Blue Angels fly over Fort McHenry
Photo: Tim Ervin
About
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars... were so gallantly streaming...over Fort McHenry! The valiant defense of the fort during the Battle of Baltimore on September 13-14, 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the U.S. national anthem. The fort's history holds many other stories too, from the Civil War to WWII.
Activities
Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsLive MusicTheaterBikingRoad BikingCompass and GPSGeocachingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHands-OnCitizen ScienceArts and CraftsHikingLiving HistoryReenactmentsHistoric Weapons DemonstrationFirst Person InterpretationPaddlingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSkiingCross-Country SkiingDownhill SkiingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
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, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs.
Get directions →Weather
Temperatures and weather in the spring and fall months tend to be mild. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can occur during winter. Extreme heat can occur during the summer months. Inclement weather may impact park hours of operation year round. Refer to the park alerts or call ahead to confirm operating hours.
News
Nov 21, 2025
Historic ordnance discovered during excavation
In the early afternoon of Friday, November 21, evidence of buried historic ordnance was discovered by National Park Service preservationists. Following standard operating procedures, the park was immediately cleared and closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Local authorities and NPS personnel were contacted to address the situation. Once the situation has been fully addressed and responders deem the area safe, the park will reopen.
Sep 29, 2025
Tourism to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine contributes $38.6 million to local economy
A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in 2024 spent $27.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $38.6 million.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Per Person