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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

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"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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