Fees -- Admission to the battlefield is $4 for adults, $6 per family, and free for children 17 and under.
Visitor Center -- Begin a trip to the battlefield at the visitor center, 1 mile north of Sharpsburg on Route 65 (tel. 301/432-5124; www.nps.gov/anti). It has exhibits, documentaries, a museum, a gift shop, and an observation room overlooking the battlefield. The staff provides maps, literature, and suggestions for routes to explore the battlefield and cemetery. It's open June through August daily from 8am to 7pm, September through May daily from 8:30am to 5pm; closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. Note: The battlefield officially closes 20 minutes after sunset.
Hire a Guide -- Whether you are dragging along your bored tween-agers or following the steps of your favorite Union general, an Antietam Battlefield Guide (tel. 866/461-5180 or 301/432-4329; www.antietambattlefieldguides.com) will tailor his tour to interest anyone. Since 1915, Gettysburg has had guides who show the sights and tell the stories of battle. Antietam's guides got their start in 2006 with a similar idea. They're passionate about their Civil War history -- they've studied and passed tests to do this. They'll drive you around the battlefields so you don't miss a thing. And they've got stories about all the regiments, generals, and soldiers, some of whom have become well known: Clara Barton; Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.; Abner Doubleday. Guides charge $50 for a 2-hour tour for up to six people. Reservations are recommended, but if you come to Antietam and decide you want a guide, ask at the gift shop and someone may be available to show you around.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
