Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Overview

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is a historic fort best known for its role in the War of 1812, where it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from British attack and inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner.

It is a symbol of American resilience and patriotism, and is recognized as the birthplace of the U.S. national anthem.

Historical Site National Park

Location

Address

2400 E. Fort Ave., Locust Point, Baltimore, Maryland

Neighborhood: Locust Point

Coordinates

39.269700, -76.550400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$15

Children

Free (under 15)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and better lighting for photography

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Half-day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Cherry blossoms
• Spring festivals

summer

Warm to hot

• Extended visiting hours
• Outdoor concerts

autumn

Cooler and crisp

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold and occasionally snowy

• Holiday decorations
• Winter programs

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance during peak season
Check for special events
Comfortable walking shoes recommended

What to Bring

essential

Government-issued ID Printed tickets Water bottle

seasonal

Jacket or sweater (even in summer evenings) Umbrella or rain gear

not allowed

Drones Pets (except service animals) Large backpacks or bags

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and climbing involved)

• Stay hydrated
• Be cautious on steep or uneven paths

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site, nearest hospital is 5 miles away

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit/debit cards, Cash (limited ATMs on-site)

Currency

US Dollars

Typical Costs

entry $15 (adults), $10 (seniors), Free (children under 15)

parking $10 (non-commercial vehicles)

food $10-$20 (cafe)

souvenirs $5-$50 (gift shop)

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes, Sturdy shoes for walking on uneven ground, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 2 weeks in advance for peak season
• Official National Park Service website or authorized vendors
• 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for online ticket holders

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

National Parks App

Size: 60 MB

Features: Park maps, Event information, Ticket purchases, Audio tours

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center and cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes by car

taxi

$40-$50 30 min

public_transport

$2.80 (light rail) 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$1.90 15 min

bus

$1.90 20 min

taxi

$15-$20 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A proud symbol of Baltimore's history and resilience

Historical Significance: The fort's successful defense during the War of 1812 inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning to enjoy the fort with fewer crowds
The visitor center offers excellent exhibits and a short film about the fort's history
The nearby waterfront area has great dining and shopping options

Local Recommendations

• Try local crab cakes at a nearby waterfront restaurant
• Ask for recommendations from the visitor center staff

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for dramatic shots of the fort's walls

Result: Great shot

#FortMcHenry #Baltimore #History #Travel

Star Fort

Best Time: Sunrise or sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the entire fort

Result: Award-winning

#FortMcHenry #Sunrise #Sunset

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Visitor center

prohibited areas Inside historic buildings (no professional equipment), Special events without permission

flash photography Not allowed in historic structures

commercial photography Permit required for professional shoots

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas, restricted during peak hours

selfie sticks Allowed, but be mindful of other visitors

Nearby Attractions

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Distance: 500m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Waterfront entertainment and dining district

Patapsco Valley State Park

Distance: 10km

Walking: N/A (car required)

Type: State park with hiking and outdoor activities

Baltimore Museum of Art

Distance: 3km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Art museum with diverse collections

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to avoid crowds"
"Visit the visitor center first"
"Don't miss the flag change ceremony"

Contact Information

+1 410-962-4290

info@nps.gov

www.nps.gov/fomc

Social Media

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