National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Mid-Atlantic

About Fort McHenry

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Mid-Atlantic
State: Maryland
Designation: National Monument and Historic Shrine
Entrance fee: $15, per person

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Fort McHenry.

Entrance fees

$15 Per Person Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
$15 Non-commercial Groups

Passes

$45 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Mon: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tue: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wed: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thu: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America the Beautiful Passes are open from 9:00 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Star Fort, Visitor Center, gift shop, and restrooms close 15 minutes before the park closes. Closing times indicate when the gates will be closed; all visitors must exit by this time. Last entry into the park is at 4:45 p.m.

Weather and when to go

Temperatures and weather in the spring and fall months tend to be mild. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can occur during winter. Extreme heat can occur during the summer months. Inclement weather may impact park hours of operation year round. Refer to the park alerts or call ahead to confirm operating hours.

Getting there

The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park. From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: (410) 962-4290
Email: FOMC_Interpretation@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/fomc

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Fort McHenry

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Fort McHenry

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Fort McHenry's Defenders

Guided Tours · about 50 min

On this program we'll explore the generations of defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the Wa…
Flag Change Programs

Guided Tours · about 15 min

Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
War in the Chesapeake

Guided Tours · about 35 min

This free 45-minute ranger program focuses on the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Follow a dramatic story of devastating British raids and the American response, culminati…
American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave

Guided Tours · about 45 min

Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
Ranger's Choice Programs

Guided Tours · about 30 min

Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
Fort McHenry Movie

Park Film · about 15 min

Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
Fife and Drum Music Demonstration

Live Music · about 15 min

Music played an important role in the daily lives of soldiers garrisoned at Fort McHenry. A soldier's entire day would revolve around the sounds of fifes and drums. Join living hi…
Battle of Baltimore

Guided Tours · about 50 min

This 45–60-minute, ranger-led walk guides visitors from the Chesapeake Map to the Historic Star Fort. Along the way, visitors will hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour stor…
Weapons Demonstration

Historic Weapons Demonstration · about 15 min

Learn about the weapons of the War of 1812 from the park's living historians! *Please note that these programs may include firing demonstrations, but firings are not guaranteed. *…