You Can Rent These 2 Historic Homes on the Gettysburg Battlefield — Here’s How

The National Park Service (NPS) is opening up a pair of historic homes on the Gettysburg battlefield for overnight stays later this month, allowing travelers to take a step back in time.

The two homes — the Michael Bushman and the John Slyder houses — will be available for bookings starting May 24, according to the NPS. Reservations for the Pennsylvania homes will be available on recreation.gov.

“Our visitors will now have an extraordinary opportunity to stay in two of the battlefield’s historic homes,” Kristina Heister, the Gettysburg National Military Park superintendent, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “The program is being implemented as a three-year pilot that affords visitors with a unique and immersive experience on the battlefield and provides funding support for the repair and maintenance of our many historic structures.”

Each home has its own place in Civil War history, making each uniquely significant. Both witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.

During the battle, the John Slyder home’s farm served as a defensive position for Union sharpshooters, while the Michael Bushman home’s farm — which used to be rented out before the COVID-19 pandemic — served as a staging ground for Confederate General John Bell Hood’s attack.

While travelers who book the homes may feel like they’re stepping back in time, each home is fully equipped with modern conveniences like updated kitchens complete with dishes, utensils, a coffee maker, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator, central heating and air conditioning, and all linens, sheets, pillows, and towels provided.

The John Slyder farmhouse features a large loft bedroom with two queen beds and one bathroom. Rates start at $165 per night during non-peak season and $200 during peak season.

The Bushman house is larger and features three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms. Rates start at $325 per night during non-peak season and $400 during peak season.

But you don’t have to wait to book the homes to see inside. The NPS offers 3D and 360-degree video tours of each online.

The Gettysburg National Military Park is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, which was named one of the best small towns on the East Coast.