Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
MD
Park Alerts (5)
About Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
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.
Things To Do
Showing 6 of 20
Flag Change Programs
Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
War in the Chesapeake
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, culminating in Baltimore at North Point, Hampstead Hill and Fort McHenry. Discover how Chesapeake victories ignited a surge of national pride, making Fort McHenry an enduring symbol of American resilience.
American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
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
Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
Fort McHenry Movie
Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
Fife and Drum Music Demonstration
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 historians in the famous "Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps" as they play period music and give a history of music's role at Fort McHenry.
Available Activities
Weather
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.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine with AI-powered itineraries.
Start PlanningHours
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Park Grounds and Parking Lot Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America the Beautiful Passes open at 9:00 a.m. and close one hour before the park closes. The Star Fort, Visitor Center, gift shop, and restrooms close 15 minutes before the park closes. Closing times indicate when the gates will be close; all visitors must exit by this time.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person
Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
There is no group rate for the entrance fee. All groups must pay $15 per adult. Children in the groups are free, however, they must be accompanied by an adult in the historic zone. Interagency passes are allowed to be used to assist with group entry fees.
Commercial Entrance - Per Person
All commercial groups wishing to visitor Fort McHenry NM&HS must first obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). Groups with an active CUA are subject to the same $15 per person fee to enter the historic zone, however their employees conducting business (tour guides, bus drivers, etc.) are not subject to the entrance fee. Interagency passes may be used to assist with fee payment.
