Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site are among six sites included in Pennsylvania’s new Highway of Heroes trail. The yearlong initiative connects nationally significant destinations along the historic Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30) across the Commonwealth’s southern tier.
From east to west, the trail links Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, and Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh.
Together, the sites present Pennsylvania’s historic places as part of a broader, connected story and illustrate the Commonwealth’s enduring role in American history from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution through the Civil War, Cold War, and the events of September 11, 2001.
Visitors who complete the trail by checking in at six qualifying sites will receive a commemorative display of six challenge coins representing the participating locations. A visit to the Lincoln Highway Experience museum in Latrobe may substitute for one of the required stops.
According to Karl Pietrzak, President and CEO of Destination Gettysburg, a key participant in the initiative, “Gettysburg sits at the center of both the Commonwealth and its history, where the Civil War unfolded and where President Eisenhower later helped shape the nation’s modern road system. This trail connects places that help visitors better understand the people, decisions, and sacrifices that shaped the nation. The Highway of Heroes brings them together along one historic route.”
The initiative is a collaboration among national and state historic parks, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor and Pennsylvania destination marketing organizations. The effort coincides with the Commonwealth’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
There is no cost to participate. Visitors have one year to complete the trail and receive the commemorative coin display. The program launches March 27, 2026, and continues through March 26, 2027.
More information about the Highway of Heroes and how to participate is available at pahighway.com.
Source: Destination Gettysburg