Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Protected park · MD, USA
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in MD, USA. Operated by National Park Service.
Usual hours
- Mon–Sun 9:00–17:00
About
This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).
Entrance / day-use fee applies.
This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.
Official facts
Public access: Open access.
Protected area: 47 acres (19 ha).
Designation: National Monument. Listed as "Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: protected from conversion, multiple uses allowed (GAP 3).
Established: 1939.
Managed by: NPS.
At the park
- Wildlife & bird watching
Shows and experiences
- Junior Ranger program
- Ranger & guided programs
Events
- Evening Flag Change
- Morning Flag Change
- War in the Chesapeake
- Battle of Baltimore
- Flag Talk
- Ranger's Choice Programs
Before you go
- Mobility
- Available in the park: mobility & stroller rentals. Confirm rental availability and pricing with the park.
- Limits
- Are pets permitted in the park?
- Park alert: Preservation Work Along Trails
- Starting March 18, preservationists restoring the bronze state plaques along the entrance road, and the War of 1812 commemorative markers in the Orpheus Grove. Some of these areas may be temporarily closed while work is in progress.
- Park alert: Baltimore Area Traffic Advisory
- Traffic in the Baltimore area has increased considerably in recent months due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which connected the Baltimore beltway. Please check the latest traffic conditions to plan your travel accordingly.
- Park alert: Motorized Recreational Scooters Not Permitted in Park
- For the safety and protection of visitors and park resources, motorized scooters are not permitted within the park. Any vehicles (scooters, bicycles, etc.) that are part of a ride-share program may not be left behind for pick up inside the park
- Park alert: We cannot mail out at this time
- We do not mail Junior Ranger books; please download from site. Completed books may be submitted digitally. Junior Ranger badges may be mailed once per person per calendar year after completion. We do not mail completed books back.
- 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.
- Weather & 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.
- Visitor center
- Chesapeake Map
- Visitor center
- Flag Pole
- Visitor center
- Flag Pole
- Visitor center
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
- Visitor center
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
- Visitor center
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
- Visitor center
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
- Visitor center
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center — 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. — 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. Once inside the park gates follow the park road to the main parking lot. The visitor center is located directly adjacent of the main parking lot.
- Visitor center
- Star Fort Historic Zone
- Visitor center
- Star Fort Historic Zone
Facilities on the park map
10 bench, 3 changing table, 3 first aid kit, 1 mobility rental, 2 picnic area, 8 restroom, 10 visitor information, 1 water fountain.