Population107,594 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Historic Roads Converge Around a National Battlefield
Adams County, PennsylvaniaGettysburg anchors Adams County, where the battlefield and Eisenhower National Historic Site connect local landscapes with national history. Roads converge on the borough from surrounding communities, giving the county a distinctive geographic pattern. Rural areas beyond the battlefield provide an important part of the wider county setting. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 107,594 residents in Adams County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025.
Adams County at a Glance
Population107,594 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatGettysburg
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Gettysburg borough
Established1800
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water521.691 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Roads & Traffic511PA travel updates
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Adams County
Adams County
Adams County was created from part of York County in 1800 and named for President John Adams. Gettysburg became the county seat. The battle fought nearby on July 1–3, 1863, gave the area a lasting place in national memory. The later Eisenhower home and farm add another presidential chapter. Historic roads converging around Gettysburg connect those nationally recognized sites with a wider pattern of rural communities beyond the battlefield itself.
Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site provide two major historical destinations, but Adams County extends beyond their boundaries. Surrounding towns and rural roads help place the battlefield in its regional setting. A visit benefits from time for interpretation as well as movement between sites. Pairing a national historical destination with an exploration of the county’s local geography gives a fuller view than treating the borough as the entire county.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Gettysburg anchors Adams County, where the battlefield and Eisenhower National Historic Site connect local landscapes with national history. Roads converge on the borough from surrounding communities, giving the county a distinctive geographic pattern.
Community History
Adams County was created from part of York County in 1800 and named for President John Adams. Gettysburg became the county seat.
Around the County
Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site provide two major historical destinations, but Adams County extends beyond their boundaries.
National memory rests within a living rural county.
A Closer Look
Adams County
Places and perspectives from Adams County
Adams County Wire
Adams County & Pennsylvania News
Includes Pennsylvania statewide reporting; stories may cover other counties.Photo CreditsGettysburg Borough — Community Events
Care on the Square
Event dates: October 24, 2026 - October 25, 2026Event Time: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PMLocation: Lincoln SquareBaltimore Street…
Read the Story Aug 27, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Adams County
Stories from every corner of Adams County.
Care on the Square
Event dates: October 24, 2026 - October 25, 2026Event Time: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PMLocation: Lincoln SquareBaltimore Street…
Aug 27, 2026 • 2 min read
Campus Fundraising Kick-Off Campaign
Event date: October 17, 2026 Event Time: 08:00 AM - 11:00 PMLocation: West Lincoln Avenue betweenConstitution Avenue and…
Aug 11, 2026 • 2 min read
2026 Gettysburg Halloween Parade
Event date: October 20, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM - 09:00 PMLocation: York Street; Lincoln Square; Baltimore Street;…
Jun 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Three Mile Island restart clears environmental review, with 2027 return still targeted
Three Mile Island’s undamaged reactor has cleared a federal environmental review as its owner works toward restarting electricity…
Oct 17, 2026 • 2 min read
Finding joy
After another walk in our near perfect autumn weather, chatting with my friend, and stopping occasionally as one…
Oct 17, 2026 • 4 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Bermudian Springs El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 7335 Carlisle Pike, York Springs, PA 17372. 717-528-4113.
Conewago Twp El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-03. 1189 W Elm Ave, Hanover, PA 17331. 717-624-2157.
Fairfield Area El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 4842 Fairfield Rd, Fairfield, PA 17320. 717-642-8228.
Franklin Twp El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 870 Old Route 30, Cashtown, PA 17310. 717-334-6254.
Gettysburg Montessori CS – Elementary; grades KG-06. 888 Coleman Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. 717-334-1120.
Alloway Creek El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 162 Newark St, Littlestown, PA 17340. 717-359-4146.
Upper Adams Intrmdt Sch – Middle; grades 04-06. 136 Fohl Street, Arendtsville, PA 17303. 717-677-4300.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Gettysburg Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 147 Gettys Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. 717-334-2121.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Department of Emergency Services
State Parks
Pennsylvania State Parks
Find Pennsylvania state parks.
Pennsylvania State Forests
Nearby public forest opportunities.
PA Outdoor Recreation
State recreation information.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Boating and fishing opportunities.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
State wildlife and game lands.
Trails
Explore PA Trails
State trail finder and maps.
Pennsylvania DCNR
Parks, forests and trail information.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy TrailLink
Rail-trail maps and descriptions.
Pennsylvania State Parks
State park trail opportunities.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Game lands and public land guidance.
Utilities
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
Regulated utilities, complaints and provider help.
PA 211 Utilities Assistance
Locate utility payment assistance.
Pennsylvania LIHEAP
Home heating assistance information.
Pennsylvania 811
Call-before-you-dig service.
PA DEP
Water, environmental and public utilities information.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Adams County Library System – 140 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. 717-334-0163.
Harbaugh Thomas Library – 59 W York St, Biglerville, PA 17307. 717-677-6257.
Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library Of East Berlin – 105 Locust Street, East Berlin, PA 17316. 717-259-9000.
Carroll Valley Library – 5685 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, PA 17320. 717-642-6009.
Littlestown Area Library – 232 N Queen St, Littlestown, PA 17340. 717-359-0446.
New Oxford Area Library – 124 N Peter Street, New Oxford, PA 17350. 717-624-2182.
