A Patriot’s Quest: An Adventure Through Adams County’s Hidden Revolutionary History

Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Start and end at 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg

Step into the shoes of a Revolutionary War courier and set out on a self-guided driving adventure across Adams County. This is not a guided tour or a race; rather, it’s an opportunity to explore at your own pace, work together as a team, and uncover the stories of the local patriots who helped shape our nation.

Armed with a historic passport, sealed dispatches, and your powers of observation, you’ll travel to churches, taverns, cemeteries, monuments, and other historic landmarks connected to the Revolutionary era.

Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles, decipher clues, and uncover the stories of local soldiers, ministers, tavern keepers, and ordinary citizens whose actions helped secure American liberty. Each stop reveals another piece of the story, leading you closer to a final challenge back at Beyond the Battle Museum.

Designed for families, history enthusiasts, and adventurers of all ages,  A Patriot’s Quest allows participants to experience Adams County’s Revolutionary past while discovering the people and places that kept the spirit of liberty alive.

Will you complete your mission and discover Adams County’s Revolutionary History?

This event will take place Saturday, August 22nd. The cost per team is $70 for Gettysburg History members and $80 per team for non-members.

Before You Register
A Patriot’s Quest is a self-guided driving adventure. Participants will travel between multiple historic sites throughout Adams County using their own vehicles. Reserve your tickets here.

Event Details

• Teams may consist of 1–5 participants.

• At least one team member must be a licensed driver with access to a vehicle.

• Teams will depart from Gettysburg History at staggered start times between 9:30 and 10 a.m.

• The experience typically takes 5–6 hours, though teams may complete the route at their own pace during event hours. The tour will also end at Gettysburg History at 4 p.m.

What to Expect

• A scenic drive through Adams County to multiple Revolutionary-era sites.

• Walking through historic cemeteries, churchyards, and other outdoor locations.

• Engage in solving puzzles, deciphering coded messages, and completing interactive challenges to earn points. Points will be tallied at your final stop to determine the winner!

• Using observation, historical information, and teamwork to advance through the quest.

• A final mission back at Gettysburg History.

Accessibility
Please note that this event includes outdoor exploration. Most locations require walking on grass, gravel, uneven ground, and cemetery paths. Some sites have limited parking. Restroom facilities are not available at every stop.

What to Bring

• A fully charged smartphone (for QR codes and digital content)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Water and light snacks

• Sunscreen and insect repellent (recommended but not required)

• Please remember: Many of the locations visited are historic and active cemeteries. Participants are expected to conduct themselves respectfully at all times.

• Stay on established paths whenever possible.

• Do not climb on monuments or disturb grave markers.

• Obey all traffic laws and do not park on or near graves.

• Some clues require careful observation, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

Weather Policy
This event will be held rain or shine. Only severe weather or unsafe conditions will result in cancellation or postponement.