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National Battlefield · Maryland

Monocacy National Battlefield

National Battlefield in Maryland. No entrance fee. 2 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Battlefield
StateMaryland
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkShenandoah (77 mi)
Closest airportIAD (29 mi)
Federal style house with trees behind it during the fall season.
The Worthington House is one of the most iconic locations on the battlefield. Photo: NPS Photo

Monocacy National Battlefield is a national battlefield run by the National Park Service in Maryland.

In the park service’s words

During the summer of 1864, the Confederacy carried out a bold plan to turn the tide of the Civil War in their favor. They planned to capture Washington, DC and influence the election of 1864. On July 9, however, Federal soldiers outnumbered three to one, fought gallantly along the banks of the Monocacy River in an effort to buy time for Union reinforcement to arrive in Washington, DC.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Ignite your Imagination at Monocacy National Battlefield (1 to 4 Hours): Monocacy National Battlefield encompasses several centuries of history, which reflect events of both national and local significance.
  • Picnicking At Monocacy: Add a picnic to your exploration of the battlefield. Monocacy National Battlefield has picnic tables at several locations throughout the park.
  • Hikes at the Worthington Farm (30 to 160 Minutes): Take a hike at Worthington Farm! Three trails at Worthington Farm provide options for exploring.
  • Hike The Thomas Farm Trail (30 to 120 Minutes): Take a hike at Thomas Farm! Two trails at the Thomas Farm provide options for exploring.
  • Explore L'Hermitage (20 to 120 Minutes): Explore the late 18th century slave plantation known as L'Hermitage.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Daily, 7:30AM - Sunset. The park grounds are open daily from 7:30 until 20 minutes after sunset.

Getting there

From the North (U.S. 15) or West (Hagerstown): Use I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the East (Baltimore): Use I-70 west and take Exit 54. Bear left then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the left. From the South (Washington): Use I-270 north to I-70 east and take Exit 54. Bear right then take a left onto Rt. 355. The visitor center will be on the the left.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) Dulles, VA No road route 29 Large hub
Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field (HGR) Hagerstown, MD No road route 30 Regional
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Washington, DC No road route 40 Large hub

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

  • Visitor Center: Mon 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Tue Closed; Wed Closed; Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The Visitor Center is open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For additional information, please contact the Visitor Center at 301-662-3515.

Weather

Spring (March - May) Temperatures: Average high is 67 degrees with a low of 53 degrees Summer (June - August) Temperatures: Average high is 87 degrees with a low of 65 degrees Fall (September - November) Temperatures: Average high is 68 degrees with a low of 48 degrees Winter (December - February) Temperatures: Average high is 45 degrees with a low of 27 degrees (Source: www.usclimatedata.com)

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 77 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Monocacy National Battlefield?

No entrance fee.

Where is Monocacy National Battlefield?

In Maryland. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Washington Dulles International Airport, about 29 miles away.

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