Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort McHenry National Monument, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a historic star-shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812. During the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, it successfully defended the harbor from British attack. This inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became the U.S. national anthem. Now visitors can enjoy the grounds and scenic views as well as engage with exhibits and other ranger-led programs. Check out this ultimate guide for more information for your visit to this symbolic and historic national monument!
getting to Fort McHenry National Monument
Fort McHenry National Monumenet is located in Baltimore, Maryland. If flying in the closest airport is the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). You can rent a car to get around the city and drive yourself to the National Monument. The drive from BWI to the National Monument is about 10 miles and 15 minutes (without traffic). If you don’t want to rent a car you can take the light rail from the airport into the downtown city and grab a taxi or uber to Fort McHenry.
getting around
Once you are on site you will be able to walk around the grounds easily. There is a path along the water, so you can see people jogging, biking and walking just to take in the views. Most of the fort and visitor center are handicap accessible with paved walkways. There are stairs up to the top of the fort.
where to stay
If you are visiting Fort McHenry, you will likely be staying in Baltimore. Baltimore, Maryland is such an iconic eastern city. It is full of fun activities to do including the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Art Museum, Walters Art Museum, walking or cruising around the Inner Harbor, catching a game at Orioles at Camden Yards or a Ravens Game. There are several cool neighborhoods to check out. There are so many hotel options or air BNBs if you want to stay in an iconic rowhome. If staying in a rowhome, definitely look for one with a roof deck. Fort McHenry is also easily off the highway and may be just a stop over on a road trip. You may be staying north in Philadelphia or south in Washington DC.
when to visit
Fort McHenry can be visited year round. Some of the best months to visit are in the fall and the spring for the beautiful trees on the property. It is definitely nicer to visit when the weather is nice because it is primarily outdoors. Parking is fairly easy. Check out the ranger-led programs and you can time your visit. We went once during a flag demonstration and it was so interesting and fun to hold the flag. Defender’s Day is also a great celebration in September to commemorate the role of the fort in the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.
fees
Fort McHenry National Monument has a fee of $15 per person 16 years and older to the fort and inner parts of the grounds. The 43 acre area however is free to enjoy without a fee. The annual pass is $45 and covers the cost of holder plus three adults.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- I highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year. This covers the cost of the holder plus three other adults at Fort McHenry.
top things to do
Visit the visitor center
Fort McHenry visitor center is right off the parking lot and where you should start your journey. It is open daily 9 AM to 5 PM. Here you can get maps, ranger information and explore the bookstore.
Explore the fort
From climbing up the walls, seeing the cannons, looking into exhibits of what it was like in the fort there is lots to see and learn on your trip to Fort McHenry.
Exploring the grounds
Enjoying the grounds is park of the fun of this area. You can get views of the harbor and the Patapsco River. You can walk, jog or bike the seawall trail which is a paved trail along the water surrounding the fort
Ranger Programs
It is worth checking out the ranger programs when visiting this historic site. Especially during the summer, there are music and weapon demonstrations, flag talks and changes and guided tours.
Fort McHenry's Ultimate Guide
I hope this inspires you to visit this incredibly historic and patriotic site. Living so close, we have visited several times and it is a great way to spend some time while in Baltimore, Maryland. I hope this ultimate guide gave you some tips for planning your own visit!
