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
Aug 5, 2026
Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Defenders’ Day Special Events at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine September 11-13
Best known as “home of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’” for its role in the War of 1812, Fort McHenry has protected and inspired Americans from the country’s earliest years. This year’s Defenders’ Day events will explore 250 years of the fort’s history as an artillery garrison, hospital, training ground, and commemorative landscape.
Jun 23, 2026
Temporary Closure Order Public Notice for Sail250 Airshow
This public notice details the temporary closures to be implemented for visitor safety during the Sail250 Baltimore Airshow events taking place on June 26-28, 2026.
Mar 10, 2026
Fort McHenry Celebrates Cherry Blossoms’ Peak Bloom—and how Baltimore Blossoms with Places to Explore