National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
MD
Visit on NPS.govAbout This Park
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.
Activities
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Plan Your Visit
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Park Grounds and Parking lot: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Park registers for purchasing Star Fort Historic Zone entry or America The Beautiful Passes are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. 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.
Visitor Centers
Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
The Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:45 pm. Inside the visitor center is an introductory museum, a movie (plays every 30 minutes), the park bookstore, restrooms, and water bottle filling station. The visitor center and museum are free to visit. Visitors interested in purchasing entrance passes to the Star Fort Historic Zone or an America the Beautiful pass can do so here.
2400 East Fort AvenueBaltimore, MD 21230
Operating Hours
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.
Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
The Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center is open daily from 9:00 am - 4:45 pm. Inside the visitor center is an introductory museum, a movie (plays every 30 minutes), the park bookstore, restrooms, and water bottle filling station. The visitor center and museum are free to visit. Visitors interested in purchasing entrance passes to the Star Fort Historic Zone or an America the Beautiful pass can do so here.
2400 East Fort AvenueBaltimore, MD 21230
Operating Hours
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.
Things to Do
Fort McHenry Movie
Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
Duration: 12-12 Minutes
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War on the Chesapeake
This free 45-minute ranger program focuses on the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Follow a dramatic story of dev...
Duration: 30-45 Minutes
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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 r...
Duration: 10-15 Minutes
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Battle of Baltimore
This 45–60-minute, ranger-led walk guides visitors from the Chesapeake Map to the Historic Star Fort. Along the way, vis...
Duration: 45-60 Minutes
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Ranger's Choice Programs
Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
Duration: 25-45 Minutes
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Fort McHenry's Defenders
This year, Fort McHenry celebrates its 100th anniversary as a National Park Service site! On this program we'll explore ...
Duration: 45-60 Minutes
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Cast Your Vote! Americans and the War of 1812
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to explain the arguments for and against going to war in 1812 and evaluate America’s best option. Focus Question on for the Lesson: Should the United States have gone to war in 1812?
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Fort McHenry as a Prison: A Soldier's Life
Students will use primary source documents to understand the activities and living conditions of soldiers garrisoned at Fort McHenry during the Civil War.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)The War of 1812 - Baltimore's Role
Students will read primary and secondary source documents to identify the actions of the citizens in the defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812.
View on NPS.gov(opens in new tab)Explore the full collection of educator resources from the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
Part of the 9/11 Trail
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is one of the National Park Service sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a 1,500+ mile pathway of remembrance linking the three 9/11 memorial sites.
Park information provided by the National Park Service. Data refreshed daily.