Courts
DMV
Pennsylvania — Find a Location
Pennsylvania — Title and Registration
Pennsylvania — Licenses & Photo IDs
Transportation
PennDOT
Roads, transportation and construction.
511PA
Real-time highway travel conditions.
PA Public Transportation
Transit options statewide.
Amtrak
Rail routes and stations.
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Driver and vehicle services.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Plan Your Adams County Visit
Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.
Local Questions
Adams County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers
Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.
The battlefield and national cemetery can be explored without buying the visitor-center museum package. The museum, film, Cyclorama and guided tours have separate ticket arrangements. Choose the experience you want before booking.
Gettysburg Heritage Center: Explore local perspectives on Gettysburg's Civil War history; check museum admission. Land of Little Horses: Plan an animal-focused family visit near Gettysburg; check seasonal dates and admission.
Gettysburg National Military Park: Explore the battlefield without a park-entry fee; museum packages and guided tours cost separately. Strawberry Hill: Choose a nature trail near Fairfield; check visiting information and separate program fees.
Gettysburg National Military Park: Explore the battlefield without a park-entry fee; museum packages and guided tours cost separately. Strawberry Hill: Choose a nature trail near Fairfield; check visiting information and separate program fees. Free access does not include purchases, rentals or separately ticketed activities.
Blue & Gray Bar & Grill: Choose a meal on Gettysburg's town square. Dobbin House Tavern: Plan a meal in a historic Gettysburg setting; check the different dining options and reservation arrangements.
Lark, A Modern Marketplace: Browse contemporary gifts and home items in downtown Gettysburg. Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market: Look for seasonal produce and food gifts in Biglerville.
Fresh Boutique: Browse boutique clothing in Gettysburg. A Lit'le Irish, Too: Look for Irish clothing, accessories and gifts in Gettysburg.
Gettysburg anchors Adams County, where the battlefield and Eisenhower National Historic Site connect local landscapes with national history. Roads converge on the borough from surrounding communities, giving the county a distinctive geographic pattern. Use the local museums and historic sites above to explore that story in more detail.
Adams County Library System – 140 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA 17325. 717-334-0163. Harbaugh Thomas Library – 59 W York St, Biglerville, PA 17307. 717-677-6257. These contacts come from the supplied local-library directory; call for current opening hours, children’s programs and visitor services.
Bermudian Springs El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-04. 7335 Carlisle Pike, York Springs, PA 17372. 717-528-4113. Conewago Twp El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-03. 1189 W Elm Ave, Hanover, PA 17331. 717-624-2157. These are selected contacts from the supplied school directory. Contact the school or district to confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment; a nearby school is not necessarily the assigned school.
Gettysburg is the county seat recorded in the supplied Adams County information. Use the Government tab in local resources to locate the department you need; offices may have different addresses and appointment arrangements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time for a Local DiscoveryExplore places to eat, shop and spend time in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.
Kids’ Fun
- Gettysburg Heritage Center — Explore local perspectives on Gettysburg's Civil War history; check museum admission.
- Land of Little Horses — Plan an animal-focused family visit near Gettysburg; check seasonal dates and admission.
- Gettysburg National Military Park — Explore the battlefield without a park-entry fee; museum packages and guided tours cost separately.
Restaurants
- Blue & Gray Bar & Grill — Choose a meal on Gettysburg's town square.
- Dobbin House Tavern — Plan a meal in a historic Gettysburg setting; check the different dining options and reservation arrangements.
- Garryowen Irish Pub — Consider an Irish-pub meal in downtown Gettysburg.
Shopping & Retail
- Lark, A Modern Marketplace — Browse contemporary gifts and home items in downtown Gettysburg.
- Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market — Look for seasonal produce and food gifts in Biglerville.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Fresh Boutique — Browse boutique clothing in Gettysburg.
- A Lit'le Irish, Too — Look for Irish clothing, accessories and gifts in Gettysburg.
- The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg — Compare apparel and footwear stores using the current outlet directory.
Outdoor Fun
- Gettysburg National Military Park — Explore the battlefield without a park-entry fee; museum packages and guided tours cost separately.
- Strawberry Hill — Choose a nature trail near Fairfield; check visiting information and separate program fees.
Free Things to Do
- Gettysburg National Military Park — Explore the battlefield without a park-entry fee; museum packages and guided tours cost separately.
- Strawberry Hill — Choose a nature trail near Fairfield; check visiting information and separate program fees.
- Gettysburg National Cemetery — Make a quiet, respectful visit to the cemetery as part of a Gettysburg history outing.
Businesses in This County Guide
More Adams County Questions
How could I build a short Adams County outing from these places?
One possible plan is Gettysburg Heritage Center, a meal at Blue & Gray Bar & Grill, and a browse at Lark, A Modern Marketplace. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.
How can I keep a Adams County day trip inexpensive?
Start with Gettysburg National Military Park and Strawberry Hill and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.
Where should I check the forecast before visiting Gettysburg National Military Park?
Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Gettysburg National Military Park, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.
What should I confirm before making a special trip to Fresh Boutique?
Use Fresh Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.
Where can I find the businesses featured in this Adams County guide?
The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to Klines Tax Service. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.