Overview
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.
Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicTheaterBikingRoad BikingCompass and GPSGeocachingFoodPicnickingGuided Tours
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.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Access to the historic zone (where the star fort is located) requires an entrance fee.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00
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$15.00
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.
Gallery
Photos of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
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Things to do
Discover Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
American Bastille
30-45 MinutesJoin rangers to explore the role of Fort McHenry in securing Maryland for the Union during the Civil War, and to examine how its role as a prison and center of martial rule in Baltimore help us to consider the delicate balance between ensuring national security and safeguarding civil liberties.
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Battle of Baltimore
45-60 MinutesThis 45–60-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 Francis Scott Key, inspired the verses that became “The Star-Spangled Banner".
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Become a Fort McHenry Jr. Ranger
1 HourInformation on how to become a Fort McHenry Junior Ranger!
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Become a Junior Ranger for the Star-Spangled Banner Trail
30-60 MinutesKids of all ages can participate in the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger booklet is full of activities that can be completed to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
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Bird Watching at Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry's water front makes for an ideal birding location. Learn how birders can come enjoy their hobby within the park!
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Explore the Star-Spangled Banner NHT
Learn about how to explore more of the story of Fort McHenry and the creation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by following the Star-Spangled National Historic Trail!
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Fife and Drum Music Demonstration
10-15 MinutesMusic 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.
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Flag Change Programs
10-15 MinutesJoin the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
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Flag Talk
20-30 MinutesJoin rangers in a program about the American flag.
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