Eisenhower National Historic Site
Family farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, where he retired after leaving office
Site Details
Pin location is approximate.
243 Eisenhower Farm Rd
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Family Friendly?
Yes
Visitors Per Year
98,000
The Eisenhower National Historic Site in Pennsylvania is a few minutes’ drive from the Gettysburg National Historical Park, and parking is available at the site. Visitors can join bi-hourly tours of the house, given by National Park Service rangers.
Visitors learn that then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower made the farm his home after returning from securing an Allied victory during WWII. Three years after his return, it was on the farm that he decided to run in the U.S. presidential election as a Republican. Later, the Eisenhower family farm served as the former President’s primary personal residence.
There are two floors of the house. The downstairs has various common rooms filled with historic artifacts of the Eisenhower family, 98 percent of which are original. The fireplace is afforded special commentary: Originally located in the White House, the fireplace appears in a photo of Abraham Lincoln that hangs in the White House today, showing Lincoln leaning against it. Eisenhower received the fireplace as a gift from the White House staff.
The site earns an accuracy grade of “A,” and 98 percent of the artifacts are original to the home and the Eisenhower family. The two percent of new material is due to structural improvements to preserve the house. The tour is easy to understand. Guests can also ask attendant rangers questions, who are generally knowledgeable.
The tour is strictly historical and details the importance of the house and its inhabitants. There is no apparent undertone of ideological bias.
For families planning on visiting Gettysburg, the Eisenhower National Historic Site is a free, informative, and important must-see for historical enthusiasts of all ages. The site includes a guided group tour through the Eisenhower house.
After the tour, families are welcomed and encouraged to tour the remainder of the farm, which includes Eisenhower’s backyard putting green, the tractor barn, and the livestock stables. It is important to remember that families should pack their own snacks and water or plan to visit the historical town of Gettysburg about 15 minutes away. Some will enjoy the indoor house tour, others the beauty of the nature that surrounds the farm. For young children, the house tour is fast paced and there are plenty of things to see inside and outside for the active mind.
The Eisenhower family farm served as the former President’s personal residence. Eisenhower lived here after he returned from securing an Allied victory during WWII. Three years after his return, it was here that he decided to run for U.S. President as a Republican.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was a crucial figure in American military and political history. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II, he led the successful D-Day invasion. This marked a turning point in the war and contributed significantly to the defeat of Nazi Germany. Eisenhower’s leadership, strategic planning, and ability to unify Allied forces under a common goal earned him global respect and solidified his legacy as one of history’s most important military leaders.
As the 34th President of the United States (1953–1961), Eisenhower oversaw a period of economic growth and stability while managing Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union. He established the Interstate Highway System, strengthened Social Security, and enforced the desegregation of schools, signaling federal support for civil rights. Eisenhower’s balanced leadership helped guide the nation through complex global challenges and set the stage for future reforms at home.
The National Park Service and Gettysburg Foundation partner to enhance the preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg through the Foundation’s public outreach and private financial support. Gettysburg Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site.
Owned By: National Park Service
Operated By: National Park Service
Government Funded: Yes
Did you know?
This house was the only property President Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie Eisenhower, owned.
Recommended Reading
- Crusade in Europe: Definitive History of WWII in Europe by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Reviewed By
Speaker Newt Gingrich
Chairman of Gingrich 360
Adrian Avila
Intern at Gingrich 360
Andrew Smith
Intern at Gingrich 360
The opinions expressed above are those of the Reviewer who is providing a good-faith historical assessment to educate the public. Reasonable opinions can vary, and the Reviewer’s opinion is not necessarily the opinion of The Heritage Foundation or its affiliates.