The lust green grounds at Fort McHenry belie the significance in history that the fort has played. Visitors can explore the 43-acre grounds and walk, run, or bike the one-mile-long loop that lines the water’s edge. The view of Baltimore is amazing, and there is plenty of room for a picnic or running around with your kids.
Quick Look at Fort McHenry
Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230
Website: nps.gov/fomc
Admission: $15/adult. Ages 15 and under are free
Hours: 9 am – 4:45 pm
Parking: Available on site
Restrooms: Available on site
Pets: Pets are allowed on the park grounds except in the historic area
Notes: Allow 2 hours for your visit
Experience the History
Walking through the restored fort, it’s not hard to imagine being stationed there in 1814 and watching bombs raining down on the fort and surrounding area, which inspired our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fortunately, the fort could withstand the assault, and the British Navy was forced to retreat. The fort was used again during the Civil War and served as a hospital during WWI.
The largest collection of Civil War-era cannons line the battery. The museum includes many flags, uniforms, photographs, weaponry, and other military memorabilia. Often there are costumed re-enactors.
Tours & Talks
Tours of the fort are self-guided, but throughout the day, rangers give the following scheduled talks.
Program Schedule
10:00 a.m.—Morning Flag Change
11:15 a.m.—War in the Chesapeake
4:00 p.m.—Evening Flag Change
Take Note
Free on November 11 in honor of Veteran’s Day
Download the app before you leave home and use it as your virtual Visitors Center.
