Eisenhower National Historic Site

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Eisenhower National Historic Site is located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.


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Summary

This historic site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who lived there from 1950 until his death in 1969. There are several reasons to visit this site, including the opportunity to learn about President Eisenhower's life and accomplishments, explore the historic home and grounds, and see a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits.

Some of the specific points of interest at the Eisenhower National Historic Site include the Eisenhower home, which has been restored to its 1950s appearance, as well as the gardens, which feature a variety of plants and flowers that were favorites of the former president and First Lady. Visitors can also take guided tours of the property, attend special events and programs, and explore the adjacent Gettysburg National Military Park.

One interesting fact about the Eisenhower National Historic Site is that it was actually purchased by the president and his wife, Mamie, with their own money. They originally intended to use it as a retirement home, but ended up living there full-time after Eisenhower was elected president in 1952.

The best time of year to visit the Eisenhower National Historic Site is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. However, visitors can also enjoy the site during the fall, when the leaves change colors and the surrounding countryside is particularly beautiful.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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