Fort McHenry National Monument
Step onto the hallowed grounds where the American national anthem was born. Secure your entry to a cornerstone of U.S. history and witness the enduring symbol of American resilience.
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A visit to Fort McHenry is more than just a walk through a historic site; it's a journey back to a pivotal moment in American history. As you pass through the gates, you're stepping onto the very ground defended by American soldiers during the War of 1812. Explore the barracks, stand on the ramparts that withstood a 25-hour British bombardment, and feel the immense pride of seeing the 'Star-Spangled Banner' waving overhead. Through engaging exhibits, an inspiring film, and passionate ranger talks, the story of how Francis Scott Key was moved to pen the future national anthem comes to life. It's an immersive, patriotic, and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
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Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor grounds. Summer brings a full schedule of ranger programs but also heat and larger crowds.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you will be covering a lot of ground on foot|Dress in layers, as the weather by the water can change quickly|Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen during the summer months due to lack of shade in many areas|A rain jacket or umbrella is wise, as much of the tour is outdoors.
Built between 1798 and 1800, Fort McHenry was designed to protect the increasingly important Port of Baltimore. Its most famous moment came in September 1814, during the War of 1812. For 25 hours, it withstood a heavy bombardment from the British Royal Navy. The survival of the fort and the sight of its massive American flag still flying on the morning of September 14th inspired Francis Scott Key, a lawyer detained on a British ship, to write the poem that would become the national anthem.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Walking these grounds is a powerful experience. We booked our tickets online the day before, which was super easy. The ranger talk about the flag was incredible and gave me goosebumps. Highly recommend arriving for the flag change ceremony. A piece of history you can touch and feel!
As a history buff, Fort McHenry was at the top of my list. It did not disappoint. The exhibits are well-curated, and seeing the 'Star-Spangled Banner' flying high is a moment I won't forget. The process of getting tickets through the platform was seamless. It's a very well-preserved site and a beautiful park for a walk, too.
A very interesting place. The star shape of the fort is unique and the history behind the national anthem is explained very well in the film. It was easy to buy the ticket online and just show the code on my phone. My only wish was for more food options on site, but the picnic areas are nice.
What a stunning location! The fort itself is fascinating, but the views of the water and the city are also wonderful. We spent a lovely afternoon here. The staff are very knowledgeable. A very peaceful place despite the war history. Booking was simple and we had no issues at the entrance.
I was captivated by the story of the Battle of Baltimore. The visitor center does an excellent job setting the stage. Standing on the ramparts where soldiers stood 200 years ago is humbling. Definitely book ahead to skip the line, especially on a sunny weekend day. A highlight of our trip to the States.
The park is very clean and peaceful. I enjoyed walking around and learning the American history. The film was helpful to understand the story. I used my mobile ticket which was very convenient. It is a good place to spend a few hours away from the busy city.
Don't miss this if you're in Baltimore. The sense of history is palpable. The sheer size of the garrison flag is astounding. The online booking platform made it easy to plan our visit. The rangers are brilliant and full of stories. A top-notch historical site.
My family and I learned so much. It's amazing to be in the place that inspired a country's anthem. The fort is smaller than I expected, but packed with things to see. Buying a family pass online was the best option for us. A good educational experience.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Your ticket provides entrance to the historic grounds and buildings of Fort McHenry for one full day. This typically includes access to the star-shaped fort, the visitor center, all museum exhibits, the orientation film, and ranger-led programs that are scheduled for that day, such as the famous flag change ceremony. Special after-hours events or separately ticketed programs are not included and must be purchased separately. Your ticket is a pass to immerse yourself in the history of the site.
The best time to visit depends on your preference for weather and crowds. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer (June-August) is the peak season with more programming, including daily ranger talks and the iconic flag change ceremony, but it can be hot and crowded. Winter is quietest, offering a more contemplative experience, but be sure to dress warmly as much of the site is outdoors.
Yes, Fort McHenry has a large parking lot located next to the Visitor Center, and parking is free for visitors. The lot can accommodate cars, RVs, and buses. It is recommended to arrive earlier in the day during peak season to secure a spot, as the lot can fill up on busy summer weekends and holidays.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in designated picnic areas. There are several picnic tables available with scenic views of the Patapsco River. Please note that food and drink are not permitted inside the historic fort or the Visitor Center buildings. Remember to dispose of all trash in the provided receptacles to help keep the park clean.
A typical visit lasts between 2 to 3 hours. This allows enough time to watch the 15-minute orientation film 'The Battle for Baltimore', explore the Visitor Center exhibits, take a self-guided tour of the historic fort and its barracks, and witness a ranger program or the flag change ceremony if your timing is right. History enthusiasts may wish to spend even longer.
Absolutely. Fort McHenry is a fantastic destination for children and families. The wide-open spaces are great for kids to run around, and the history is presented in an engaging way. The cannons, the massive flag, and the stories of soldiers make history come alive. The Junior Ranger program is an excellent way to engage kids with a fun, educational activity booklet.
The Visitor Center, its restrooms, and the first floor of the historic Star Fort are wheelchair accessible. The path from the Visitor Center to the fort is paved. However, the upper ramparts of the fort are only accessible by stairs. Service animals are welcome throughout the park.
The famous flag change ceremony, where a full-size replica of the 15-star, 15-stripe Star-Spangled Banner is raised, is a highlight for many visitors. The schedule varies by season. It typically occurs multiple times a day during the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall. We highly recommend checking the official National Park Service schedule for Fort McHenry on the day of your visit to confirm timings, as they can change due to weather or special events.
While tickets can often be purchased upon arrival at the Visitor Center, we strongly recommend booking in advance through our platform, especially during peak season, holidays, or weekends. Booking online ensures your entry, helps you avoid long queues, and allows you to plan your day more effectively. It guarantees a seamless start to your historic journey.
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