Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a national monument and historic shrine run by the National Park Service in Maryland.

In the park service’s words

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 (public domain).

Things to do

• Fort McHenry's Defenders (45 to 60 Minutes): 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 War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a nat
• Flag Change Programs (10 to 15 Minutes): Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
• War in the Chesapeake (30 to 45 Minutes): 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
• American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave (45 Minutes): 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 (25 to 45 Minutes): Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
• Fort McHenry Movie (12 to 12 Minutes): Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
• Fife and Drum Music Demonstration (10 to 15 Minutes): 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.
• Battle of Baltimore (45 to 60 Minutes): This 45 to 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 storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering Baltimore Harbor. This defiant stand, witnessed by lawyer Fran

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: $15 per person. The America the Beautiful pass covers it.

Hours: Daily, 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.

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.

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

• [Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center](): Mon 9:00AM - 4:45PM; Tue 9:00AM - 4:45PM; Wed 9:00AM - 4:45PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:45PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:45PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:45PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:45PM. The 10-minute orientation film plays every half hour with the first showing at 9:00 AM and the last showing at 4:00 PM. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America The Beautiful Passes are open from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 108 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.