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National Battlefield

Antietam National Battlefield

InformationOct 15, 2026

Dunker Church, Dunker Church Road, the Visitor Center Temporary Closure

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luminaries placed by Maryland Monument with dramatic orange red clouds

The Memorial Illumination, held in December, features 23,000 candles placed by volunteers, over the north end of the battlefield. Each represents a causality from the battle.

Photo: NPS Antietam/BBaracz

About

23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17, 1862. The Battle of Antietam ended the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia's first invasion into the North and led Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

Activities

BikingRoad BikingCampingGroup CampingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingLiving HistoryHistoric Weapons DemonstrationJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

Ten miles south of I-70 on Maryland Route 65

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Weather

The weather is fairly mild. Summers can be very warm and humid and winters cold and snowy. We have four distinct seasons with the fall and spring being the best times to visit the battlefield.

News

Antietam Visitors Should Plan for Partial Closures Oct. 27-28
Oct 21, 2026

Antietam Visitors Should Plan for Partial Closures Oct. 27-28

Visitors to Antietam National Battlefield should plan for temporary closures of the visitor center, Dunker Church and nearby roads and trails beginning Oct. 27 while Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists remove old ammunition from the base of the O.T. Reilly Monument. Closures may continue Oct. 28.

Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region
Sep 22, 2026

Find Your Fall: Explore National Parks Across the Greater Capital Region

You don’t have to travel far to find spectacular fall color. National parks across the Washington, D.C., region offer countless ways to experience autumn, from mountain trails and Potomac River views to historic battlefields, urban forests and the National Mall.

National Parks Across the National Capital Area Bring America’s Military History to Life
Sep 4, 2026

National Parks Across the National Capital Area Bring America’s Military History to Life

As the nation continues to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the National Park Service sites across the National Capital Area are inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich military history and the people and events that shaped the country. Throughout September, living history programs, artillery demonstrations, ranger-guided hikes and other events will connect visitors with stories spanning from 1775 through World War II.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$100.00