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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

"O say can you see, by the dawn's early light," a large red, white and blue banner? “Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming!” over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort by 1,000 dedicated Americans inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The Basics

Hours:

Grounds: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Fort and Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.
Summer Hours (June 2 to September 3, 2007)

Park: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Star Fort: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 7:45 P.M.

Visitor Center: Daily, 8:00 A.M. to 7:45 P.M.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.

Address:

2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230-5393

Phone:

410-962-4290

Phone:

410-962-4290

Fax:

410-962-2500

Map

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Maryland Map

Click here for a full-sized map of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Directions

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 or southbound
Take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs on Key Highway to Lawrence Street. Turn left on Lawrence Street and then left on Fort Avenue. Proceed one mile to the park.

From the Inner Harbor
Take Light Street south to Key Highway. Turn left and follow the Fort McHenry signs to Lawrence Street. Turn right on Lawrence Street and then left on Fort Avenue to the park.

Climate

Mostly sunny, with humid, rainy periods throughout the year. Cold winters. Tends to be windy all year round. Summers generally hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking shoes.

Link to our Baltimore Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

Adult: $7.00
Children: Free

Things To Do

Fort McHenry offers many things to do. Places to go include the Visitor Center with a video and exhibits, followed by a walk to the fort and many more exhibits. Outdoor activities feature daily flag programs, weather permitting. Kids can work on the Junior Ranger and earn a badge and certificate. The Schedule of Events is always full of activities each year. Nearby attractions are numerous in the Baltimore metro area.

Daily flag change, 9:30 A.M. and 4:20 P.M. (Summer - 9:30 A.M. and 7:20 P.M.), weather permitting; interpretive programs; living history (seasonal); star fort and grounds are self-guided tours. Please inquire at the Visitor Center desk for current information.

Nearby Attractions

National Park Service Areas

Antietam National Battlefield, 80 miles
Catoctin Mountain Park, 70 miles
Greenbelt Park, 30 miles
Hampton National Historic Site, 20 miles
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, 70 miles
Monocacy National Battlefield, 50 miles

Other Attractions

Hancock's Resolution, 25 miles
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, 4 miles
The Maryland Historical Society Museum, 8 miles
Todd's Inheritance Historic Site, 15 miles
USS Constellation Museum, 3 miles

Link to our Baltimore Attractions coverage for more information.

Places To Go

The Visitor Center includes an orientation film, exhibits, gift shop and restrooms.

The museums include the fort, barracks and related structures. The barracks contain several exhibits: The Enlistmen's Quarters; an Electronic Map; uniform and weapons displays; videos; Junior Officers' Quarters; powder magazine; Commanding Officer's Quarters; and the 1814 Guard House.

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