Antietam National Battlefield travel guide

Antietam National Battlefield travel guide

National Airports

There are no national airports located directly in Antietam National Battlefield. The nearest major airport is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), which is approximately 75 miles east of the park.

Other nearby airports include Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is approximately 70 miles to the south, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is approximately 75 miles to the east.

From these airports, visitors can rent a car or use public transportation to travel to the park. The park is located near the town of Sharpsburg, Maryland, which is accessible via Route 65 from the north and Route 34 from the south.

Trains in Antietam National Battlefield

There are no train stations located directly in Antietam National Battlefield. The nearest train stations are located in the nearby towns of Brunswick, Maryland and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Both stations are served by MARC commuter trains, which run on weekdays between Washington, D.C. and Martinsburg, West Virginia.

From Brunswick or Harpers Ferry, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to travel to the park. The park is located approximately 20 miles south of Brunswick and 15 miles northeast of Harpers Ferry.

Buses in Antietam National Battlefield

There are no public transportation buses that directly serve Antietam National Battlefield. However, visitors can use the Washington County Transit system to travel to the nearby town of Sharpsburg, which is located about 2 miles from the park.

The Washington County Transit system offers several routes throughout the area, including a route that serves Sharpsburg. From Sharpsburg, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to travel to the park.

Additionally, some tour companies offer bus tours to Antietam National Battlefield from nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. These tours typically include transportation to and from the park, as well as a guided tour of the battlefield.

How to get to Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield is located in western Maryland, near the town of Sharpsburg. Here are some ways to get to the park:

By car: The most convenient way to get to Antietam National Battlefield is by car. The park is located near the intersection of Routes 34 and 65, approximately 70 miles west of Baltimore and 75 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. The park has ample parking available for visitors.

By public transportation: Visitors can use the Washington County Transit system to travel to the nearby town of Sharpsburg, which is located about 2 miles from the park. From Sharpsburg, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to travel to the park.

By tour bus: Some tour companies offer bus tours to Antietam National Battlefield from nearby cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C. These tours typically include transportation to and from the park, as well as a guided tour of the battlefield.

By bike: Visitors can also bike to the park using the C&O Canal Towpath, which runs along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The park is located about 1 mile east of the towpath.

By foot: Visitors can also hike to the park using the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the ridges surrounding the park. The park is located approximately 2 miles east of the trail.

What is the best time to travel to Antietam National Battlefield

The best time to visit Antietam National Battlefield is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and battlefield tours without the crowds and high temperatures of the summer months.

In the spring, visitors can see the park’s wildflowers in bloom and enjoy the lush greenery. In the fall, visitors can experience the vibrant foliage colors and attend special events like the annual Memorial Illumination, where 23,000 luminaries are placed on the battlefield to honor the soldiers who died during the Battle of Antietam.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the 90s, so visitors should come prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water. However, summer is a popular time for events and programs, including living history demonstrations and ranger-led programs.

Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but the park remains open for hiking and driving tours. However, some facilities may be closed or have limited hours during the winter season.

How to get around Antietam National Battlefield

The best way to get around Antietam National Battlefield is by car or by bike. The park is relatively small and has a one-way driving tour route that covers the main points of interest, including the battlefield, the visitor center, and several historic structures. Bikes are also permitted on the driving tour route, as well as on the park’s hiking trails.

Alternatively, visitors can explore the park on foot by hiking the several trails that wind through the park, including the Antietam Battlefield Trail and the Bloody Lane Trail. The park also offers ranger-led programs and walking tours that provide a more in-depth look at the history of the battlefield.

The park does not offer any shuttle services or public transportation options, so visitors should plan to bring their own transportation or rent a car if needed. Additionally, visitors should be aware that some of the park’s roads and trails may be closed during inclement weather or for maintenance.

Accommodations in Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield does not offer overnight accommodations within the park boundaries, but there are several lodging options available in nearby towns. Here are some options:

Sharpsburg, Maryland: The town of Sharpsburg is located just a few miles from the park and offers several bed and breakfasts and small inns, including The Inn at Antietam and Jacob Rohrbach Inn.

Shepherdstown, West Virginia: This charming college town is located about 12 miles from the park and offers a variety of lodging options, including bed and breakfasts, hotels, and vacation rentals.

Hagerstown, Maryland: This larger city is located about 20 miles from the park and offers a range of lodging options, including hotels and motels.

Frederick, Maryland: This historic city is located about 30 miles from the park and offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals.

Camping is also available in the area at nearby state parks, including Greenbrier State Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park.