Parks / Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
National Monument and Historic Shrine · MD
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
We cannot mail out at this time
We do not mail Junior Ranger books; please download from site. Completed books may be submitted digitally. Junior Ranger badges may be mailed once per person per calendar year after completion. We do not mail completed books back.
Preservation Work Along Trails
Starting March 18, preservationists restoring the bronze state plaques along the entrance road, and the War of 1812 commemorative markers in the Orpheus Grove. Some of these areas may be temporarily closed while work is in progress.
Baltimore Area Traffic Advisory
Traffic in the Baltimore area has increased considerably in recent months due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge which connected the Baltimore beltway. Please check the latest traffic conditions to plan your travel accordingly.
Motorized Recreational Scooters Not Permitted in Park
For the safety and protection of visitors and park resources, motorized scooters are not permitted within the park. Any vehicles (scooters, bicycles, etc.) that are part of a ride-share program may not be left behind for pick up inside the park
Entrance Fees
The majority of the 43-acre park is free. However, the historic zone (location of the star fort and outer battery, designated by a wooden fence) requires an entrance fee of $15 per adult (16 and older). An annual pass is available for $45 and covers the pass holder plus 3 adults. Interagency passes are accepted in the park and can cover the pass holder plus 3 adults. All passes must be physically present with a photo ID.
Fort McHenry NM&HS requires an entry fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and older) in order to enter the Historic Zone (where the historic star fort structure is located). The remaining park grounds, visitor center, and movie are free to visit. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays, or 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends during the summer. Park registers are cashless. Entrance passes are good for 7 days with a valid receipt.
Upcoming Events
Battle of Baltimore
Aug 31, 2026
Flag Talk
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet behind the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center.
Morning Flag Change
Aug 31, 2026 · Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
American Anthem
Aug 31, 2026
Evening Flag Change
Aug 31, 2026 · Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
War in the Chesapeake
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet at Chesapeake Map behind Visitor Center.
Evening Flag Change
Sep 5, 2026 · Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort
Defenders' Day Parade
Sep 11, 2026 · The parade starts at the north end of Hull Street (Key Highway and Hull Street intersection) and marches south until turning on to Fort Avenue and continuing east to the gates of the park.
Defenders' Day
Sep 12, 2026
Things to Do
American Anthem: 250 Years at the Home of the Brave
Join a ranger for a 45-minute walking program exploring Fort McHenry’s history of service, community, and defense, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
American Bastille
Join rangers to explore the role of Fort McHenry in securing Maryland for the Union during the Civil War, and to examine how its role as a prison and center of martial rule in Baltimore help us to consider the delicate balance between ensuring national security and safeguarding civil liberties.
Battle of Baltimore
This 45–60-minute, ranger-led walk guides visitors from the Chesapeake Map to the Historic Star Fort. Along the way, visitors will hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering Baltimore Harbor. This defiant stand, witnessed by lawyer Francis Scott Key, inspired the verses that became “The Star-Spangled Banner".
Become a Fort McHenry Jr. Ranger
Information on how to become a Fort McHenry Junior Ranger!
Become a Junior Ranger for the Star-Spangled Banner Trail
Kids of all ages can participate in the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger booklet is full of activities that can be completed to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Bird Watching at Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry's water front makes for an ideal birding location. Learn how birders can come enjoy their hobby within the park!
Explore the Star-Spangled Banner NHT
Learn about how to explore more of the story of Fort McHenry and the creation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by following the Star-Spangled National Historic Trail!
Fife and Drum Music Demonstration
Music played an important role in the daily lives of soldiers garrisoned at Fort McHenry. A soldier's entire day would revolve around the sounds of fifes and drums. Join living historians in the famous "Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps" as they play period music and give a history of music's role at Fort McHenry.
Flag Change Programs
Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
Flag Talk
Join rangers in a program about the American flag.
Fort McHenry Audio Tours
Learn how to take an audio tour of Fort McHenry!
Fort McHenry Movie
Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
Fort McHenry Park Gift Shop
An overview of the Fort McHenry park gift shop.
Fort McHenry's Defenders
On this program we'll explore the generations of defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century.
Living History at Fort McHenry
Learn about how to experience living history at Fort McHenry.
Picnicking at Fort McHenry
Learn about the best ways to picnic at Fort McHenry!
Ranger's Choice Programs
Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
Ride Your Bike at Fort McHenry
Learn how and where to safely enjoy riding bikes at Fort McHenry.
Visit The Star Fort Historic Zone
Learn how to visit the Star Fort historic zone!
Walk the Seawall Trail
Find out how to walk the park's main trail!
Walk Your Dog at Fort McHenry
Learn about how pets can enjoy the park just as much as human visitors!
War in the Chesapeake
This free 45-minute ranger program focuses on the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Follow a dramatic story of devastating British raids and the American response, culminating in Baltimore at North Point, Hampstead Hill and Fort McHenry. Discover how Chesapeake victories ignited a surge of national pride, making Fort McHenry an enduring symbol of American resilience.
Weapons Demonstration
Learn about the weapons of the War of 1812 from the park's living historians! *Please note that these programs may include firing demonstrations, but firings are not guaranteed. **Programs are weather dependent.
Visitor Centers
- Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center
Source: National Park Service.