Visit Fort McHenry
2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Experience History
Fort McHenry National Shrine offers visitors a chance to step into a defining moment of American history while enjoying a scenic waterfront setting. Explore the star-shaped fort where the defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Walk the historic ramparts, watch ranger-led programs and flag demonstrations, and tour exhibits that bring the fort’s military and cultural legacy to life. With open green spaces, river views, and engaging activities for all ages, Fort McHenry is both a powerful historical landmark and a relaxing place to explore.
Friends of Fort McHenry invites you to visit the park and become part of our community!
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 East Fort Avenue,
Baltimore MD 21230.
Park Hours
Every Day:9:00 AM–5:00 PM
For the most up-to-date information, visit the Fort McHenry page at NPS.
Parking
Parking at the fort is free, but limited.
Admission
Visit the NPS site for details.
Transit Options for Fort McHenry
There are multiple ways to get to Fort McHenry.
Use your smart phone to get driving directions and take advantage of the free parking. Parking is limited so arrive early.
Visit the Visitor and Education Center
The Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center features a welcoming gift shop, restrooms, a free interpretive exhibit and an enthralling movie. You can purchase tickets to visit the historic fort at the visitor center and inquire about the daily schedule of events.
Explore the Grounds
The national park offers several scenic walking trails that are free to access and perfect for visitors of all ages. The trails are relatively short, ranging from about 0.25 miles to just over 1 mile, making them easy to explore at a relaxed pace. Along the way, guests can enjoy waterfront views, historic features, and interpretive signs that highlight the park’s natural and cultural significance.
On-leash animals are allowed in the free-to-use portion of the grounds. Animals are not permitted in the historic fort. Exceptions are made for service animals.
Fun for Kids
Instill a sense of community and pride in Fort McHenry with a fun visit to Fort McHenry. There is lots to see and do at the fort.
Outdoor Play
Fly a kite and kick a ball on the West Lawn at Fort McHenry. The West Lawn is a wide open field that is ideal for frisbee tossing, ball throwing, kite flying, and blanket picnics!
Hold the Flag
With your admission to the historic fort, you have an opportunity to assist the ranger with the morning and evening flag changes. Flag changes occur at 10AM and 4PM, weather dependent.
Watch a Movie
An exciting and informative 12-minute long movie about the Battle of Baltimore is shown every 30-minutes in the Visitor Center. You’ll see the heroic defenders’ of Fort McHenry, hear the sounds of bombs bursting in air, and learn about the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Online Scavenger Hunt
Explore the park and find the answers to the scavenger hunt. Clues may be found throughout the park, on the waysides and in exhibits. Ask a ranger if you need help!
Junior Ranges Badges
Junior Ranger books can be picked up at the Fort McHenry Visitor Center or printed online. Once completed return the book and pencil to a ranger at the Visitor Center, and you will be officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger!
Ride Your Bike
Pedal along a level mile-long scenic paved trail along the Patapsco River. Enjoy the shade of the cherry tree groves, and lookout for surprising wildlife.
Touch a Really Old Cannonball
Don’t worry! It’s a dud, but it really is an unexploded cannon ball fired by the British during the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814. Located in the historic fort, admission fees are required.
Fife and Drum
Enroll in a 4-day free music camp conducted by NPS Rangers. Learn about the lives and work of musicians, soldiers, and sailors at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Fourth Grade National Parks Pass!
4th grade passes are available for all current 4th grade students. To obtain the passes at Fort McHenry, the 4th grader must be present with a valid Every Kid Outdoors voucher. The voucher and pass are free. The pass covers the 4th grade passholder plus 3 adults. To obtain the voucher, they need to visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov.
Summer
Summer at Fort McHenry is a hive of excitement. Visitors from around the world come to Fort McHenry to learn about the birthplace of the American national anthem. The Living History program is in full swing. Sounds of cannons, muskets, and fife and drum music fill the air. Special events on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Defenders' Day are especially moving. To immerse yourself in the sounds, sights, and smells of the Battle of Baltimore, visit Fort McHenry in the summer.
Winter
Winter at Fort McHenry can be cold with the wind coming off the Patapsco River, but the view of the river is unobstructed. Free of crowds, enjoy exploring the historic fort and speaking with the park rangers. Ask them to point out the migrating waterfowl that visit each winter. Don't forget to check the NPS website for unexpected weather closures.
Fall
Fort McHenry in the fall is spectacular. The changing leaves are reflected off the Patapsco River. The crowds are thinning. It's a great time for birdwatching during the fall migration. Veterans Day observances at Fort McHenry are especially impactful.
Spring
Spring at Fort McHenry is beautiful. The park begins to get busy with end-of-school-year field trips. Annual events such as EXPLORE Day attract hundreds of school children to an educational experience at the park. The cherry blossoms and crabapple blossoms will not disappoint. Watch out for the returning osprey.