World War II Weekend

September 19, 2026

Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the 1940s during World War II Weekend, a collaborative event between the WWII American Experience Museum and the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can immerse themselves in the World War II era through living history demonstrations, military vehicles, reenactors, special programs, and hands-on experiences across both locations.

Saturday at the WWII American Experience Museum

Ride in Historic WWII Vehicles

One of the highlights of the weekend is the opportunity to experience history in motion. On Saturday, September 19, guests can purchase rides in a variety of authentic World War II military vehicles, including:

• Tanks
• Half-tracks
• Jeeps
• Military trucks

Feel the rumble of armored vehicles and experience firsthand what transportation was like for American servicemen during the war.

Ride tickets will be available soon. Keep checking our ticket website.

USO-Style Swing Dance

When the sun goes down, the museum's Motor Pool transforms into a 1940s dance hall for an unforgettable evening of music and dancing.

Join us for a World War II USO-style Swing Dance featuring live music from The Generations Big Band. Whether you're an experienced dancer or simply want to enjoy the atmosphere, this lively evening will transport you back to the wartime home front.

TICKETS:

Individual Admission – $25 per person

Reserved Table for 8 – $180

PERIOD ATTIRE DISCOUNT: Guests attending in WWII/1940s period attire, including reenactors, may purchase discounted admission for $15 per person. These discounted tickets are available IN PERSON ONLY and cannot be purchased online in advance.

Regular individual tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the door, subject to availability.

Visit the Eisenhower Farm

Just a short drive away, the Eisenhower Farm will host a weekend-long World War II living history event featuring reenactors, military encampments, demonstrations, and interpretive programs that bring the era to life.

Together, the WWII American Experience Museum and the Eisenhower Farm offer a unique opportunity to experience World War II history through vehicles, music, living history, and personal stories.

Plan Your Visit

Additional event details, schedules, and ticket information will be announced as they become available. Check back often for updates.

We look forward to welcoming you for one of Gettysburg's most exciting WWII-themed weekends of the year.

WWII Weekend Tank Rides

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Climb aboard a piece of history during WWII Weekend at the World War II American Experience!

On Saturday, September 19, guests will have the opportunity to experience a ride aboard one of our historic Sherman tanks. Rides will be offered in our 1945 M4A3E8 105 Sherman and 1943 M4A1 Grizzly throughout the day.

Unlike our larger Military Weekend ride program, these tank rides are offered at scheduled 30-minute intervals, allowing guests to reserve a specific time in advance.

Scheduled Tank Ride Times

10:00 AM • 10:30 AM • 11:00 AM • 11:30 AM • 12:00 PM
2:00 PM • 2:30 PM • 3:00 PM • 3:30 PM • 4:00 PM

Availability is limited, and advance purchase is recommended.

How Tank Ride Tickets Work

Each tank ride accommodates up to two guests.

Riding with Two People

If you have two people who would like to ride together, purchase the two-rider tank ride and select an available scheduled time.

Your purchase reserves both rider positions in the tank for your party at that scheduled ride time.

Riding by Yourself? Select “Individual Rider”

Guests do not need to have a second person in order to purchase a tank ride.

If only one person will be riding, select the “Individual Rider” ticket option when purchasing.

Because each ride has two rider positions, Individual Riders will be paired with another guest who has also purchased an Individual Rider ticket.

Purchasing an Individual Rider ticket reserves one rider position, not the entire two-person ride.

When You Arrive

All tank riders should check in at the museum Front Desk upon arrival.

Museum staff will check your reservation and provide your physical tank ride ticket and any additional instructions you will need for your scheduled ride.

Please arrive early enough to complete check-in before your scheduled ride time. Do not wait until your scheduled ride time to check in at the Front Desk.

What to Expect

These are authentic historic military vehicles, and riding in them is very different from riding in a modern passenger vehicle.

Guests should expect loud engine noise, vibration, dust, heat, uneven surfaces, and movement during the ride. Conditions may vary depending on the weather and the vehicle being operated.

Riders will need to climb onto and enter the tank. Steps will be provided to assist with entry and exit, but participants must be physically capable of entering and exiting the vehicle on their own.

Rider Requirements & Safety

All tank ride participants must:

• Sign a participant waiver before riding.
• Wear closed-toe shoes.
• Be able to enter and exit the tank on their own.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing onto, entering, and exiting the tank.
• Follow all directions given by museum staff and vehicle crews.
• Remain in the designated rider position while the vehicle is in operation.

For the safety of our guests, crews, and historic vehicles, participants who are unable or unwilling to meet these requirements may not be permitted to ride.

Historic Vehicles & Operational Availability

Our tanks are historic military vehicles maintained and operated by the World War II American Experience. As with any historic vehicle, mechanical, maintenance, weather, or safety considerations may require us to adjust the ride schedule or substitute vehicles.

While we will make every effort to operate rides as scheduled, the specific tank used for a particular ride cannot be guaranteed.

Tank rides are available Saturday, September 19, 2026, during WWII Weekend. Space is limited and advance reservations are strongly recommended.