattox surrender.

Tips for Visiting:

D.C. traffic can be rough — use Metro or park once and walk between sites.
If you’ve got extra time, Fort Stevens (where Lincoln came under enemy fire in 1864) is a fascinating but often-overlooked site.

Day 2: Antietam National Battlefield – Sharpsburg, Maryland

Just 90 minutes from D.C., Antietam is where the bloodiest single day of fighting in American history unfolded — more than 23,000 casualties in one day. Today, it’s peaceful farmland, which makes the contrast even more powerful.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

Visitor Center – Start here for maps, exhibits, and the short film that sets the stage.
Dunker Church – A small white church that became the center of brutal fighting. Hard to believe such a simple building saw so much chaos.
Bloody Lane – This sunken road became a trench filled with fighting and death. Walking its length is unforgettable.
Burnside Bridge – A beautiful stone bridge now, but in 1862 it was soaked in blood as Union forces tried to cross under heavy fire.

Tips for Visiting:

Take the 8.5-mile driving tour, which hits all the key sites.
If you want something unique, consider a ranger-led hike. They do deep dives into specific parts of the battle.
Bring water and comfortable shoes — lots of walking if you want the full experience.

Day 3: Gettysburg National Military Park – Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

If there’s one Civil War battlefield most people know, it’s Gettysburg. The three-day battle here in July 1863 was the turning point of the war.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

Visitor Center – Don’t skip the film and cyclorama. The cyclorama is a massive 360-degree painting that drops you right into Pickett’s Charge.
Little Round Top – Union troops held this hill and stopped the Confederate advance. The views are stunning.
Devil’s Den – A jumble of rocks that became a deadly sniping ground. Creepy and fascinating.
Pickett’s Charge Fields – You can walk the mile-long path Confederate soldiers took during their doomed assault. Sobering.
Soldiers’ National Cemetery – Where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Standing there is goosebump-inducing.

Tips for Visiting:

A licensed battlefield guide is worth every penny. They’ll hop in your car and give you a personalized tour.
The battlefield is huge. Plan at least half a day, but a full day is even better.
Evening ghost tours add a fun, if spooky, way to wind down.

Day 4: Richmond, Virginia – The Confederate Capital

After Gettysburg, head south (3.5–4 hours) to Richmond. During the war, it was the capital of the Confederacy, so it’s loaded with historic sites.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

American Civil War Museum at Tredegar – Offers multiple perspectives: Union, Confederate, and enslaved people. It’s one of the best Civil War museums out there.
Tredegar Iron Works – Once one of the largest ironworks in the country, producing cannons and supplies for the Confederacy.
Hollywood Cemetery – Not just a burial ground, but also a piece of Civil War history. You’ll find the graves of Jefferson Davis, J.E.B. Stuart, and thousands of soldiers.

Tips for Visiting:

Richmond is full of history beyond the Civil War. The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, is worth a quick look.
The city sprawls, so plan your route — Civil War sites aren’t all clustered in one place.

Day 5: Petersburg National Battlefield – The Long Siege

Just 30 minutes from Richmond, Petersburg saw one of the longest military campaigns of the war — a nine-month siege that eventually led to the fall of Richmond.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

The Crater – Union soldiers tunneled under Confederate lines, set off explosives, and created a massive crater. The attack didn’t go as planned, but the site is still jaw-dropping.
Fort Stedman & Fort Gregg – Fortifications that still show the intensity of trench warfare.
Eastern Front Visitor Center – Good exhibits that explain the siege in detail.

Tips for Visiting:

The battlefield is spread out — plan to drive between stops.
Rangers often do living history demonstrations. Check the schedule if you want to see reenactors in action.

Day 6: Appomattox Court House – Where the War Ended

It’s about a 90-minute drive west to Appomattox, where General Lee surrendered to General Grant in April 1865. It’s quiet here, and that stillness makes it especially moving.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

McLean House – The restored home where the surrender took place. You can walk into the very room where Grant and Lee sat.
Court House Village – Restored buildings, from homes to the actual courthouse, give you a sense of 19th-century small-town life.
Surrender Meeting Site – Interpretive signs and ranger talks explain what happened and why this moment mattered so much.

Tips for Visiting:

Take time to just sit and reflect. Unlike Gettysburg or Antietam, Appomattox is small and peaceful, which makes it even more powerful.
There are good short trails here if you want to stretch your legs after all the driving.

Day 7: Manassas National Battlefield – The War’s Early Days

Loop back north toward D.C. and wrap up at Manassas (about 3 hours from Appomattox). The First and Second Battles of Bull Run happened here — the first major clashes of the war.

Must-See Civil War Stops:

Stone Bridge – Site of heavy fighting during the first battle. Today it’s a scenic crossing.
Henry Hill – Where civilians came to picnic and watch the first battle, expecting a quick Union victory. They quickly realized the war would be far bloodier than anyone thought.
Brawner Farm – Key site in the Second Battle of Bull Run, with exhibits inside.

Tips for Visiting:

Manassas is more compact than Gettysburg or Antietam, so it’s a nice final stop.
Walking trails are excellent — plan for a couple of hours to explore.

General Civil War Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, especially in Virginia.
Battlefield Etiquette: These sites are hallowed ground. Keep voices low, and treat them with respect.
Ranger Programs: If you see a ranger talk or tour scheduled, go. They bring the history to life in a way plaques can’t.
Take Your Time: These places aren’t meant to be rushed. Sit, listen, and try to imagine the scenes that unfolded.

Wrapping It Up

A 7-day Civil War destinations trip isn’t just about ticking sites off a list. It’s about connecting to a time when the nation was literally tearing itself apart. You’ll see where unimaginable sacrifices were made, where leaders took impossible decisions, and where the country finally started to heal.

By the end, you’ll carry the stories with you — not just the dates and battles, but the human side of it all.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of history for a week?